Piazza delle Erbe once called also Piazza delle Blade or Piazza del Vino is one of the many squares in the historic center of Padua. For centuries, with Piazza delle Frutta, it was the commercial center of the city. In the two squares is one of the largest markets in Italy. Unlike Piazza dei Signori, the civic theater of celebrations, Piazza delle Erbe was the site of the folk festivities. The square is dominated by the imposing Palazzo della Ragione, the Town Hall.The square was the scene of executions since the Middle Ages, with Piazza Castello. It has been called 'Justice Square' and a statue of Justice with sword and scales is placed above the Tower of Elders. The stage for the executions was under the windows of the Palazzo del Podesta. Here were also lodges the Palace of Reason and the scale of Feri – or Justice. There is a second statue of Justice here. To assist the condemned were the Brothers of the School of St. John of death.