In the Via Argentieri alley in the old town of Bolzano there is the historic Mercantile Magistrate. Claudia de' Medici, Archduchess consort of Austria and Regent of the Austrian County of Tyrol, conferred this privilege of a Commercial Court to Bolzano in 1635 AD, so that differences between merchants from different cities could immediately been settled. In those days, Bolzano used to be a commercial town of international importance. Merchants from the most important trade centres such as Augsburg and Venice already then met on the Fairs of Bolzano.

The building itself was realised by the architects Giovanni and Giuseppe Delai, according to the plans of Francesco Perotti from Verona from 1708 to 1727. It represents the only Renaissance building of Bolzano. When the magistrate was closed down, this building hosted the Chamber of Commerce for a long period of time. Today the Mercantile Museum - "Merkantilmuseum" in German, "Museo Mercantile" in Italian - illustrates the history of Bolzano as a trade city.

Highly impressive from outside are the broad stairs and the portal. Inside you can admire precious chattels such as the furnishings of the master carpenter Anton Katzler, pieces of art by Tyrolean Baroque painters as well as original documents. Also worth seeing are the pompous halls such as the Hall of Honour, in which once upon a time the assizes were held. As of late, you can also have a look into the Mediaeval cellar. And how to reach the Bolzano Mercantile Museum? It can be found in the Via Argentieri (Silver Alley), right in front of the Arcades of Bolzano and behind the Piazza Walther square. There, you'll find a parking garage as well as a bus stop.