Piazza Banchi: the historical and mercantile heart of Genoa.
Located in the heart of the historical center of Genoa, Piazza Banchi is a place rich in history and charm. This square, paved in Luserna stone, is located at the intersection of some of the oldest streets in the city, such as Via Ponte Reale, Via San Luca, Via San Pietro della Porta and Via Banchi.
Since the 12th century, Piazza Banchi has had a mercantile vocation. Initially the site of the ancient grain market, the square soon became the financial heart of the city, hosting bankers and money changers under the porticoes of the surrounding buildings. The Loggia dei Mercanti, built in the 16th century, is a significant example of the architecture of the time and served as a covered place for commercial activities.
One of the most characteristic elements of Piazza Banchi is the Church of San Pietro in Banchi. Built in the 16th century thanks to the proceeds from the sale of the commercial spaces underneath, the church represents a curious example of the combination of the sacred and the profane. Its elevated position above the street level and its decorations give the square a unique and evocative atmosphere.
Today, Piazza Banchi continues to be a point of reference for residents and tourists. The square surprises visitors with its unexpected spatiality and the play of perspectives created by the decorated facades of the buildings that surround it. Although some of the original decorations have been lost over time, the square maintains its historical charm and its importance as a meeting and exchange place.
Piazza Banchi is a symbol of the mercantile history of Genoa and a place that deserves to be visited to fully appreciate the cultural and architectural richness of the city. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, a walk through Piazza Banchi will offer you a journey through time and an unforgettable experience.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Where is the square located:

The Loggia della Mercanzia (also known as the Loggia di Banchi or Loggia dei Mercanti) is one of the most representative buildings in the historic center of Genoa. It is located in this square, on the corner with Via San Luca, in the ancient sestiere della Maddalena, not far from the church of San Pietro in Banchi, in the commercial heart of the old city.
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Banchi Square: the historical and commercial heart of Genoa – La place Banchi : le cœur historique et marchand de Gênes – La plaza Banchi: el corazón histórico y mercantil de Génova – A praça chamada Banchi: o coração histórico e mercantil de Génova – Der Banchi Platz: das historische und kaufmännische Herz von Genua – Quảng trường Banchi: trung tâm lịch sử và thương mại của Genoa

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.visitgenoa.it/en/node/21994