Covent Garden is a section of London that is modeled after an Italian-style public square called a piazza. In Italy, piazzas are typically marketplaces.

Covent Garden was designed by Inigo Jones and was London's first public square. In 1649, it became an open area market where fruits and vegetables were sold. Over the years, the market grew and a central building was added in 1830.

It is a great place to shop, eat, and see different types of street performers. Covent Garden also is the site for many of London's oldest theatres, some dating back to the 1660's. Theatre Royal, the Drury Lane, the Aldwych, and the Strand are among the the most famous.

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Text: Lauren Johnson
Photo: Jenny M. Buccos