Feb 1, 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 :)

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Piazza dei Mercanti 1

no-price

243353535

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - 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

Frizzi-Lazzi

Frizzi & Lazzi – Your favorite beer garden ever

"Frizzi & Lazzi" is one of my old-time favorite beer gardens in Milan. It's an unassuming, easy-going place that has become a point of reference since '82.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Susanna

Baggio

Feb 4, 2025
Ofele

Ofelé – My go-to place for Sunday brunch

"Ofelé" in Milan is a bistrot bakery that makes some of the best (Sunday) brunches around. It's simply one of my favorite pancake spots in town...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Carmen

Condeescu

Feb 4, 2025
DOU

DOU – Dim Sum paradise

"DOU" was the first (Asian) restauarant I bumped into in Milan, and it remains one of my favorites in the city. What I like is the selection of cuisines...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Terrazza-12-Bar

Terrazza 12 Bar – Back to the '50s

"Terrazza 12 Bar" is reminiscent of Tokyo, in that sometimes you have to look up to find the gems. So in Milan - it's on the top floor of Bryan & Barry...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Living-Liqueurs-Delights

Living Liqueurs & Delights – Fashion and aperitivo

"Living Liqueurs & Delights": one of my favorite aperitivo spots in Milan and its first real vodka bar. It has a beautiful bar ambiance & a nice lounge...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Straf-Bar

Straf Bar – Unexpectedly cool

"Straf Bar" Milan is a peculiar place - even though it's next to Duomo, it's one of the coolest spots in town. Protip: grab one of the "benches" outside...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Wasabi-Bar

Wasabi Bar – Williamsburg in Milan

"Wasabi Bar" is one of the greatest bars in Milan. Why? Because it's great! It's actually tiny, but don't be misled: the drink selection & design are...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Via-Solferino

Via Solferino – Independent shopping

"Via Solferino" is a central Milan street, yet far away from the crowds. I go there to just look around the shop and I'm sure I can always find I...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Al-Fresco

Al Fresco – A meeting place with food and dining

"Al Fresco" is my Milan cafe/restaurant I'd never visited because it was just next door to my place! Let me tell you, that was a mistake, if only for...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Scalo-Farini

Scalo Farini – Great aperitivo

"Scalo Farini" in Milan is a bar recommended to me by an Isola local as the best aperitivo in town. I can say that I haven't tried any better than this.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Frida

Frida – Chilling in alternative & hip Isola

"Frida" Milan is one of the places that for me defines the spirit of Isola. It's a great bar with affordable drinks, a great terrace and cool people...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025
Camporino-in-Galleria

Camporino in Galleria – To the roots of Campari

"Camporino in Galleria" in Milan is where the drink Campari was born. Every time I grab a drink at the bar, I feel as if I stepped into the old city...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Ivan

Kalinov

Feb 2, 2025

Just €9.99!

Heading to Milan?

185 Insider Tips from Locals

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to Milan?

185 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan