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 :)
Piazza dei Mercanti 1
€
no-price
243353535
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
One of the most interesting in the city, founded in 1576, it has the same structure as some Roman-Greek circular temples, "tholos" in ancient Greek.
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Villa Invernizzi is an impressive Milan mansion with its own covey of pink flamingos. They spend their quiet lives in the garden, used to the attention.
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These fountains, both historic and functional, are reminders of Milan’s longstanding connection with mineral water—an overlooked aspect of the city’s past.
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Casa 770 striking facade was built to bring a piece of Brooklyn’s spirit to Milan, it’s the only one in Europe, and now it serves as a cultural hub.
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Locals say via Bagnera is haunted, with the wind carrying whispers of a gruesome legacy. Pause and imagine Milan’s hidden history in this quiet corner.
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Backdoor43 in Milan is life experienced through a whiskey glass. This is the smallest bar in the world. 3 people maximum for each session, booked in advance.
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"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.
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185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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