Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is the main market square of Verona, in the Veneto region of Italy, lying in the heart of the historic centre between Via Mazzini and Piazza dei Signori. The square occupies the site of the Roman forum, the political, religious and commercial centre of the Roman colony, and its elongated shape follows the old forum plan. In the Middle Ages it became the city's marketplace, a role it still plays, with stalls selling produce, souvenirs and local goods under white umbrellas. The Madonna Verona fountain at the centre incorporates a Roman statue dating from 380 AD, which is the oldest element in the square. At the southern end stands the column of the Lion of St Mark, added in 1523 to mark Venetian rule, which began in 1405. Around the piazza are historic buildings of different eras: the Domus Mercatorum, the medieval merchants' house; the Casa dei Mazzanti, with frescoed facade; the Baroque Palazzo Maffei; and the Torre dei Lamberti and Gardello tower. A marble canopy, the capitello, once used for ceremonies, and a market column recall the civic life of the medieval commune. The square is not a museum and has no admission; its history is read from the layers of architecture and monuments. Restoration of facades and frescoes has taken place over time, and the market remains active daily, so the character is that of a living public space. Visitors can study the frescoes, climb the Torre dei Lamberti for views, or simply enjoy the cafes. The square is a short walk from Casa di Giulietta, Porta Borsari and the Arche Scaligere, which makes it a natural starting point for a walking tour of Verona.