Piazza Galvani

The square was inaugurated by Pope Pius IV in coincidence with the construction of the portico and the Archiginnasio building in 1563. This property had already hosted the silk cocoon trade fair; hence the name Piazza del Pavaglione derives from the word ‘pavilion’ - the shelters under which this event was held.
In 1801, to celebrate the Lunéville peace between France and Austria, two countries that competed for dominion over the Emilian territories, the property is named Piazza della Pace, but this name did not take root.
In 1871 the square was dedicated to the scientist Luigi Galvani, depicted in the statue by the sculptor Adalberto Cencetti (1879) that dominates the square.