The Piazza Dante Alighieri is located behind the Palazzo della Sapienza in Pisa. It used to be the spot where merchants had their stores, but nowadays it is mainly a square where students hang out at lunchtime.
Piazza Dante Alighieri Pisa
History and description
The Piazza Dante Alighieri was constructed in the 14th century. At that time it was still called Piazza del Grano and was a place where trade was conducted. It was bordered by porticoes, including some twenty shops where craftsmen sold their wares.
After Lorenzo Il Magnifico had the Palazzo dell’Università built in the district in the 15th century, it changed all its appearance. The Piazza del Grano was renamed Piazza Dante and the Piazza delle Vettovaglie became the city’s new market square.
The Piazza Dante Alighieri is rectangular in shape. It has two large central lawn areas and is bordered by a number of palaces. The ground floors of several of these buildings are taken up by restaurants.