Il Pavaglione
An enormous square enclosed by arcades, built in the 18th century for the silkworm cocoon market: today the Wednesday market still takes place here.
Il Pavaglione is a large arcaded quadrangle in the centre of Lugo, built in 1783 for the silkworm cocoon market, which was one of the most important in Europe. The name comes from padiglione, the tent that covered the market stalls before the arcades were built.
Under the arches you'll find shops, bars and restaurants; at the centre, an open square, enormous compared to the size of the town. For six centuries the Wednesday market has been held here, and Il Pavaglione fills with stalls just as it did back then.
Since the late 17th century the square has also been an open-air theatre: shows, music, festivals. The tradition continues, and in summer Il Pavaglione hosts concerts, including performances from the Ravenna Festival.
It faces onto the Rocca Estense and the monument to Francesco Baracca: everything is just a few steps away. The Teatro Rossini, one of the oldest theatres in Romagna, is in the same area.
Don't miss
- The striking view of the arcaded quadrangle
- The Wednesday market
- A summer concert under the stars
- PeriodXVIII century
- Opening hoursAlways open, free admission. Market every Wednesday morning. Information Comune di Lugo 0545 299441.
- Phone+39 0545 299441
- AdmissionFree
- Time neededabout 30 minutes
Official site Call Send a postcard
Opening hours and phone numbers read on the official sites on 14 October 2026. They change with the seasons and holidays: always check before you go.
Getting to Lugo
Romagna Transfer brings you here from the airport, the station or your hotel, with a driver and no parking worries.
Book your transferService by Romagna Transfer. Their site opens.
Other monuments nearby
18Rocca Estense
0,2 km away · Lugo · XIV-XVI centuryFortresses and castles FreePhoto: Maddy16869, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
29Torre civica, detta La Porta
4,8 km away · Sant'Agata sul Santerno · XV-XVII centurySquares, palaces and towers FreePhoto: Enea Emiliani, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
26Piazza Nuova
5,1 km away · Bagnacavallo · XVIII centurySquares, palaces and towers FreePhoto: Remo emiliani, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
28Torre dell'Orologio e Palazzo comunale
7,5 km away · Massa Lombarda · XVIII centurySquares, palaces and towers FreePhoto: DiLeoTommasoFabio, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons