Piazza Castelnuovo (Castelnuovo Square), Palermo

Castelnuovo Square (Piazza Castelnuovo) in the heart of Palermo is a significant urban space and a central hub for locals and visitors. Named after Carlo Cottone, the Prince of Castelnuovo, the square features a prominent statue of the prince sculpted by Domenico Costantino and mounted on a base designed by the architect Giovan Battista Palazzotto in 1868.

The square seamlessly connects with the adjacent Ruggero Settimo Square, together forming a larger public space often referred to as "Politeama Square." This name derives from the Teatro Politeama, a notable theater that dominates the area. Castelnuovo Square marks the convergence of two major streets: Via Libertà and Via Ruggero Settimo, aligning along the primary axis of Palermo. This strategic location has established the square as the city’s nerve center, particularly as urban development has focused on the northern regions of Palermo.

A significant renovation of Castelnuovo Square was undertaken in 2001, which transformed it into a largely pedestrian area. The renovation included the installation of 9,000 square meters of elevated Billiemi stone flooring interspersed with 2,000 small light points embedded within the pavement, enhancing both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the square is enriched by a Music Box, adding a cultural and interactive element to the space.

Adjacent to Castelnuovo Square, Ruggero Settimo Square features another important sculpture — that of Ruggero Settimo in Carrara marble, created by neoclassicist Benedetto De Lisi and erected on January 12, 1865. This statue also serves as a historical marker and is encircled by a decorative gate, contributing to the cultural heritage and visual allure of the area.