Palazzo della Ragione: Padua’s Grand Hall of Justice and Imagination

#cityplaybook #stunningview Standing proudly in the heart of Padua, the Palazzo della Ragione is a masterpiece of medieval civic architecture. Built in 1218 as a town hall and courthouse, this massive rectangular structure is known for housing one of the largest medieval halls in Europe—the majestic Salone—with no internal supports. Step inside and you’ll be awed by a vast wooden ceiling shaped like an upside-down ship hull, and walls covered in an incredible cycle of 14th-century frescoes illustrating astrology, mythology, and scenes of daily life—each painting a glimpse into the medieval worldview. Below the hall, the ground floor opens into lively market arcades, continuing a centuries-old tradition. The building connects Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, making it not only an artistic treasure but also a vibrant gathering place for locals and travelers alike. More than a monument, the Palazzo della Ragione is a living chapter of Padua’s civic pride and artistic soul. Location: Piazza delle Erbe, Padua, Veneto, Italy #palazzodellaragione #paduaitaly #medievalmasterpiece #italianfrescoes #cityplaybook #historicveneto #salonedipadova