North Square
Rate this placeNearby: Polcari Park Paul Revere Mall
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
North Square is a historic neighborhood located in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts.
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Summary
It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and is considered the heart of the Italian community.
There are several good reasons to visit North Square, including its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the narrow, winding streets and alleys, admire the historic buildings, and sample delicious Italian cuisine at the many restaurants and cafes in the area.
Specific points of interest in North Square include the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and the Copp's Hill Burying Ground. The Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and was once the home of the famous American patriot. The Old North Church is also a historic site, known for its role in the American Revolution. The Copp's Hill Burying Ground is one of the oldest cemeteries in Boston and contains the graves of many notable figures from the city's history.
Interesting facts about North Square include its connection to the famous American poet Robert Frost, who lived in the neighborhood for a time, and its importance as a center for the Italian community in Boston. The area is also home to several annual festivals and events, including the Saint Anthony's Feast, which celebrates the patron saint of the Italian-American community.
The best time of year to visit North Square is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and many outdoor events and festivals take place. However, the area is also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color and the air is crisp. Overall, North Square is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Boston's rich history and vibrant culture.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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