Piazza delle Erbe is the main square of Mantua, in northern Italy, and has been the city's marketplace since the Middle Ages. Porticoes line its edges, sheltering cafes, shops and restaurants, and the square is open at all hours. The Renaissance clock tower and the Palazzo della Ragione stand around it, and the small circular church of San Lorenzo is on the square. The Basilica of Sant'Andrea is a short walk away. Come for a coffee, a slow look at the old buildings and a plate of local pasta.
A market square since the Middle Ages
The square has been Mantua's marketplace since the Middle Ages, and it still keeps the commercial energy that defined it. Its name, Herb Square, comes from the centuries-old fresh fruit and vegetable market that once filled it.
Compared with the larger Piazza Sordello, where the Ducal Palace stands, Piazza delle Erbe is smaller and easier to take in at a glance. Families, couples and friends cross it on foot and sit down to eat, so the square feels lived in rather than staged.
The clock tower and the buildings around it
The Renaissance clock tower is the square's most recognisable landmark. The Palazzo della Ragione is one of the historic buildings that frame the square.
A medieval building between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza del Broletto connects to two other historic structures, the Arengario and the Palazzo del Massaro. After restoration, these spaces became the Virgil Museum, which honours Virgil, the Mantuan poet, through a route across his works and the history around them. The design and storytelling were curated by the Holden School.
San Lorenzo and the churches nearby
The small circular church of San Lorenzo is one of the oldest buildings on the square, and its exterior is worth a close look. From the square you can also see the cathedral of Mantua.
The Basilica of Sant'Andrea is a short walk away. These churches are places of worship, so lower your voice inside and dress with covered shoulders.
Eating and drinking on the square
The square is known for traditional Mantuan dishes. Ravioli con zucca, a pumpkin-filled pasta, and riso alla pilota, a rice dish, are the local plates to look for. For dessert, torta sbrisolona is a crumbly almond cake that suits a coffee at the end of a meal.
Cafes sit under the porticoes, and they are a good place to sit and watch people pass. The square is open at all hours, so you can take a late walk after dinner.
The historic centre winds around four squares, and a river park runs along the lake from there. Mantua is surrounded by lakes on three sides, so a walk to the water makes a good addition to a visit to the square.
Perguntas frequentes
What is the best time to visit Piazza delle Erbe?
Weekdays from Tuesday to Friday are the calmest days, away from the weekend crowds. The square is open at all hours, so you can also visit in the evening.
What should I eat on Piazza delle Erbe?
Look for ravioli con zucca and riso alla pilota, two traditional Mantuan dishes. End the meal with torta sbrisolona, a crumbly almond cake.
Is Piazza delle Erbe wheelchair accessible?
The square has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
What is nearby to see?
The Rotonda di San Lorenzo stands on the square, and the Basilica of Sant'Andrea is a short walk away. The Virgil Museum is in historic buildings close by.
