Piazza Mercanti, Medieval square in central Milan, Italy
Piazza Mercanti is a rectangular square in central Milan featuring six historical buildings, including the red-brick Palazzo della Ragione and the Gothic Loggia degli Osii with decorated arches. Medieval facades surround the space, creating an enclosed courtyard atmosphere.
The square was built in the 13th century and served as Milan's main commercial and administrative hub. Six entrances connected it to different trade guilds and merchant associations.
The Palazzo della Ragione displays two notable reliefs: a Roman-era boar connected to local legends and a portrait of Oldrado da Tresseno. These carvings reflect the importance this location held for the city.
The square is easily reached on foot from Milan's city center and lies near several metro stations. Early morning visits offer a quieter experience before the area becomes busy with tourists and locals.
A 16th-century underground well near Palazzo dei Giureconsulti held the 'pietra dei falliti', a stone where bankrupt individuals faced public punishment. This hidden history reveals the harsh business practices that once governed this place.
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