Francesca from Milan

About me Despite my ID card proudly exhibiting four (!!) first names - an unfortunate joke from the registry office - I'm usually just called Francesca. As a child, I wanted to be an architect and then, by chance, I became an architect for real. I love playing tennis, I love animals and I love books. Most of all, I have to admit, I love food! I think cooking is one of the best ways to take s...

Aug 3, 2025

Palazzo della Ragione Milan

An open secret in the city

"I love the "Palazzo della Ragione" for two reasons: one is that it takes up space without taking up space - the other, well... it has to do with secrets!"

One of Milan’s secrets is, surprisingly, a huge, ancient building: the Palazzo della Ragione. It's one of the most beautiful constructions Milan can claim, as well as a perfect example of architectural restoration work on a medieval construction (it was built in 1251!). The secret is, in fact, not really the building itself; it is zealously guarded in its ancient structures, and I am sure most of the inhabitants of Milan themselves ignore it.

The ground floor is completely open as a portico and is the heart of this incredible site. What I truly love about this construction is that, despite taking up space, it doesn’t divide the city with its volume; on the contrary, with the void it created it is able to connect the areas on its sides.

The ground floor also hides an incredible mystery. I've tried it myself. Go find it out with someone special! Walk up the three steps and enter the colonnade: reach the corner column (towards the Dome) and stand face turned towards the column. Ask your friend to do the same thing in the opposite column (diagonal) of that quadrilateral. You can now confess your love, a secret or simply make a joke as if you were whispering in his/her ears!

Nobody else will hear you!

Keep the secret :)

Art & culture

About this spot

Piazza dei Mercanti 1

€

no-price

243353535

find your way in Milan, download our app.

Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Church Sant'Ambrogio

Back in the past

The Church of Sant'Ambrogio, built this church in the 5th century AD, is an important church because it was built by the patron of the city, Ambrogio.

Art & culture

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Sep 16, 2025

Mitú Restaurant

The Spirit of Colombia

Mitú is a place I would enthusiastically recommend to a friend seeking a charming atmosphere, great cuisine and attentive and knowledgeable staff.

Restaurants

Carmen

Condeescu

Sep 16, 2025

Viro Steak

Meat Restaurant

At Viro Steak in Porta Venezia, expect a sultry atmosphere, a dry-aging chamber on display, fair prices, and cuts sold by the kilo. Prepare for a feast!

Restaurants

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Il Santo

Lunch on the go

Fuel your Porta Nuova stroll with focaccia — quick, local, and delicious. A favorite lunch stop with outdoor tables and top-quality Italian flavors.

Snacks

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Museum & Library

The Ambrosiana near San Sepolcro is one of Europe’s oldest libraries, home to da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, Raphael’s School of Athens, and many more treasures.

Art & culture

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

I Mirador

Rooftop Bar

I Mirador offers breathtaking views of Milan from Navigli. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, excellent cocktails, and make this rooftop a place to remember!

Bars

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Gelateria Gelart

Ice cream shop

Gelart serves creamy, dreamy gelato with classic & seasonal flavors. Do yourself a favor and try their incredible seasonal flavors!

Snacks

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Parco Nord

Milan's green hub

Enjoy Milan's main green escape, Parco Nord, with its lakes, forests and fields to bike, stroll, relax, or catch weekend markets, events & hidden spots.

Relaxing

Dimitra

Parlapani

Sep 1, 2025

Teatro alla Scala

Opera & Museum

Step into Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and adore its historic glamour, live performances, backstage stories, and a timeless magic that stays with you forever.

Art & culture