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
"Chinese Box" is a great place in Milan for people watching and aperitivo. Spend a couple of hours with a drink in hand at the 'terrace' and you'll know...
by
Milan's "Bagni Misteriosi" might seem like too fancy a swimming pool for you, but if you go and if you're like me, you'll want to go again & again...
by
"Circolo Magnolia" is one of Milan's best music entertainment venues. It's home to some of the best music festivals and you can relax under the trees...
by
"Conca dell'Incoronata" is an ancient water basin in Milan, one of its most unique corners. I always fantasize about what might have been here...
by
"10 Corso Como" in Milan is an essential art space with an elegant garden cafe & a sophisticated concept store. It's why it's worth checking open gates!
by
"Bar Picchio" is a down-to-earth, unpretentious tobacco bar in one of my favorite areas in Milan; this low-priced, friendly bar reminds me of the '80s...
by
"Hangar Bicocca" in Milan is an exposition site in an a former industrial hangar. It's the perfect place to see the world from a different perspective...
by
"La Belle Alliance" is my comfort pub in Milan, a true temple for beer lovers. Whenever somebody's visiting me, I simply take them there...
by
"NUN" in Milan is the perfect street food deli to have a quick kebab. It has been serving gourmet wraps in a neat atmosphere since 2013!
by
"Via Lincoln" and the area around it is Milan's very own Notting Hill! Not only that -- there's a little bit of Venice and Liguria in this garden district.
by
"La Gravina" is one of the best pizza restaurants in South Milan. It has Apulian spirit, the best panzerotti & pucce, and you have to try their specialty.
by
185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 185 Insider Tips