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Palazzo della Ragione: Milan's Medieval Justice Palace

Explore Milan's medieval past at Palazzo della Ragione in Piazza dei Mercanti, once the city's bustling legal and commercial hub.

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The Palazzo della Ragione, located in Piazza dei Mercanti, was once the heart of Milanese justice and commerce in the Middle Ages. Built in the 13th century, this red-brick building served as the city's law courts, with its ground floor hosting a bustling market. Today, it stands as a reminder of Milan's rich history, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's medieval past.

A brief summary to Palazzo della Ragione

  • Piazza dei Mercanti, 1, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, 20123, IT
  • Visit website
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-10:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the architecture.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
  • Check for current exhibitions at the Palazzo before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Duomo, walk north through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then exit into Piazza della Scala. Continue straight ahead, following the signs for Piazza Mercanti, which is a short walk from Piazza della Scala.

  • Public Transport

    Take the M1 (red line) or M3 (yellow line) to Duomo station. From there, Piazza Mercanti is a short walk away. Alternatively, take tram lines 2, 3, 12, 14, 16, 19, or 27 to the Via Orefici stop, which is near the piazza. A single ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Milan. A short taxi ride from the Milan Central Station to Piazza dei Mercanti will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. Taxi fares start at €4.10 during the week.

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Discover more about Palazzo della Ragione

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.

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