This small square with a decidedly Parisian atmosphere opens up among the ancient houses in the old city centre, where the Roman town of Genua is believed to have had its forum. Later on, Piazza delle Erbe was used as a fruit and vegetable market.
A round of ancient buildings literally embraces the slightly sloping rectangular square with its gushing, cherub-decorated central fountain built in 1698 that basks in the friendly atmosphere of tables and chairs of the popular eateries, or trattorie, and bars.
Though composed and quiet in the morning, the square is alive with noise, scents, voices and colours in the evening, when aperitivo-time strikes. It then stays lively until quite late at night, especially on weekends.