Loggia dei Merciai
An elegant late Gothic portico in Ferrara, featuring unique 15th-century columns and capitals, adjacent to a historic market square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Loggia dei Merciai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant late Gothic portico in Ferrara, featuring unique 15th-century columns and capitals, adjacent to a historic market square.
"The Loggia dei Merciai is an elegant, late Gothic portico with slender, unique 15th-century columns."
📸 Capture the Details
Admire the unique capitals on each column; they're all different! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Wander the Square
Piazza Trento e Trieste is a hub of activity, perfect for people-watching. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Elegant Portico
South wall of the Cathedral of St. George
A picturesque late Gothic portico with unique 15th-century columns and varied capitals.
Historic Market Square
Piazza Trento e Trieste
This vibrant square, once a market, now hosts shops and offers a glimpse into Ferrara's past.
Artisanal Shops
Beneath the Loggia
Discover a mix of fashion boutiques and local craft shops nestled within the historic arches.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Loggia
Explore Beyond the Arches
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Admire the unique capitals on each column; they're all different! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Wander the Square
Piazza Trento e Trieste is a hub of activity, perfect for people-watching. :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ Browse the Shops
Explore the boutiques and artisanal stores tucked under the arches for unique finds. :shopping_bags:
🏛️ Admire the Cathedral
The Loggia is adjacent to the stunning Cathedral of St. George. Don't miss it! :church:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Admire the unique capitals on each column; they're all different! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Wander the Square
Piazza Trento e Trieste is a hub of activity, perfect for people-watching. :athletic_shoe:
🛍️ Browse the Shops
Explore the boutiques and artisanal stores tucked under the arches for unique finds. :shopping_bags:
🏛️ Admire the Cathedral
The Loggia is adjacent to the stunning Cathedral of St. George. Don't miss it! :church:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Loggia dei Merciai to be a picturesque and historically significant architectural feature in Ferrara. Its unique columns and capitals are frequently praised, and its location in the vibrant Piazza Trento e Trieste adds to its charm. While some note that the shops beneath have modernized, the overall impression is one of historical beauty and a worthwhile stop.
"Nice to visit"
FOTIOS FOTAKIDIS
"The presence of a portico on the southern side of the cathedral, overlooking the market square, now Trento and Trieste, is documented in the Statutes of the Municipality of Ferrara since 1287. Even before 1330, the haberdashers were stationed along the side of the cathedral with their wooden shops, which were destroyed by fire in 1332 and promptly rebuilt. In January 1468, the Strazzaroli asked the Municipality for permission to build, at their own expense, a portico in front of their shops. Having obtained permission, the new shops, and the portico in front of them, were completed in 1473.
That the Strazzaroli building was considered public property, together with the entire cathedral complex, is evidenced by the fact that, in 1518, it was the Ducal Chamber that paid for the work carried out to resolve the problems of water infiltration between the wall of the haberdashers and the bell tower. In the 18th century the structure was rebuilt with a wooden architrave and the complex took on its current appearance. The Strazzaroli loggia appears today as a picturesque building with a late Gothic appearance, thanks to the reuse of the 15th century columns, with late Gothic capitals with angular volutes, all different from each other."
Diamante Pazzo
"Another place worth seeing, a wonderful square plus plenty of other tourist attractions, really worth it and a large selection, meaning something interesting for everyone."
karol galuba
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Loggia dei Merciai is located in Piazza Trento e Trieste, a central area in Ferrara. It's easily accessible on foot from other major attractions like Castello Estense. If arriving by car, look for parking garages on the outskirts of the historic center. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops near the piazza.
Yes, the Loggia dei Merciai is situated in the heart of Ferrara's historic center, along the south wall of the Cathedral of St. George in Piazza Trento e Trieste.
Walking is the best way to explore Ferrara's historic center, including the Loggia dei Merciai. Many attractions are close to each other, and cycling is also very popular.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Loggia dei Merciai itself is an open-air portico and does not require a ticket to visit. You can freely walk through and admire its architecture.
The shops located beneath the Loggia dei Merciai generally follow standard retail hours, typically opening in the morning and closing in the early evening. Hours can vary, so it's best to check individual shop times if you have specific ones in mind.
Piazza Trento e Trieste is a public square and is free to enter. You can enjoy the atmosphere and views of the surrounding buildings without any charge.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are looking up at the unique capitals of the 15th-century columns and capturing the interplay of light and shadow under the arches. The adjacent Piazza Trento e Trieste also offers great perspectives.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in public areas like the Loggia dei Merciai and Piazza Trento e Trieste. Be mindful of shop interiors if you choose to photograph inside them.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful light that enhances the textures and colors of the architecture. Weekday mornings offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Historically a trading post for fabrics, today the shops under the Loggia range from fashion brands to local artisanal services.
Yes, Piazza Trento e Trieste and the surrounding streets offer numerous dining options, from traditional trattorias to cafes. For a historic dining experience, consider Al Brindisi, noted as one of the oldest taverns in the world. +1
You can find local crafts and souvenirs in some of the artisanal shops located directly under the Loggia or in the nearby streets of Ferrara's historic center.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Significance of the Loggia
The Loggia's construction was a response to the need for covered market spaces, especially after a fire destroyed earlier wooden shops. The reuse of 15th-century columns in its current form contributes to its picturesque appearance. The structure's integration with the south wall of the Cathedral of St. George in Piazza Trento e Trieste creates a visually dynamic and historically rich urban landscape. The presence of the portico has, over time, obscured original inscriptions from 1173, though fragments can still be found within some of the shops.
Today, the Loggia dei Merciai continues to serve as a commercial space, housing a mix of modern fashion boutiques and local artisanal services. This continuity underscores its enduring role in the city's commercial and social life. Visitors can appreciate not only the historical architecture but also the vibrant atmosphere of the shops that have occupied this space for centuries. The Loggia stands as a testament to Ferrara's ability to blend its rich past with its present.
Piazza Trento e Trieste: A Historic Hub
The square's evolution reflects Ferrara's history. From its origins as a market, it has transformed into a central gathering point for locals and a key destination for tourists. The open expanse of the piazza, bordered by arcades and historic facades, provides a perfect setting for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying the city's ambiance. It's a place where the past and present of Ferrara converge, offering a tangible connection to centuries of history.
During festivals or local events, Piazza Trento e Trieste truly comes alive, showcasing the vibrant spirit of Ferrara. Even on a regular day, the square offers a captivating glimpse into Italian urban life, with cafes spilling onto the pavement and the sounds of the city echoing around the historic architecture. It's an essential stop for anyone visiting Ferrara, providing context and beauty to the surrounding attractions like the Loggia dei Merciai.
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