Piazza Cavallotti (Cavallotti Square), Perugia

Nestled in the historic heart of Perugia, Cavallotti Square (Piazza Cavallotti) serves as a bridge between the charming Morlacchi Square and the picturesque Majesty of the Vaults Street (Via Maestà delle Volte), described by art historian Francesco Santi as "the most beautiful and characteristic medieval street in Perugia." This small yet historically rich square is named after Felice Carlo Emanuele Cavallotti, an Italian politician, poet, playwright, and patriot, whose contributions to Italy’s freedom are commemorated in numerous plaques and monuments across the country. A plaque in the square itself reads: "To Felice Cavallotti, of the freedom of Italy, soldier orator poet, the people of Perugia, XXV March MCM."

Historically known as Plow Square (Piazza degli Aratri), the square once served as a bustling marketplace for agricultural tools, including ploughs. This purpose is reflected in writings by Serafino Siepi, who noted that the square's name was derived from the rural instruments sold there during the early days of the municipality.

The square's architectural evolution has been marked by significant transformations. It once housed the Church of Santa Maria degli Aratri, a 13th-century structure demolished in 1876. The church's façade can still be admired in a painting by Pietro Rossi, now part of the collection at the National Gallery of Umbria. Further changes occurred with the opening of Cesare Battisti Street in 1904, altering the square's layout.

Beneath Cavallotti Square lies an intriguing Roman archaeological site, accessible through the Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo). Visitors can view remnants of Roman fabrics, a stretch of road from the Augustan reconstruction, and other fascinating relics that testify to the square's layered history.

Today, Cavallotti Square is a vibrant yet tranquil space where past and present converge, offering a unique glimpse into Perugia’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.