The square took on its recent shape and size already at the beginning of the 16th century when the porticoes were built and the castle was also completed in its various buildings (only the clock tower was completed in the 17th century).
Piazza dei Martiri in a plan with its main monumental buildings.
Since its origins it has been the center of city life and overlooked by the buildings which are the seat of religious, political and aristocratic power consisting of the cathedral, the castle (which was also a princely residence with the tower of the prisons or Torrione degli Spagnoli beside it) , and the elegant city houses such as Palazzo Brusati and the Tapparelli houses. In later times, the theatre, a prestigious cultural center and Palazzo Scacchetti (later the town hall) were built on the Renaissance square and the bishop's palace was built next to the cathedral.
in April 2017 Pope Francis visited Carpi and gave a homily