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Medieval buildings unearthed beneath future Museo della Città in Genoa

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

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

Sources