Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio

In the heart of Reggio Emilia’s historic centre lies Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio, one of the city’s most meaningful landmarks and a place that preserves the memory of a significant chapter in Reggio Emilia’s history.
The square takes its name from the tragic events of 7 July 1960, when five local workers lost their lives during a trade union demonstration: Lauro Farioli, Ovidio Franchi, Emilio Reverberi, Marino Serri and Afro Tondelli.

A monument created by sculptor Giacomo Fontanesi stands in their memory, honouring the sacrifice of the five martyrs.
Nearby, next to the Municipal Theatre Valli, visitors can also find the memorial shrine bearing the names of those who lost their lives during the Reggio Emilia Resistance.

Today, Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio is a lively and welcoming space, closely connected to the nearby Piazza della Vittoria.
Thanks to the recent redevelopment of both squares, they now form a large and inviting area for meeting and socialising in the heart of the city.

When you step onto the square, you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks in Reggio Emilia, including the Valli Municipal Theatre, the Palazzo dei Musei, the former Bank of Italy building, the eastern side of the San Rocco Block, and the Monument to the Resistance a bronze sculpture on a granite base by artist Remo Brioschi, unveiled on April 25, 1958.

Throughout the year, the square hosts a variety of city events and initiatives, and every Tuesday and Friday, it comes alive with the stalls of the traditional weekly market.

A place where history, culture, and daily life come together, offering visitors one of the most meaningful views of Reggio Emilia’s historic center.