Piazza del Ferrarese (Ferrarese Square), Bari

Ferrarese Square is named for Stefano Fabri, a 17th-century merchant from Ferrara. Fabri was active in the development of the square and the loggia of the Seat Palace (Palazzo del Sedile), the old Town Hall. The Ferrarese Square opened in 1612 and was meant to be an extension of the Merchant Square (Piazza Mercantile) and assist with goods landing in the port.

Ferrarese Square overlooks the Old Port (Porto Vecchio) and the Emperor Augustus waterfront. On one side is the Old Fish Market and the access ramp to Venice Street (Via Venezia). The cultural space of Murat Hall (Sala Murat) is on the left with the apse of Vallisa Church. At the rear of the square is the Starita Palace (Palazzo Starita), built on the remains of an old arsenal.

The Ferrarese Square serves as access to the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town of Bari (Citta Vecchia). During a recent renovation of the square, parts of the ancient highway of Appia Street (Via Appia) were uncovered. These days the square is full of bars and restaurants and busy nightlife.

The square is a venue for concerts, performances, and festivals, particularly the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Bari. The festival takes place on the 8th and 9th of May. Fireworks on the mole of Sant'Antonio light up the shore as the statue of Saint Nicholas arrives by boat to land at Ferrarese Square.

Pilgrims flock to the square, praying and hoping for miracles. Their nickname for the city is "Ziazi," "Aunt and Uncle."