Palazzo Della Ragione (Palace of Reason), Bergamo

The Palace of Reason is a historic building located in the city of Bergamo. Dating back to the 12th century, the palace stands between Old Suqare and Cathedral Square, serving as a dividing point between the two squares. Its construction took place between 1182 and 1198, a period when municipal institutions were emerging within the Holy Roman Empire.

Bergamo, in line with these developments, acquired its town hall, making it the oldest town hall in Italy. The Romanesque capitals on the south side of the building also date back to the 12th century, and construction likely took just over twenty years, aligning with the construction of the magnificent Marian basilica.

Throughout its history, the Palace of Reason remained the political center of the city. Even during the later period of the Republic of Venice in the 15th century, it primarily served as a judicial venue, hence its name Palace of Reason. Meanwhile, the rooms for city council assemblies were built on the opposite side of Old Square.

Originally, the main front of the building faced the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. However, in 1462 and 1463, during the rule of the Venetian Republic, the facade was reoriented towards Old Square. The stairway leading to the entrance, which includes a loggia and provides access to the adjacent Palazzo dei Giuristi, was completed in the late summer of 1457.

In 1464, a significant addition was made to the new facade facing New Square. A large bas-relief featuring the Lion of San Marco, gilded on a blue background, was placed in an aedicule, valued by Filaret, likely originating from Milan. This addition further emphasized the influence of the Venetian Republic in Bergamo.