The Palazzo della Ragione is located at Piazza dei Mercanti, #1.  This is one of my favorite spots in the city, as being here truly feels like you are stepping back in time.  In a place as modern and energetic as Milan, that is a rare thing.  The palazzo dates from 1251, and from the moment of its completion, it became the center of city life for all who called Milan home.  It was originally built as an open portico, which could be used for assemblies and town meetings.  The large hall, on the upper floor, was added later.  Today, the open air space hosts art exhibitions and markets, as well as other public events.

One of the basic unspoken rules, of buying gelato in Italy, is that you should never buy from a gelateria that has the ice cream piled up, like below, in the display case.  This, according to my Italian friends, means that the ice cream is not of a very high quality.  In other words, it is the imitation, cheap stuff.  Remember, this is Italy, and gelato is everywhere!  If you walk for another two or three minutes, chances are you will pass another, better gelateria, and be able to satisfy your craving with something of quality.

The Casa dei Panigarola was the home of the “Office of Statutes.”  It was where ducal decrees and public documents were registered and transcribed.  The person in charge was known as the Panigarola.   The facade, we see today, was designed by Giovanni Solari, and dates from 1466.  The plaque, on the wall of the loggia, dates from 1448.  It is signed by Tommaso da Caponago, and warns the citizens of the risks resulting from taking legal action.

The lancet window, in the photo below, was added to the building during renovation work in 1899, by Luca Beltrami.

La Libreria del Mare is at Via Broletto, #28.  Opened in 1978, and housed in a space that at one time hosted a delicatessen, this bookstore offers a selection of over 10,000 books and other items, all about the sea!

 

Next up: From the old to the new, in just a few steps!

 

Note: This blog is written in English, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any translation that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Milan, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!