Piazza San Prospero is a square located in Reggio Emilia, has adopted the name of the basilica that stands there and is also known as Piazza Piccola. It is one of the most important squares in the city, and is connected directly to Piazza del Duomo by an arcaded road, called Broletto.
Piazza San Prospero has a vaguely rectangular shape, and is surrounded by neoclassical wings along the northern and southern sides. On its sides are porticoes with a large number of shops, and it is visually dominated by the Basilica of San Prospero, which rightfully stands as the queen of the scenario.
The origins of Piazza San Prospero date back to the end of the tenth century, when Bishop Teuzone wanted to build a new church dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Prospero, right next to the cathedral.
This place still represents one of the most characteristic spaces of Reggio Emilia, and is also known as Piazza Leoni, because of the presence of six magnificent lion statues carved in red marble from Verona, located on the parvis of the basilica.
