The Parisian public square received its name from the nearby Avenue d'Italie, now renamed to Route Nationale 7, - a thoroughfare from France to Italy. Place d'Italie used to be the site of the Wall of Farmers-General - built to charge taxes on items entering Paris - until 1877. The square contains many restaurants and other businesses including the shopping center Italie 2. It also is near the Place d'Italie Paris Metro entrance.