The Piazza Mercanti is located immediately west of Piazza Duomo in Milan. It constitutes one of the best illustrations of the development of Milanese architecture between the Middle Ages and the 17th century.
Piazza Mercanti Milan
Useful information
The zip code of Piazza Mercanti is 20123 Milano. Metro: 1, 3 (Duomo). Streetcar: 1, 2, 12, 14, 16, 27.
History and description
In the Middle Ages, the Piazza Mercanti was the central square of Milan. There are therefore several beautiful and interesting buildings.
In 1251, the rectangular square, which is completely enclosed by buildings, was renovated. In those days it was only possible to enter the square through one of the six arches between the various palaces. These arches all led from the Piazza Mercanti to one of the city gates of Milan.
At the time, it was twice as large as it is today, since the current Via Mercanti was still part of it.
What to see
Palazzo della Ragione
The Palazzo della Ragione dates back to 1228 and is one of the most famous medieval buildings in the city. One of the reasons for this notoriety is a relief of depicting the earliest symbol of the city, a sow known as the Scrofa Semilanuta.
Loggia deglie Osii
Across the square is the white marble Loggia degli Osii, commissioned by Matteo Visconti in 1316.
Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine
Next door is the Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, built between 1644 and 1645 by Carlo Buzzi, for which the 14th century Scuola del Broletto had to make way.
Casa dei Panigarola
From the 15th century dates the Casa dei Panigarola, the former seat of the Ufficio degli Statuti of Milan.
Palazzo dei Giureconsulti
The Palazzo dei Giureconsulti (n. 2) was built in 1561 by Pope Pius IV, who when he was an ordinary Milanese was called Angelo Maria Medici.
Torre di Napo
In 1272 the bell tower that can be seen in the square was built. In 1601 the rest of the building now called the Torre di Napo was built around this.