Piazza della Vittoria

If there’s one place to begin soaking in the true spirit of Reggio Emilia, it’s Piazza della Vittoria.
Together with the adjacent Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio, it forms the city’s largest square—a vast, open-air space where urban life and grand culture come together.
Fully revitalized with a modern touch and made even more convenient by an underground private parking lot, this square is the perfect starting point for your journey through the historic center.

A perfect blend of beauty and art

As you stroll along with your eyes lifted, you’ll quickly discover that culture truly feels at home here.
In the square and its surrounding area, you’ll find some of Reggio’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces:

• The majestic Teatro Municipale Valli and the elegant Teatro Ariosto.
• The Teatro Cavallerizza, a must-see for lovers of the performing arts.
• The refined Neo-Gothic Galleria Parmeggiani, together with the nearby Palazzo dei Musei.
  Insider tip: head up to the second floor of the Museums for an incredible panoramic view of the square — the perfect spot for a memorable photo!
• The Biblioteca delle Arti and the vibrant campus of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, beautifully housed in the former Zucchi Barracks.

On the southern side of the square stands the Isolato San Rocco, a 1950s building with an intriguing architectural story.
Its façade was designed as a bold reinterpretation of the majestic Teatro Municipale Valli, directly opposite—an original and remarkably forward-thinking approach for its time.

A Step Back in Time (and a moment to relax)

Looking for a shady spot to relax?
On the northern side of the square, you'll find the magnificent centuries-old trees of Parco del Popolo, the city's beloved public gardens.
But take a closer look: this peaceful green space stands on the very site of the city's ancient military citadel, which was demolished in the mid-19th century.
Before then, the square was known as Piazza d'Armi ("Parade Ground") and only adopted its current name in 1918, at the end of the First World War.
At the edge of the park, you'll also see the imposing Monumento ai Caduti, a striking 1920s memorial created by sculptor Alberto Bazzoni.

A little secret: venture into the park and look for the Monumento ai Concordi—an exceptionally well-preserved Roman funerary enclosure that has survived for nearly two thousand years.