- Art & Culture
Piazza della vittoria in lodi
Known as Piazza Maggiore, it is the scenic city center since the municipal era and still today a lively meeting place
Piazza della Vittoria (known as Piazza Maggiore until 1924) represents the heart of the city of Lodi and is overlooked by landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Town Hall.
Featuring a diamond-shaped square plan, it is the only example of an arcaded square on all four sides in the world.
This unique characteristic, together with the elegance of the buildings of various colours and sizes that surround it, make the square particularly scenic and impressive: the largest building is Palazzo Vistarini (south side), a castellated mansion from the 14th century that, on the side facing Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is transformed into the 18th century Palazzo Barni. Piazza della Vittoria, in fact, has often been chosen to host events of national interest and as the set for commercials for television programs.
The paving of the square - in the typical Lombard "ricciato" style made with river pebbles - dates back to 1471. During the first half of the 19th century, the centre of the quadrangle was occupied by an impressive equestrian statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, built by the French general to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Lodi.
Currently, the square is used as a pedestrian area. On Tuesdays and Thursdays a traditional street market is held here.
