Piazza dei Mercanti
Once a thriving market square thanks to its proximity to the ancient port Ripa Grande sul Tevere, Piazza dei Mercanti is now a quiet little square nestled between the old Apostolic Hospice of San Michele and the Basilica di Santa Cecilia. Piazza dei Mercanti was the first stop for boats that docked at Ripa Grande, with goods being brought to the bustling square to be traded or transferred to smaller river boats pulled by oxen meant for travel up the river. Captains, sailors, and merchants would alight from their ships to enjoy the city as a stopover or conduct their business in the square.
Today, only bits and pieces remain from the square’s vibrant past, most notably the well-preserved 13th-century house at the corner with Piazza di Santa Cecilia. While this house is rumored to have been the home of the 16th-century condottiere, Ettore Fieramosca, it is also a perfect example of a well-preserved medieval tower house, complete with an authentic turret.
Piazza dei Mercanti’s importance began to wane in the 18th century. Many of the smaller buildings and churches that formed part of the square disappeared with the construction of the San Michele Hospice. In the following century, the walls along the Tiber River were built to prevent further flooding, and the Ripa Grande port was moved.
The birds over Piazza dei Mercanti, on a lovely, bright spring day.