Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of the Reason), Verona

The Palazzo della Ragione stands as an important historical palace in Verona, situated between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. Construction on the Palazzo della Ragione began in 1193. Within three years, significant progress was evident as documents from 1196 refer to a communal palace called "Palacium Communis Veronae." The initial design aimed for a modest and fortified structure with four corner towers: Torre dei Lamberti, a tower at the Chapel or Torrazzo corner between Piazza delle Erbe and Via Cairoli, and the Masseria tower at the intersection of Via Cairoli and Via Dante. There might have been another corner tower at Via Dante and Piazza dei Signori, though no evidence exists.

In 1493, the City Council moved to the Loggia in Piazza dei Signori, renaming the palace to Palazzo della Ragione for its judicial role. By the late 16th century, the building's courtyard became a grain market supervised by Venetian officials. Food scarcity and an epidemic in 1576 led to changes, and the courtyard was named "Mercato Vecchio" (Old Market), distinct from the new grain market in Piazza Bra. The Palazzo's market space stored and sold flour to needy families, possibly with organized small spaces and controlled prices.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Cortile Mercato Vecchio, the city's oldest market courtyard, featuring an exquisite Gothic staircase crafted from pink marble. Furthermore, individuals can enjoy various exhibitions and free concerts held throughout the year.