Piazza Colonna - Piazzas of Italy by Ultimate Italy

Piazza del Popolo – Ravenna

Piazza del Popolo can be considered as the focal point of the town of Ravenna. Some people say all roads in Ravenna lead to the Piazza del Popolo.

The main attractions in the square include the beautiful fifteenth century Palazzo Communale (Town Hall) built in the typical Venetian style. Next to it there are two columns, which bear testimony of its Venetian past. These elegant and majestic columns represent Sant Appolinaire and San Vitale.

In one corner of the piazza there used to be a church called St. Andrew of the Goths. Theodora, the most famous among the Gothic emperors, founded it. He ruled Ravenna till it was captured by the Byzantine Empire in 540. During the fifteenth century the Venetians destroyed this church to make space for a fortress they were building. However fragments from this church remain and they adorn the top of the granite columns in the square.

Most of the buildings are built in brick with shallow tile roofs. They have an almost modern look when seen from the exterior. The interiors are however magnificent and breathtaking.

The square is a meeting place for its residents who get together to discuss many issues including how to solve the world’s or more specifically Italy’s various problems.

Many cafes, bars and shops also form an integral part of the square. Many of these lively cafes and bars offer a Piadine. This is a local favourite. It is a typical Ravenna style sandwich. There is also an American fast food outlet.

Piazza del Popolo is also a venue for some events held during the annual Ravenna Festival, which is an extravagant event of opera, concerts, dances, jazz, ethnic music, drama and cinema.

The streets in and around this piazza are designed for pedestrian use and it is a nice place to spend some time relaxing in a nearby café or completing some shopping at leisure before setting off to explore the other charms of Ravenna.