Palazzo della Ragione: Milan's Medieval Justice Palace

Located in the Piazza dei Mercanti, the Palazzo della Ragione is a historic building that once served as Milan's center for justice and commerce. Constructed in the 13th century (inaugurated in 1233), the Palazzo della Ragione, also known as Brolette Nuovo, was commissioned by Milan's magistrate, Oldrado da Tresseno. His statue is displayed on the exterior of the Palazzo. Initially, the ground floor's open arcade buzzed with the activity of a daily market, while the upper floor housed the city's law courts until the 18th century. In 1773, Maria Theresa of Austria ordered an additional floor to be added for use as a storage archive. Today, the Palazzo della Ragione is used as an exhibition space. The Piazza dei Mercanti, where the Palazzo della Ragione is located, was the city's commercial and governmental center during the Middle Ages. Other important buildings surround the piazza, including the Loggia degli Osii, Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, Casa dei Panigarola, and Palazzo dei Giureconsulti.