A pivotal space in the city center, Piazza Dante opens behind the quadriporticus of the Sentierone and houses the Prosecutor’s Office building and the Chamber of Commerce building on its sides.
In the 1700s, designed by Giovan Battista Caniana, it housed the ancient fair of Sant’Alessandro with its 540 stores.
In the 1920s it was redeveloped by Piacentini, who designed the entire Sentierone complex along with the other two central squares Vittorio Veneto and Matteotti. At its center today stands a Zandobbio marble fountain depicting Neptune surrounded by tritons and sea horses.
In the 1920s it was redeveloped by Piacentini, who designed the entire Sentierone complex along with the other two central squares Vittorio Veneto and Matteotti. At its center today stands a Zandobbio marble fountain depicting Neptune surrounded by tritons and sea horses.
Below Dante Square, which has under gone a very recent restoration, is its underground counterpart.
Not everyone knows that an air raid shelter was built under the pavement, which, at the end of World War II, was converted into a day hotel: about 1,200 square meters of covered space with a large central dome, a social space where people took care of themselves.
There could be found public baths, a barbershop, a shoemaker, a bookstore, a bar, and a large hall where billiards were played.
Not everyone knows that an air raid shelter was built under the pavement, which, at the end of World War II, was converted into a day hotel: about 1,200 square meters of covered space with a large central dome, a social space where people took care of themselves.
There could be found public baths, a barbershop, a shoemaker, a bookstore, a bar, and a large hall where billiards were played.
The day hotel was closed for about four decades, from 1978 until now, when it was redeveloped along with the plaza.
It will soon be reinaugurated and will host entertainment activities, shows, and dining establishments offering everything from breakfast to after dinner.
It will soon be reinaugurated and will host entertainment activities, shows, and dining establishments offering everything from breakfast to after dinner.