Italian street names - an A-Z and their stories of Italian history by Carolyn McKenzie As you explore Italy's cities, towns and villages, certain street and piazza names will crop up wherever you go. Via Roma, Piazza Garibaldi and Corso Nazionale are ubiquitous and need little explanation. Via del Mercato, Piazzetta della Fontana and Piazza Cattedrale are self-explanatory too, as are, with a smattering of Italian, Piazza del Municipio (Townhall Square) and Via al Mare (pronounced ma-ray) and Via alla Spiaggia (Road to the Seaside and to the Beach). Other street names encapsulate moments of Italian history or honor the people and events that have been significant in its evolution as the country we are fascinated by today. In this ALPHABET of Italian street names I will add a new dimension to your next trip to Italy by exploring with you some of the history behind the names given to the country's streets.