Europe is home to some of the most beautiful squares in the world. From the bustling Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona to the serene St. Mark’s Square in Venice or the largest medieval market square in Krakow – these public spaces make Europe so unique.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most beautiful squares in Europe. We’ll explore their history, architecture, and cultural significance. So whether you’re planning a trip to Europe or just looking for some armchair travel inspiration, read on for a tour of the continent’s most beautiful european squares.
Grand Place Brussels Belgium
The Grand Place of Brussels is one of the most famous squares in Europe. It is surrounded by impressively tall guildhalls and houses, all built in different architectural styles.
The central focus of the square is the magnificent 15th-century Town Hall (city hall), with its soaring spire and ornate facade, and King’s House with the Brussels City Museum. The museum has a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and tapestries.
Every year, on August 15th, a flower carpet is made in Grand Place. The carpet is made from over 600,000 flowers. It is an amazing sight to see! Read facts about Belgium
The most famous landmark in this neighborhood is Manneken-Pis Fountain. This statue is decorated in various costumes throughout the year for festivals, weddings and other events.
Markt, Bruges
Markt (Market Square) is the central square of Bruges, Belgium and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The opulent 13th-century belfry tower dominates the square and is a major symbol of the city.
The tower is home to a 47-bell carillon which can be heard playing every day.
Surrounding the tower are picturesque guild houses, many of which now house restaurants and cafes. The market stalls selling fresh food and flowers add to the lively atmosphere of the square.
Brugs will be a good choice for the most romantic city in Europe – and the market square is a good place to spend time with locals and tourists in the city.
Rynek Główny Kraków
Rynek Główny is the main square of Kraków and the Unesco World Heritage Site.
The rectangular plaza is one of the largest medieval square in Europe, at approximately 200×200 meters. It dates back to the 13th century and once served as a marketplace and hub for trade.
Today, Rynek Główny is a popular tourist destination, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can also admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings, which include the Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica and the Renaissance Cloth Hall.
With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, Rynek Główny is a must-see for anyone visiting Kraków.
If you are visiting Krakow you should try some of the days trips out of Krakow, as there are many interesting sights to see.
The Market Square (Rynek), Wrocław
The Market Square in Wrocław is one of Europe’s biggest market squares, and it is certainly a sight to behold. The square is rectangular, and it is 213 by 178 metres.
It is home to the largest two city halls in Poland. The buildings around the square are built in different styles.
The middle part of Market Square is occupied by a block of buildings consisting of the Old City Hall, the New City Hall, and numerous citizens’ houses.
Old Town Square, Warsaw
Old Town Square in Warsaw was once a thriving marketplace and the social centre of the city. However, it was almost completely destroyed during World War II.
Despite this, the square has been rebuilt and now serves as a popular tourist destination. Visitors to Old Town Square can see the Gothic architecture of the St. John’s Cathedral, browse the stalls of the many souvenir shops and restaurants, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
The square is also home to a number of important historical sites, such as the statue of Polish king Sigismund III Vasa and the monument to the Warsaw Uprising.
Warsaw is the Polish Capital and the biggest city in Poland
This Historic Square is a reminder of both the tragedy and resilience of the Polish people.
Saint Peter’s square Vatican City
Saint Peter’s Square is located in Vatican City, the independent city-state within Rome that is the home of the Catholic Church.
The square is named for Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles and the first pope. The square is situated in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. The basilica was built over the tomb of Saint Peter, and it is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Christianity.
The square itself is a large open space that can accommodate hundreds of thousands of people. It is surrounded by a colonnade. The square is also home to an obelisk ( the only ancient Egyptian obelisk) and to two fountains, one at each end. The fountains were designed by Bernini, one of the most famous architects of the Baroque period.
Saint Peter’s Square is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Piazza Navona Rome Italy
Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic squares in Rome, Italy. It is known for its beautiful baroque architecture and its vibrant atmosphere.
The square was originally built in the 1st century AD as a stadium for athletic games. However, it was later redeveloped into a square in the 15th century.
Today, the square is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to admire the square’s many fountains and sculptures. Despite its busy atmosphere,
Piazza Navona is a serene and beautiful place to spend an afternoon in Rome.
Piazza San Marco, Venice Italy
Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s square) is the principal public square of Venice, Italy, and is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
The square is named after Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and is dominated by the grand Basilica di San Marco, which was built in his honor. The basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice, with its distinctive Byzantine architecture and soaring campanile ( famous medieval clock tower). Surrounding the basilica are a number of important public buildings, including the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), which was once the home of the city’s rulers.
Despite its popularity, Piazza San Marco remains an active square where Venetians go about their everyday lives. Whether you’re admiring the architecture, people-watching, or simply enjoying an espresso at one of the many cafes lining the square, a visit to Piazza San Marco is a must when exploring Venice with kids or without.
Piazza del Duomo Florence
Piazza del Duomo Florence is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The name simply means “cathedral square,” and it is the location of the Florence Cathedral, as well as several other significant buildings.
Overlooking the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore stands the famous Dome Filippo Brunelleschi. This dome has become one of the symbols of Florence, and it’s a majestic structure that offers an unmatched panorama of the city. The square is home to the Bell Tower of Giotto and the Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista.
The square is cobblestone and surrounded by a number of cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. On a typical day, the square is full of tourists taking photos or enjoying a coffee or gelato.
But the square really comes alive during special events like festivals and parades. Then, it is filled with people from all over the world, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Piazza Del Campo Siena Italy
Piazza del Campo is the Public space in the historic center of Siena, Tuscany,
It was originally paved with gravel and lined with shops; however, over the centuries, it has been transformed into an iconic site for festivals, pageants and public events such as the Palio race. The original design of the piazza is thought to have been conceived by Jacopo Della Quercia in 1339.
The distinctive shell-shaped piazza is built entirely of brickwork in a herringbone pattern and is partially surrounded by porticoes.
The Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s town hall, is located on the southern side of the piazza. Fonte Gaia, a large Renaissance fountain constructed in 1419, is located on the eastern side. Palazzo Sansedoni, a 16th-century palace, occupies the western side, while Palazzo Baldassini, home to various shipping and mercantile families throughout its history, faces onto the northern side.
Siena is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy.
Trafalgar Square, London England
Trafalgar Square is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. The square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar, a significant naval victory during the Napoleonic Wars.
The square is home to Nelson’s Column, a towering monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died during the battle. Surrounding the column are four massive lions sculpted by Edwin Landseer. The square also features two fountains designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. On the North Side of the square, you’ll find an 1838 National Gallery, which shows approximately 2,000 Western European artwork ranging from the middle ages to the early 20th century.
Trafalgar Square is a popular gathering place for Londoners and tourists alike. It is often used for political rallies and protests, and it also plays host to a number of annual events, including the New Year’s Eve celebration and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most dynamic and open spaces.
George Square, Glasgow
George Square is a public square in the city center of Glasgow, Scotland. The square is named after King George III and has been a gathering place for protesters, celebrations, and other events since the 19th century.
In recent years, the Glasgow City Council has undertaken a multimillion-pound redevelopment of the square, which has included the installation of new fountains, statues, and lighting.
Plaza de Espana Sevilla (Spain)
The Plaza de España in Sevilla, Spain, is a beautiful example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Built-in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, the plaza was designed by Spanish architect Aníbal González.
The Plaza de Espana is a huge half-circle; the buildings are accessible by four bridges. The plaza is decorated with beautiful tiles that local artisans made. The plaza is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the view.
The plaza is located in the Parque de María Luisa, a large public park in central Sevilla. The Plaza de España consists of two semi-circular buildings joined together by a central bridge.
The plaza also has a moat with boat rentals, where visitors can take a leisurely ride around the plaza. The Plaza de España is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sevilla and is definitely worth a visit!
Plaza Mayor Madrid, Spain
The Plaza Mayor (town square) in Madrid is one of the most iconic squares in Spain. It was first built in the 16th century and has since been home to some of the city’s most important events. The architecture surrounding including The Plaza Mayor was designed by Juan de Herrera in 1561 under commission from King Philip II following an earlier market square that burned down three times.
The Plaza Mayor is also home to a number of important landmarks, including the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Madrid. Visitors to the square can enjoy a variety of activities, from shopping and dining to simply enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Today, the square is a popular tourist destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere and bountiful shopping.
Praça do Comércio – Lisbon Portugal
The Praça do Comércio is one of the most iconic squares in Lisbon, Portugal. It is located in the historic center of the city, on the bank of the River Tagus.
The square is surrounded by beautiful 18th-century buildings, including the Palácio da Independência and the Arcadas da Ribeira. The Praça do Comércio was once the site of the Royal Palace of Lisbon, which was destroyed in 1755 by an earthquake.
Dam Square Amsterdam
Dam Square is the heart of Amsterdam – a vibrant meeting place that has been at the center of the city’s history for centuries.
It is named after the dam built in the 13th century that was the start of Amsterdam as we know it. The square has been a gathering place for celebrations and protests, a marketplace and a stage for royal pageantry.
Today, it is still a popular meeting place, where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the many cafes, shops and restaurants.
Dam Square is also home to some of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace and the National Monument. Whether you’re looking to soak up the history or simply enjoy the bustle of city life, Dam Square is a must-see on any visit to Amsterdam.
Old Town Square – Prague, Czech Republic
Old Town Square is the historic center of Prague. It is a beautiful medieval square with baroque and gothic historical buildings – the Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock Tower are a must-see.
Every hour, the famous Astronomical Clock Tower(which dates back to 1410) chimes and a procession of the 12 Apostles appears. The clock tower is an iconic symbol of the city, and a visit to Old Town Square is not complete without seeing it!
This Magnificent square is also a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and it is the site of many annual events, such as the Easter Market and the Christmas Market.
Old Town Square is one of the most vibrant open spaces full of street performers, musicians and other artists.
Trinity Square – Budapest, Hungary
The Holy Trinity Square is located in the heart of the Pest side of Budapest. It is named after the Holy Trinity Column that stands in the center of the square.
The column was erected in 1713 to thank God for sparing the city from a plague. The square is also home to the Church of St. Anne, which was built in the early 18th century. The church is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and has a large pipe organ that is still used for concerts and services.
The Holy Trinity Square is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. On warm summer days, you can find people sitting on the steps of the church or strolling through the square.
The square is also a popular spot for street performers, and you can often see jugglers, magicians, and musicians entertaining the crowds. If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of Budapest, the Holy Trinity Square is definitely worth a visit.
Heroes Square Budapest
Heroes’ Square (Hungarian: Hősök here) is one of the major squares in Budapest, Hungary, famous for its iconic statue complex showing the Seven chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Memorial Stone of Heroes.
The statues at Heroes’ Square are arranged in a semicircle around the Millenium Monument. The monument itself consists of two semi-circular colonnades joined together by an archway which forms a triumphal gate.
This monumental square has the colonnades headed by seven chieftains on horseback andTumblrstatues representing scholarship, agriculture, war, peace, industry, justice and finally liberty, personified by a woman breaking her chains. Underneath the Colonnades’ arc are reliefs depicting important events in Hungarian history, such as King Saint Stephen’s coronation and Hungary’s defence against the Mongolian invasion in 1241.
Palace Square St. Petersburg
Situated at the heart of St. Petersburg, Palace Square has been the city’s main square for more than two centuries.
The square is dominated by the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian tsars, and is also home to the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art museums in the world. Every year, the square is the site of numerous public events, including concerts, parades, and festivals.
It is also a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, who come to admire the architecture, people-watch, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.
Red Square – Moscow Russia
Red Square is a city square in Moscow, Russia. It is located between the Kremlin, the official residence of the President of Russia, and a historic merchant district called Kitai-gorod.
The square has been used for public ceremonies, military parades, and protests since the 13th century. It was once known as “Bloody Basin” because of the large number of executions that took place there.
Today, Red Square is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can see the Kremlin Walls and Towers, the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The square is also home to several iconic statues, including Lenin’s Mausoleum and the Statue of Liberty.
The most beautiful squares in Europe
