Reaching Genoa from the sea, Piazza Banchi was the main access point to the city and the place of business, home to the banks of money changers and notaries. The current layout of the square, with the unique elevated Church of San Pietro, the Loggia dei Mercanti and the private palaces, dates back to the late 16th century.
The Loggia dei Mercanti was built around 1590 to offer the bankers, who used to operate outdoors here, an eminent seat covered with marble and wide arches. The building was designed by the Ticino architect Andrea Ceresola known as il Vannone, the same architect who designed the new Renaissance layout of Palazzo Ducale. In 1855, it hosted Italy's first Stock Exchange. Inside is a late 16th century fresco by the painter Pietro Sorri depicting the Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints "Giovanni Battista" and "San Giorgio", the city' patron saints. The Loggia has long been enclosed with stained glass windows and it has hosted various events and temporary exhibitions over the past decades. It has now been designated as the site of the future City Museum.