If I was to write about every piazza I have visited in Italy I could dedicate my blog exclusively to Piazze, so I will just mention a couple of other special ones that I have spent time in over the years.

Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic centre of Siena, in Tuscany and is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The twice-a-year horse-race Palio di Siena, is held around the edges of the piazza.

On my first visit to Siena, I was not sure what to expect but this is a place that looks great and grows on you as the more that you look the more that you can see.
It is fan shaped and not flat with a wide assortment of buildings. It felt like being in a huge outdoor living room with people comfortably sitting and standing anywhere and everywhere.
Part of the square has restaurants and bars but this is not a problem as there are plenty of places to sit and view the area.

This Piazza is picturesque and historically impressive.. It was surreal standing in this Piazza looking around at this historical landscape. Well worth a visit

The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a public square in the walled centre of Lucca in Tuscany. The ring of buildings surrounding the square, follows the shape of the former second century Roman Amphitheatre of Lucca.

Lucca fascinates me… it is one of the most charming towns of Tuscany and birthplace of Puccini.  Lucca is a very picturesque, elegant, walled city which is beautiful to stroll through and explore the narrow cobblestone streets. You will find lots of interesting architecture, with more than 100 churches.

Lucca is quite a small city so you won’t have any problem finding this square as you walk around

If you go to Lucca you must visit Piazza Anfiteatro – it is an extraordinary place!

Another of my favourites in Tuscany,  Piazza Duomo is the heart of San Gimignano.

Actually San Gimigano is one of my favourite hilltop towns in Italy. I could never tire of the wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes, the shopping and the views over the Tuscan Hills.

You will undoubtedly walk through the Piazza del Duomo when in San Gimignano and marvel at the scale of the Duomo and the city hall. It is always crowded but you’re in a small town so must accept this as a part of touring.  Very pretty and picturesque – a photographers dream!  There are a number of places to eat and small souvenir shops and a gelateria selling the worlds “best”gelato. Very brave statement.

Quite often you will happen upon street entertainment. There is always something going on in Piazza Duomo

If you do decide to take a table in a main square, you will probably want to spend some time enjoying the scene, you don’t need to feel pressured to vacate your table once you’ve bought a drink.

While most bars and cafes are not usually as expensive as those in San Marco Piazza, there is often a service charge for tables inside and a larger service charge for those outdoors. If there’s live music or other entertainment, there may also be an added surcharge for that.

Feel yourself in the heart of beautiful, pulsating and vibrant Italy.

Another must do if you are in Tuscany