Napoleon Square is the largest square in historic Lucca and the venue for markets, occasional concerts and other events. In winter, for example, you can skate on the artificial ice rink.

Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, sister of Emperor Napoleon, was born in one of the houses in Piazza Napoleone in 1805, which is why the square is named after him. The locals, however, call it nothing but Piazza Grande, the big square.

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While the eastern and northern sides of the piazza are lined with townhouses and many shops and restaurants, the entire western side is occupied by the Palazzo Ducale, a huge 16th-century palace complex that houses the Prefecture of the Province of Lucca.