Palazzo della Ragione

Walking straight in front of the dome, you will reach Piazza delle Erbe, part of an ancient trade area. Piazza delle Erbe is separated from the close Piazza della Frutta, by Palazzo della Ragione – erected during the thirteenth-century as court house and subsequently enlarged with an external loggia. In 1420, a disastrous fire destroyed the Giotto's frescoes once preserved in the piano nobile.

Entering via an external staircase and loggia, you find yourself in a lofty dark space. Once your eyes have accustomed themselves to the gloom, fantastical frescoed details begin to appear on the walls.

Nowadays that area shows one of the largest cycle of frescoes (1430) with astrological themes.