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. And, in a place as modern and energetic as Milan, that is a rare thing. The Palazzo dates from 1251, and from the moment of it’s 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 which 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 that 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 ‘Statutes Office”. It was where ducal decrees and public documents were registered and transcribed. The person in charge was known as the Panigarolas. The facade we see today was designed by Giovanni Solari and dates from 1466. The plaque on the wall in 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 & 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 translations which 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!