In many European cities, the two main squares since the Middle Ages are the Town Hall Square and the Cathedral. There are also in Parma - Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Duomo. However, Parma can offer a triumvirate of squares. She also has Piazzale del Pace, the Peace Square. The creation of the square did not begin by peaceful means at all. USAF bombers bombed the Reinach Theater, Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo del Pilota on May 13, 1944. ((Remember Heller's "Catch 22"?) These buildings shared the fate of the destroyed famous buildings of Italy, the Abbey of Montecassino and the Church of Santa Chiara in Naples. Unlike the last and thousands of destroyed objects in Italy, the square has not been restored so far. Discussions around numerous projects have been going on for three quarters of a century. Therefore, the area is sown with grass. A temporary measure that many perceive as an architectural design. And the monument to the Italian partisans of 1956 recalls the original events. The square is not very well lit and in the evenings it becomes a place of youth gatherings. Darkness is known to be a friend of youth...

Stopped for lunch while driving from Florence to Milan. Found a deli with outdoor seating overlooking the park. Nice spot but downside of driving in Italy are the ZTL restricted driving areas in many cities. These areas are not obvious to tourists and they all have camera systems to generate tickets.