Why Italy Is Rick Steves' Favorite Country In Europe
By Sharon Kong Perring
VACATIONS
Professional traveler Rick Steves’ most-loved European country is Italy. He loves the Italian piazza, which has a vibrancy that is unique to the country.
A piazza is a square or courtyard at the center of several buildings and monuments. Historically, they were marketplaces, and many are still hubs for restaurants, shops, and bars.
The piazza is the central heart of an Italian city where townspeople can travel on foot and connect with others. As Steves says, "The whole society is wired where people gather."
Steves credits the intentional checking-in between neighbors, friends, and colleagues that occurs at piazzas as his reason for listing Italy as his favorite European country.
There are many notable Italian squares, such as the Piazza de Trevi, Piazza de Spagna, and Campo de' Fiori. For a truly underrated piazza, visit Lucca in Tuscany.