Prepare yourself to experience an unusual tour of Genoa's banks starting from Palazzo San Giorgio. This historical building was built in the 13th century as the first Government Palace of the city. Although few people know it, Banco di San Giorgio has made school all over the world: the issuance of bonds, the double match, the compound interest have been invented here.
The visit continues with the area of the Old Port, redesigned by Renzo Piano in 1992 on the occasion of the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. Through a maze of "caruggi" in the historic center you arrive in Piazza Banchi, the ancient seat of the grain market that was renamed Piazza Dei Banchi in the 13th century for the presence of moneychangers' desks under the arcades of the buildings. In Piazza Banchi there is also the Loggia dei Mercanti, the first stock exchange dating back to the late 16th century.
Nearby you will visit a typical small shop where there will be a delicious tasting of local first courses (trofie with pesto sauce and pansoti pasta in walnut sauce). You'll then visit Piazza San Matteo and stop at Palazzo Doria and finally reach the heart of the city center, Piazza de Ferrari, where the beautiful Liberty-style building of the New Stock Exchange is located.
