Piazza Mercanti is located in the city center just west of
Piazza del Duomo. It was founded in the XIII century and for a long time was the center of city life. Until the end of the 19th century, the square served as a venue for city fairs. Four picturesque palaces stand on Piazza Mercanti - Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo Giureconsulti, Scuole Palatine and Loggia degli Hosia.