Piazza De Ferrari Square

Address: Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa, Liguria, Italy

Hours: Open public space, 24/7

Admission: Free (public square)

Piazza De Ferrari is the main civic square in the centre of Genoa, Italy, distinguished by a large central fountain and surrounded by major cultural and civic buildings. The square functions as a focal point for the city’s administrative and cultural life.

The square’s open space features the central fountain and is enclosed by landmarks including the Palazzo Ducale, Teatro Carlo Felice, and the historic stock exchange building, creating a compact civic ensemble. The area is a frequent starting point for walking tours of Genoa’s historic centre.

The square grew in importance as Genoa developed its modern civic infrastructure and remains the city’s principal public plaza and transport node. It has been redeveloped and landscaped at different times to emphasize the fountain and pedestrian spaces.

Piazza De Ferrari sits in the heart of Genoa’s historic and business district in the Liguria region, a short walk from the Old Harbour and the city’s main shopping streets.

• Central fountain and access: The central fountain is the square’s focal point and is a common meeting place; the area is well served by local tram and metro stops for access to the historic centre.

What to See#

• Palazzo Ducale: Palazzo Ducale sits on the northwest side of the square and functions as a cultural centre and exhibition space within the old Doge’s palace complex.
• Teatro Carlo Felice: Teatro Carlo Felice is the opera house bordering the square and forms a principal cultural landmark adjacent to the fountain.
• Palazzo della Borsa and civic buildings: Palazzo della Borsa (the former stock exchange) and other civic buildings frame the square and face the central fountain area.

Piazza De Ferrari is in the historic center of Genoa and is easily reached on foot from the main train station (Genova Piazza Principe is about a 10-15 minute walk, Genova Brignole about 15-20 minutes) or by local buses that stop nearby.

• Visit at first light to see the fountain and the surrounding palazzi in softer light and to avoid midday city traffic.
• Walk uphill from the old port to see how the square anchors Genoa's civic and maritime architecture-Palazzo Ducale and Teatro Carlo Felice are immediate neighbors.
• Notice the bronze equestrian statue and the complex geometry of streets that radiate from the piazza; it's a useful compass point for exploring the city.