The Palazzo della Ragione, the medieval town hall of Padua, was erected 1172 - 1218. The top level was added 1306-1309. Since a renovation after a fire in 1420 this level only consists out of one large rectangular hall, named "salone", its length 81.5m, its breadth 27m, and its height 24m.

The Palazzo della Ragione is is reputed to have the largest roof unsupported by columns in Europe. The wooden vaulting is similar to that of the Hôtel-Dieu in Tonnerre (Burgundy).

The gound level hosts since the early times the covered market of Padua.