Palazzo della Ragione is a medieval palace on Piazza dei Mercanti, between Milan’s Duomo and Cordusio. Built for the city courts, it later housed public assemblies and legal records; today, it hosts photography exhibitions. Look for the 14th-century frescoes upstairs, displayed alongside modern art, and the palace’s red-brick exterior. The entrance bookshop is small, with books for a range of interests. This is a worthwhile stop for medieval history and photography, especially if you are exploring the surrounding historic square.
From city courts to photography exhibitions
Palazzo della Ragione was built between 1228 and 1233 under the orders of Podestà Oldrado da Tresseno. It was first called Broletto Nuovo, or New City Hall, and was the setting for Milan’s civic and judicial life. Public assemblies, trials and official proclamations took place here from 1233 to 1773.
The palace’s place in the city is clear in Piazza dei Mercanti, once a centre for commerce and government. Its arcades sheltered a market, and the square’s covered spaces were used for public activity. The building’s name, Ragione, refers to its role in law and governance.
Changes to the palace
In 1773, Empress Maria Theresa converted the building into the Archivio Notarile, an archive for legal documents. The upper floor was added during this change. In the 19th century, the palace briefly served as the headquarters of Banca Popolare di Milano.
A restoration led by Marco Dezzi Bardeschi in 1978 partly restored the medieval exterior. The red-brick building now hosts photography exhibitions, bringing contemporary work into a historic civic setting.
Frescoes, exhibitions and a carved emblem
The upper floor holds 14th-century frescoes alongside modern art installations. Photography exhibitions are held throughout the year. The contrast between the historic paintings and changing displays is a reason to look beyond the exterior and spend time upstairs.
A carved relief of the Scrofa semilanuta, a half-woolly wild boar, is linked to Milan’s legendary origins. At the entrance, a small bookshop sells books across a range of interests. The palace is on Piazza dei Mercanti, within reach of Piazza Duomo and Cordusio.
Perguntas frequentes
What was Palazzo della Ragione used for?
It began as a civic and judicial building, hosting assemblies, trials and official proclamations. In 1773, it became an archive for legal documents.
What can you see inside Palazzo della Ragione?
The upper floor has 14th-century frescoes alongside modern art installations. The palace also hosts photography exhibitions throughout the year.
Can you take photos inside Palazzo della Ragione?
Non-commercial photography is allowed on the upper floor, but flash is not permitted.
