Five squares overlap, and the vertex of each square is exactly in the center of the other square, which means that the part that is in the way is exactly one square, so it is enough to find the area of four squares.

2*2=4 square centimeters

4*(5-1)=16 square centimeters

Answer: the total area of the visible figure is 16 square centimeters.

This is what I did for you myself, so if you think it's right, pick me as the best~