Bordered by the town hall and Baroque church, the Piazza del Popolo is the principal square in Ravenna. It was constructed beside a former canal by the Venetians in the 15th century. Admire the pair of columns topped by statues of saints, similar to the design of Venice’s Piazza San Marco.
Sip cappuccino at one of the cafés whose tables are set up on the cobbled plaza. Enjoy the serenity of this pedestrian square and marvel at the Palazzo Merlato at the western end. Stroll through the colonnade of the palace, which was the residence of the aristocratic Da Polenta family that ruled the city. Today, it houses the Comune di Ravenna town hall.
In the northeastern corner of the piazza is the Palazzo dei Rasponi del Sale, which now contains a bank headquarters. Visit the 18th-century Santa Maria del Suffragio Church and appreciate its octagonal design. Inspect its collection of statues and bas-reliefs and study the religious altar painting by artist Andrea Barbiani.
Get a closer look at the two pillars on the square’s western side. They hold up statues of St. Apollinaris and St. Vitalis. Note that the name of the square is Italian for the Plaza of the People, in reference to Ravenna’s historically strong preference for a republic over a monarchy.
Wander along some of the narrow alleys to reach neighboring squares, such as Piazza Unità d’Italia, Piazza Luigi Einaudi and Piazza XX Settembre. Stay in this central district for dinner and try local specialties, including fish fillet croquettes and frog soup.
The Piazza del Popolo is in the core of the historic center of Ravenna. Ride the bus to one of the surrounding stops. Visit nearby landmarks, such as the Casa del Mutilato di Guerra, the Piccolo Museo delle Bambole e dei Balocchi and the Museo Dantesco.
