Piazza Fontanesi

Among the most beloved and distinctive squares in Reggio Emilia's historic centre, Piazza Fontanesi is the perfect place to experience the city's most authentic atmosphere.
Framed by elegant arcades and shaded by majestic trees, this welcoming square invites visitors to stroll at a leisurely pace, stop for an aperitif, or simply soak up the vibrant rhythm of local life.

During the day, Piazza Fontanesi is a favourite meeting place for both locals and visitors.
As evening falls, it comes alive with the lively atmosphere of its many cafés, restaurants and outdoor terraces, making it one of the city's most popular social hubs.
Every Saturday morning, the square also hosts the renowned Farmers' Market, where local producers offer a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce and regional specialties, providing an excellent opportunity to discover the authentic flavours of the Reggio Emilia area.

A Square Full of History

The present-day square was created in 1783, when an entire city block occupied by houses, the convent and the parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena was demolished to make way for a spacious public square that would later become one of Reggio Emilia's most iconic landmarks.
At the end of the 19th century, the square was named after the Reggio Emilia-born painter Antonio Fontanesi and enhanced with the tall trees that still define its distinctive character today, providing welcome shade and creating a charming atmosphere throughout the year.

Details Not to Miss

As you stroll through Piazza Fontanesi, you'll discover numerous traces of its rich past:

• On the north side of the square, you can still see the "Reggio Arms" (Braccia Reggiane), the historic units of measurement once used by merchants during the city's market days.
• Along the western side, a section of cobblestone pavement traces the route of the ancient Canale del Guazzatoio, a waterway that once powered the area's thriving workshops, including silk mills, tanneries and other artisan industries.
• At No. 8, look out for the elegant loggia of the former home of Reggio Emilia painter Gaetano Chierici.
• A little further along, a 19th-century lunette depicting the Madonna and Child with Saints adorns one of the buildings overlooking the square.

Continuing towards Via del Guazzatoio, you can also see the remains of the ancient Porta Castello, incorporated into the 16th-century city bastions.
Its distinctive pointed arch, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest surviving architectural features in this part of Reggio Emilia.