The view of the square opens with Palazzo Lantieri, known as Schönhaus or popularly Senàus—Casa Bella—near which stood the city gate of the same name in the 14th century; then the portico of the 13th-century Franciscan convent with its chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony, consecrated in 1825, who, according to tradition, also preached in Gorizia; and finally a corner of the covered market. Palazzo Lantieri hosted many illustrious visitors, guests of the noble family: Pope Pius VI (Giovanni Angelico Braschi), Carlo Goldoni, Rosalba Carriera, Giacomo Casanova, and Pietro Metastio.

In Piazza Sant'Antonio—formerly Piazza delle Legno—the Vipava Valley farmers' market was held. The fountain with the statue of Saint Anthony on a column was removed in 1878 to make way for the construction of a covered market pavilion. On the right is the 15th-century Palazzo Strasoldo, residence of the exiled members of the French royal family and their court in 1836. The Bourbons who died in Gorizia, namely Charles X and five descendants of the royal family, are buried in the crypt of the convent on the Catagnavizza-Kostanjevica hill.