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Prato della Valle is an elliptical public square in Padua, and at roughly 90,000 square meters one of the largest public squares in Europe -- a green central island ringed by a canal and, in turn, by a double row of statues honoring 78 historical figures connected to the city.
Where many European squares are enclosed by buildings on all sides, Prato della Valle is defined instead by its own canal and statue ring, giving it an open, park-like character closer to a garden than a conventional civic piazza.
As a genuine public square used daily by Paduans, treating it as a through-space and gathering spot -- rather than only a photo backdrop -- fits how the space is actually used.
The square is a fully open public space with no entry fee or gate, accessible at all hours.
Padua's regular market and periodic larger fairs are held directly on the square, so its character and crowd level can vary considerably by day.