Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is the largest square and one of the most important in Verona, located in the heart of the city’s historic center. With its vast open space and rich and varied history, Piazza Bra is a meeting place and a symbol of Verona’s social and cultural life. The origins of Piazza Bra date back to Roman times, when the area was used as an open space outside the city walls, known as “braida”, a term derived from the Lombard “breit”, meaning wide. During the Middle Ages, the area began to develop as a market place, especially for the trade of wood, hay, and livestock, becoming known as “foro boario”. This commercial use continued for centuries, transforming Piazza Bra into a lively center of trade and economic activity. Over time, Piazza Bra has been the scene of numerous significant historical events. During Venetian rule, the square was used for military reviews, earning it the name “piazza d’Armi”. In 1797, it was one of the sites of conflict during the Veronese Easter, an uprising against French occupation. From the 18th century onwards, with increasing urbanization, the square began to take on the form we know today. A central feature of Piazza Bra is the Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, the Arena is famous for hosting opera performances and concerts, attracting thousands of visitors every year. This imposing monument not only dominates the square, but also represents the beating heart of Veronese cultural life. Surrounding the square are important historical buildings that enrich its charm. Among these, the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, built in the 17th century, now hosts exhibitions and cultural events, and the Palazzo Barbieri, Verona’s town hall, with its neoclassical facade adding a touch of elegance to the square. Another distinctive feature is the Liston, a wide sidewalk in pink Valpolicella marble, built between 1770 and 1782, which lines the square and offers an ideal place to stroll and enjoy the view.