Palace of Reason

The Palazzo della Ragione, located in Piazza dei Mercanti in Milan, represents one of the most emblematic examples of medieval architecture in the city. Its construction began in 1228 under the guidance of the podestà Aliprando Faba and was completed in 1233 by Oldrado da Tresseno, who wanted to create a new center of the city’s political power. Originally conceived as a broletto, the palace served administrative and judicial functions, hosting city assemblies and courts. The architecture of the Palazzo della Ragione is characterized by a large ground-floor loggia, under which notaries and bankers conducted their activities. Above the loggia, a large hall hosted meetings of the City Council, which in the 13th and 14th centuries had about nine hundred members, representing the six gates of the city. The hall was also used as a courtroom, confirming the central role of the palace in the political and administrative life of Milan. The palace underwent numerous transformations over the centuries. In the 16th century, under Spanish rule, the building was vertically divided, with the Court of Justice on the first floor and the Municipal and then Notarial Archives in the attic. During the 18th century, the Austrian government of Maria Theresa of Austria ordered an elevation of the building to increase its capacity, adding large oval windows still visible today. A significant episode in the history of the palace occurred during the Five Days of Milan in 1848, when it was damaged by cannon fire. The building was quickly repaired, demonstrating its strategic and symbolic importance for the city. In 1861, the Palazzo della Ragione was designated to house the Notarial Archive, a function it maintained until 1961. In the 1980s, the palace underwent a major conservation and architectural restoration, consolidating its structure and transforming it into an exhibition space for temporary exhibitions. The architecture of the palace, with its terracotta and brick façade, the three-arched loggia, and Gothic windows, is a masterpiece of medieval style that testifies to the art and skill of craftsmen of the time. The sculptural details, such as the bas-relief of Oldrado da Tresseno on the southern side, add a touch of sophistication to the building. The Palazzo della Ragione has been a central place in the economic and commercial life of Milan. The underlying loggia, also known as the Loggia dei Mercanti, was a meeting point for merchants and traders who negotiated goods and services there. This commercial function continued even after the foundation of the Duchy of Milan in 1395, when Gian Galeazzo Visconti became duke. Piazza dei Mercanti became the hub of the city’s mercantile activities, hosting the headquarters of the merchants’ guild. The Palazzo della Ragione is a symbol of the history and evolution of Milan. From its original function as a political and commercial center, through transformations under various dominions, to its current cultural destination, the palace tells the rich and complex history of the city. Its architecture, frescoes, and sculptures continue to enchant and fascinate anyone who has the opportunity to visit, making it an essential stop to learn and appreciate the historical and artistic heritage of Milan. In the courtyard of the palace, you can admire various testimonies of the past, such as the “scrofa semilanuta,” an ancient city emblem visible on a pillar opposite the bas-relief of Oldrado da Tresseno. This mythical animal, half pig and half sheep, represents an archaic symbol of Milan and adds an element of historical curiosity to the visit of the palace. Today, the Palazzo della Ragione is a must-see attraction for those who want to immerse themselves in the history of Milan. Its central location in the historic Piazza dei Mercanti makes it easily accessible and ideal for discovering a lesser-known side of the city. The building hosts temporary exhibitions that offer visitors the opportunity to further explore Milan’s cultural heritage. The recent restoration of the Palazzo della Ragione, which included interventions for structural and architectural consolidation, has preserved this precious building for future generations. The care taken in the restoration demonstrates the importance of the palace as an integral part of Milan’s cultural heritage.