Palazzo della Mercanzia in Bologna Italy
On the side of the Two Towers you can find the Piazza della Mercanzia in Bologna. The square is a very asymmetrical and busy space dominated by the Palazzo della Mercanzia a splendid example of Gothic Architecture. It was erected in 1391 in the Roman era was the merchant forum at the crossroads between the ancient Via Emilia and Via Salaria which led to Rimini and Ravenna. The project was entrusted to the famous architect of San Petronio and Palazzo Re Enzo, Antonio di Vincenzo. Seat of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Crafts, Palazzo della Mercanzia has been regulating Bologna's commercial and trading activities since the late 14th century. Here the council established the Merchant Tribunal which among other tasks judged commercial cases. At the centre of the façade there is a small marble balcony surmounted by an elegant steeple. Local tradition dictates that the sentences of the merchant's court would be read upon the sounding of the "Lucardina" bell. Those found guilty of bankruptcy would be chained to a stake in front of a central pillar of the loggia and subjected to public ridicule. After the Napoleonic decree in 1811 the Chamber of Commerce was housed in the palace and is still located there.
Size: 5160px × 3440px
Location: Piazza della Mercanzia, Bologna, Italy
Photo credit: © Burton Zaro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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