Loggia della Mercanzia, Renaissance trading building in Piazza Banchi, Genoa, Italy.
The Loggia della Mercanzia is a Renaissance building in Piazza Banchi featuring a large vaulted ceiling supported by twin Doric columns and distinctive arches. The interior displays open arcade structures with minimal internal walls.
The building was constructed between 1589 and 1595 by architect Andrea Ceresola and served as Genoa's Stock Exchange from 1855 onward for several decades. Its origins reflect the commercial importance of the city during the Renaissance period.
The rear wall displays a preserved fresco by Pietro Sorri depicting Madonna with Child and Saints John the Baptist and George.
The building is currently closed to visitors as it undergoes renovation to become the Museum of the History of the City of Genoa. Check in advance about the reopening date before planning a visit.
Excavations in 2021 uncovered medieval remains beneath the structure, including currency exchange counters from the Usodimare family. These discoveries reveal that financial activities took place on this site long before the Renaissance building was constructed.
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