Europe's Top Public Squares

If you've been to Europe, you undoubtedly have a favorite square, whether it's a piazza, campo, place, platz, or plaza. Members in our forums recently shared their opinions, and Italy lead the list. There's just something special about these oh-so-European places. As member LowCountryIslander remembers, "my breath was taken away one evening when I rounded the corner . . . Maybe it was because the sun was setting and made the yellow buildings glow, or because the twinkling lights were coming on at all the cafes lining the square, but it just felt magical to me."

Read the full conversation here and add your favorites to the forums or the comments below.

Florence

"I also love Piazza della Signoria in Florence." —cathies

Krakow

"The square in Krakow is among the finest. I loved sitting there in the evening with a glass of wine listening to the hooves of the fiacre horses clip-clopping as they go by, watching the flower vendors selling their blooms until late in the evening, and seeing the man waving from the top of the basilica after he sounds his trumpet. It's a wonderful sensory experience." —adrienne

London

"Trafalgar Square, London - something about Nelson's column that makes it magic as does the National Gallery on its north end and great for people watching." —PalenQ

"Have any of you seen Smith Square in London, with St. John's church in the middle of it? St. John's is called the "Footstool church" because it looks like an upturned footstool, with towers or belfries on each corner. Go there and hear a concert some Sunday afternoon, after having a delicious snack in the basement cafe." —taconictraveler

Moscow

"we search out the squares, whether it be in a small village or large city. We savor these moments, almost as much as if we were visiting a famous art museum. I'll add Red Square in Moscow. Huge, yes, but oh the history and surroundings." — swisshiker

Paris

"I'll agree that Place de la Concorde [and] Places des Vosges . . . are all nice for the views they offer." —Michel_Paris

Prague

"Old Town Square in Prague immediately comes to mind, as well." —Kwoo

Rome

"The Vatican - the square in the front with its curving collonades is so so majestic . . . " —PalenQ

Santiago

"Plaza de Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela, with the pilgrims ending their long treks." —HappyTrvlr

Tuscany

"I also love . . . the Campo in Siena, . . . and the main piazza in Greve in Chianti."— mamcalice

Venice

"No place like Piazza San Marco!"— DRJ

Photo Credit: San Marco Plaza by trait2lumiere / iStockphoto