The square is built directly over the ruins of the Roman city of Aesis.
Frederick II was born in a tent erected in this square during the passage of Empress Constance of Hauteville.
The Cathedral of San Settimio contains relics of the city's patron saint, Saint Septimius, who was the first bishop of Iesi.
The obelisk in the center of the fountain is an 18th-century work originally located near the church of San Floriano before being relocated in 1844.
The square remains the primary venue for local public events and civic life in Iesi.
Piazza Federico II occupies the site of the ancient Roman forum of Iesi, serving as the historical and geographical heart of the city. It is the designated birthplace of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who was born here in 1194. The square features an obelisk fountain dating to 1844, designed by the architect Raffaele Grilli. It is bordered by the Cathedral of San Settimio, which stands on the foundations of a temple dedicated to Isis. The surrounding architecture reflects a blend of medieval and neoclassical styles. The square has served as the central public gathering space for the city since the Middle Ages. Visitors can see the plaque commemorating the royal birth on the exterior of the Palazzo Gizzi. The space is largely pedestrianized and retains the original orthogonal layout typical of Roman urban planning.
From the center of the square looking toward the Cathedral of San Settimio with the obelisk fountain in the foreground.
Walk the perimeter to observe the layered architectural styles where medieval stone meets later building additions.
Combine a visit to the square with a tour of the nearby Pinacoteca Civica located within Palazzo Pianetti.
Visit during the early evening to see the square transition into the city's social hub for residents.
Attempting to drive through the square, as it is a strictly regulated limited traffic zone (ZTL).
