Corte Sgarzarie

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The 4th century Mangano loggia
Corte Sgarzarie
Verona, May 2025

“Corte Sgarzerie is a monumental complex located in the heart of the old town of Verona, at a short distance from Corso Porta Borsari and Piazza delle Erbe, consisting of a square by the same name and a late-medieval loggia. Under the square are located the remnants of the Veronese ‘Capitolium’. It is a place deeply rooted to wool production, as the toponym itself attests – ‘sgarzarie’ is a Veronese form of the word ‘scardasserie’, places dedicated to the carding activity. During the thirteenth century the Veronese wool industry activity increased significantly, to the point that the techniques of production and the production itself became highly sought after in several markets of northern and central Italy. During the principality of Mastino II della Scala, the activity reached even higher levels of production, and several measures were taken to better organize the whole manufacturing effort, concentrated mainly at Corte Sgarzerie. Therefore, it was likely that during his government that the so-called Mangano loggia was built; this was located in the center of the square and still gives its unique characteristics today; this was in fact necessary to give more space to wool workers, as it could measure, weigh and stamp products and gave opportunity to negotiate and haggle.” (Corte Sgarzerie, Wikipedia)