Fresh redesigns brought new life to one of Pescara’s most historic squares, whose chic style is seen in a display of lights and a wineglass artwork.
Piazza della Rinascita is a large public space that, unlike most traditional European squares, has a modern look. The theme of greenery in this spacious setting provides a fitting tribute to the Square of the Rebirth, the plaza’s English name. Appreciate the freedom of movement in the wide pedestrian surroundings of the city’s nucleus.
Sit at a café whose tables extend onto the square and indulge in two of Italy’s most traditional pastimes: sipping coffee and eating ice cream. Restaurants of many kinds, including traditional Italian and seafood, decorate the square and the quaint, narrow tributaries leading off from it. Meander between the trees sprouting from circular hubs of soil and browse the window displays of high-end stores within the colonnade.
The plaza is among the busiest parts of the town and is an ideal gathering spot for vacationers and friends who wish to explore the highlights of the central district. Chat with locals and discuss the aesthetic qualities of the Palazzo Arlecchino’s unusual façade. Its apartments showcase a selection of monochrome colors in the day, while dazzling light shows create artistic impressions at night.
Reach the grandiose courtyard of the adjacent Palazzo Testa for the sculptures by the 20th-century artist Vicentino Michetti. Stroll through the center of the piazza to see its intriguing floor designs, decorative cannonballs and benches. Marvel at the main attraction, the so-called Huge Wineglass that stands in a water basin. It was made by Japanese architect Toyo Ito as part of his redesign of the entire piazza. The square is officially known as the Piazza Salotto (Lounge Square).
A couple of blocks southwest from the coast, the Piazza della Rinascita is in the core district of Pescara. Ride a bus to a stop along the road flanking the southwestern side of the square. Use the parking lots and bike stations serving the plaza. In the vicinity are other landmarks such as the Parrocchia San Pietro Apostolo, the Parco Florida and the Piazza I Maggio.
