Piazza Mercanti, Milan Travel Guide

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Discover Piazza Mercanti in Milan, a captivating medieval square with stunning architecture and a rich history, just steps from the Duomo.

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Piazza Mercanti

Piazza Mercanti, or Merchant's Square, is a historic square in Milan that was once the city's center during the Middle Ages. Today, it stands as a tranquil reminder of medieval Milan, showcasing remarkable architecture from that era.

A brief summary to Piazza Mercanti

Piazza dei Mercanti, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, 20123, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Piazza Mercanti.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photographs.
Take a stroll down Via Mercanti from the Duomo to reach the square.
Look for the relief image of the scrofa semilanuta (half-woolly sow) on the wall of the Palazzo della Ragione, a legendary symbol of Milan.

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Explore Piazza Mercanti on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Piazza Mercanti, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Duomo, walk west towards Piazza Cordusio. Via Mercanti connects Piazza del Duomo directly to Piazza Mercanti. The walk is short, approximately 2 minutes, and offers a direct route to the square.
Public Transport

Take the M1 (red line) or M3 (yellow line) to Duomo station. From there, Piazza Mercanti is a short walk via Via Mercanti. Alternatively, take the M1 line to Cairoli or Cordusio stations, which are also within walking distance. A single metro ticket costs €2.20.

Discover more about Piazza Mercanti

Piazza Mercanti, a short walk from the Duomo, offers a glimpse into Milan's medieval past. Dating back to the 13th century, this square was the heart of Milan, serving as its commercial and governmental center. It was a place of bustling activity, hosting markets, public meetings, and judicial proceedings.The square is framed by significant medieval buildings. The Palazzo della Ragione, constructed in 1233, stands out with its brick facade and served as the city's courthouse. The Loggia degli Osii, built in 1316, features black and white marble and was used for administrative functions. The Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, a 17th-century Baroque palace, once housed the city's most important school. Casa dei Panigarola, with its Gothic arches, adds to the square's architectural charm. The Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, now home to the Chamber of Commerce, features a bell tower used to make announcements.Today, Piazza Mercanti provides a peaceful escape from Milan's modern bustle. Visitors can admire the well-preserved medieval architecture and imagine the square's vibrant past.