Medieval buildings unearthed beneath future Museo della Città in Genoa
At Loggia dei Banchi in Genoa, excavations for the Museo della Città have uncovered a significant archaeological site dating back to the late medieval era. This includes a residential structure and vaulted storage areas, likely associated with the Usodimare family, who were influential in the 12th century. This discovery follows the identification of a brick-vaulted cistern from 1595 in April 2021. Manuela Salvitti, the superintendent, emphasized that these findings reinforce Genoa's reputation as a city with deep historical layers. The museum initiative, crafted by Migliore+Servetto Architects and Go-Up Architects, entails a €2.7 million investment and will feature a multimedia exhibit detailing Genoa's history, complemented by a grand staircase leading to two museum pathways focused on history and the region's future.
Key facts
- Medieval buildings discovered beneath the future Museo della Città in Genoa.
- Site is the Loggia dei Banchi, also known as Loggia della Mercanzia.
- Remains include a residential building with bugnato stone loggia and vaulted warehouses.
- Structures likely belonged to the Usodimare family, 12th-century merchants and navigators.
- Previous excavation in April 2021 found a large brick-vaulted cistern from 1595.
- The area was a commercial and social hub connecting San Luca, Soziglia, San Lorenzo, and the sea.
- Superintendent Manuela Salvitti commented on the significance of the finds.
- Museum project by Migliore+Servetto Architects and Go-Up Architects costs €2.7 million.
Entities
Institutions
- Museo della Città di Genova
- Loggia dei Banchi
- Loggia della Mercanzia
- Usodimare
- Soprintendente Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la città metropolitana di Genova e la provincia di La Spezia
- Comune di Genova
- Migliore+Servetto Architects
- Go-Up Architects
- Artribune
- Musei di Genova
Locations
- Genoa
- Italy
- San Luca
- Soziglia
- San Lorenzo
- Milan
- La Spezia