The place to see and be seen, the Prato della Valle is a part park, part meet up, and part public market, and part event space.
Initially created in 1635 as a place for parades and mock battles on horseback, the Prato was converted to a public square in 1775. Now the largest square in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, the Prato is a lovely spot for a stroll.
The Prato has a ring of water and a central island. While the water wasn't particularly clean on the day we visited, there were fish swimming in it! Along the sides of the watery ring stand 78 life-sized marble statues of spiritual and intellectual leaders from the 18th century.
The Prato is very close to the Basilica of Saint Anthony and a hang out for young and old.
Read more about Prato della Valle here.
