PIAZZA DEI MERCANTI

Description

Essentials about Piazza dei Mercanti in brief

If you want to see the traces of historic Milan, you must make your way to Piazza dei Mercanti (Merchants’ Square). As the name suggests, Piazza dei Mercanti developed in the 13th century into the central craft and trade square in the densely built-up center of Milan. In the rectangular square, which was then somewhat larger than today, bakers, goldsmiths, knife cutters, tailors, weavers and many other craftsmen met to trade among themselves and sell their goods to customers. Even today, the historic buildings around the square from the 13th to 17th centuries are preserved and create a very special atmosphere.

The buildings at Piazza dei Mercanti

Palazzo della Ragione

In 1228 construction began on the Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of Justice), which still stands in the center of the square. The construction was initiated by the then mayor Oldrado da Tresseno, whose equestrian statue is placed in the outer wall. Five years later the Palace of Justice was completed, where from then on the central legal affairs of the city were handled.

As was common in other cities of Lombardy, the Palace of Justice consisted of an open first floor for meetings of the population and an upper floor where the sessions of the Council were held. From the loggia of the Palazzo the decisions of the Council were proclaimed. In 1773, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria added another floor to the palace. Today the Palazzo della Ragione is used for exhibitions.

Loggia degli Osii

The Loggia degli Osii, opposite the Palazzo della Ragione, was built in 1316 under Prince Matteo Visconti as the seat of the court notaries. Rather unusual for the Lombard architectural style, the Gothic facade was designed with alternating black and white marble stripes. The balcony of the building was used for the pronouncement of judgments and is decorated with the heraldic animal of the House of Visconti and an eagle with prey (symbolizing justice). Above the upper floor there is a row with sculptures of the city saints.

Palace of the Palatine Schools

The Palatine Schools already have ancient roots. In the Middle Ages they were the most important higher school of Milan, attended by many famous personalities of the city. However, the building was completely destroyed in a fire in 1644 and subsequently rebuilt on the model of the neighboring Palazzo dei Giureconsulti. The entrance portal is lined with arcades. Centrally above the entrance is a statue of Sant’Agostino, who, according to tradition, taught at the school.

Palazzo dei Giureconsulti

Built in the 16th century in the Mannerist style, the Palace of the Giureconsulti is a real eye-catcher because of its beautiful arcades in the entrance area and its clock tower. The tower, built before the palace, once had the function of announcing the closing time and warning of fire. Originally, the palace was used as a school for politicians and lawyers. Today the building belongs to the Milan Chamber of Commerce.

Casa Panigarola

Casa Panigarola is also known as “Palazzo dei Notai” (“Palace of the Notaries”). Located on the west side of the square, the house is named after the notary family Panigarola, who owned the building until 1741. Casa Panigarola was built in large parts in the 15th century in Gothic style.