Prato della Valle, a 90,000 square meter egg-shaped square, is the largest square in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.

The square has a large space of green island in the centre surrounded by a small canal bordered by two rings of statues – 78 statues in total – 40 in the exterior ring and 38 statues in the inner ring. The statues were made from stone between the late 1770s and 1880s by various artists.

Prato della Valle market is one of the projects which the city seek encourage the involvement of its citizens. The grounds of the Prato by the Prato tramstop becomes a popular gathering spot for all.

Market Information: operates from Monday to Friday between 07:30hrs to 20:00hrs selling fruits and vegetables. Prato becomes an all-purpose market on Saturdays between 08:00hrs to 19:00hrs in winter and 08:00hrs to 20:00hrs in summer. A third type of market is every third Sunday of the month, the Prato transforms into an Antique Market between 08:00hrs to 20:00hrs.