Piazza Mercanti
Piazza Mercanti
4
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The area
Neighbourhood: Centro Storico
The pulsating core of Milan is in Centro. Duomo Square is enclosed by the gothic cathedral, the historic icon of Milan. However, shopping is what draws most crowds to this area. The classy and versatile Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with luxury boutiques and high quality restaurants will turn any shopping or lunch expedition into a royal experience. Head to the rooftop of the flagship La Rinascente to enjoy the view of the animated square with a panorama of the Duomo. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the street for high-end shopping. Brands of all kinds and street artists attract the attention of all visitors; while at Via Santa Radegonda 16, Luini Panzerotti is a much appreciated street food shop providing unimaginable culinary experiences. If shopping takes its toll on you, consider visiting Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. Those looking to relax can go to Parco Sempione, where nature provides respite from the energy of this dynamic and international city.
How to get there
- Duomo • 2 min walk
- Cordusio • 3 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
7,732 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,111 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
507 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
223
Average
74
Poor
20
Terrible
5
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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fi_decorso
Milan, Italy69,686 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
I crossed the square this morning, heading to Via Tommaso Grossi. I knew that evening film screenings take place here at this time, but honestly seeing the only free space in the square occupied by a screen with so many chairs lined up did not arouse enthusiasm. I understand the intent to make some corners of the city more alive and usable, but the ancient Piazza Mercanti is something else entirely and does not seem to me a suitable place for this type of event, moreover prolonged.
We look forward to effective measures for a genuine enhancement of the place.
We look forward to effective measures for a genuine enhancement of the place.
Automatically translated
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PATO-BETO
San Martin, Argentina20,299 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It is one of the most beautiful squares in Milan. It is located in the central area, very close to the Cathedral and all its attractions. It was created in the middle of the 13th century. Surrounded by palaces and medieval buildings. It is worth walking through this place and discovering part of the city's history.
Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fabrylamas
Province of Turin, Italy3,701 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This square is one of the most beautiful and famous squares in Italy and has a symbolic value for the city of Milan because the city center grew around this square.
Always a symbol of meetings and trade, it represented a natural center of exchange in ancient times.
Center of life in medieval Milan where you can admire important architectural testimonies such as the Torre di Napo, the Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, the Palazzo della Ragione, the house of the Panigarola family and the Loggia degli Osii.
Walking through this square it is really difficult not to experience the emotions that characterized it when it was the center of the daily life of the Milanese. It was also the place where justice gave shape to sentences. From one of the various windows of the Palazzo della Ragione hung the rope for the condemned and according to legend it is said that there was the stone of the bankrupt placed where the well is today.
A hidden jewel and a few steps from the famous Piazza del Duomo.
Always a symbol of meetings and trade, it represented a natural center of exchange in ancient times.
Center of life in medieval Milan where you can admire important architectural testimonies such as the Torre di Napo, the Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, the Palazzo della Ragione, the house of the Panigarola family and the Loggia degli Osii.
Walking through this square it is really difficult not to experience the emotions that characterized it when it was the center of the daily life of the Milanese. It was also the place where justice gave shape to sentences. From one of the various windows of the Palazzo della Ragione hung the rope for the condemned and according to legend it is said that there was the stone of the bankrupt placed where the well is today.
A hidden jewel and a few steps from the famous Piazza del Duomo.
Written 15 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fi_decorso
Milan, Italy69,686 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
In these last few weeks, between cultural events and civil demonstrations, I have been here almost daily, noting each time how beautiful and attractive this medieval square could be, and how neglected and sloppy it appears, the object as it is of inconsiderate and often uncivilized use. by citizens and businesses.
In fact, the historical-artistic value and prestige of its ancient buildings do not correspond, on the part of many and at all levels, to behavior marked by sensitivity and due respect.
For descriptive notes and more photos see my many previous reviews.
(*accessed 17 May 2024*)
In fact, the historical-artistic value and prestige of its ancient buildings do not correspond, on the part of many and at all levels, to behavior marked by sensitivity and due respect.
For descriptive notes and more photos see my many previous reviews.
(*accessed 17 May 2024*)
Written 21 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,829 contributions
June 2024 • Friends
We found the old buildings interesting, however, the piazza itself lacked the buzz like Piazza del Duomo nearby. It made a very brief stop to look around. Maybe we missed the dinner crowd, it would make a lovely dining al fresco if they had some small bistros or cafes here.
Written 8 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PPCI-BG
Bergamo, Italy124,479 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
While walking in the center during the holidays, I came across Piazza Mercanti. A place that I really like for its medieval air that is not easy to find elsewhere in Milan. Now that it has been restored it is even better and with the occasion of Christmas, there was also a Christmas tree. Sponsored like others in the city but with a sober elegance.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,766 contributions
Oct 2019
The Piazza Mercanti is a public square in the city centre of Milan between Piazza del Duomo (where Duomo is) and Piazza Cordusio (a big intersection with lots of shops). The main reason to come here is to see some buildings that have stood since medieval times, the Loggia degli Osii, Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine the Palazzo della Ragione and the Palazzo dei Notai. Although as far as I could tell, the buildings were not publicly accessible, except for ones with shops on the ground floor.
I would say the square is worth a quick look if you have time, though not a must see, and compares unfavourably with the aforementioned nearby squares.
I would say the square is worth a quick look if you have time, though not a must see, and compares unfavourably with the aforementioned nearby squares.
Written 3 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
notjustshoes
Milan39 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
So often missed because of its overwhelming neighbour and the fact that it is hidden behind steps and surrounded by shops (unfortunately the exit of McDonalds in Piazza Duomo leads right on to this square!), this beautiful little piazza, near to the Duomo, should be on everyone's list of things to see during any visit to Milan. There are probably even many inhabitants who have not given it a second glance. This is one of Milan's oldest squares and maintains in some part the beauty of times gone by, in this ever changing cosmopolitan City. Be sure to tilt your head up to the sky and look at the facades of these beautiful buildings. After all these years in Milan, it's still always a pleasure to pop in and savour the beauty of this very, very special piazza.
Written 10 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex B
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
It's Milan - so of course it's completely captivating - historic architecture abounds and it's close to food & fashion.
Piazza Mercanti is as divine as others review.
It's also cool on a hot day.
The central well stands out in the grandeur. It's purpose, other than a water source, was a public platform. From here cheating business people were required to declare their shameful wrong doings. This was a marketplace of finance, law and other business specialists. Such a confession meant loss of reputation and the follow-on consequences disastrous. (remember the italian concept of la bella figura and marketing based on word of mouth.) To complete this public humiliation, the confessor had to pull down his trousers and reveal his genitals.
Can you hear the vilification of listening merchants/possibly clients?
Standing in there - the columns, the facades, the quiet,the elegance and grace - it's a bit special.
Piazza Mercanti is as divine as others review.
It's also cool on a hot day.
The central well stands out in the grandeur. It's purpose, other than a water source, was a public platform. From here cheating business people were required to declare their shameful wrong doings. This was a marketplace of finance, law and other business specialists. Such a confession meant loss of reputation and the follow-on consequences disastrous. (remember the italian concept of la bella figura and marketing based on word of mouth.) To complete this public humiliation, the confessor had to pull down his trousers and reveal his genitals.
Can you hear the vilification of listening merchants/possibly clients?
Standing in there - the columns, the facades, the quiet,the elegance and grace - it's a bit special.
Written 4 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plouton K
Ios, Greece59 contributions
Feb 2020 • Business
Very close to Duomo square. I can’t say it’s a must see but it worth it if you have the time. You will be walking around anyway to explore this historical center.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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