Palazzo San Giorgio

Palazzo San Giorgio is one of the most emblematic historical buildings in Genoa. Built in the 13th century, it was first the seat of the city government and then of the Banco di San Giorgio, one of the oldest financial institutions in Europe. With its imposing decorated façade and its history linked to trade and finance, the palace represents a symbol of the economic and political power of the Republic of Genoa. Today it houses the Port Authority, continuing its link with the sea and trade.

Genoa lacked a public building until 1257, when the Captain of the People Guglielmo Boccanegra decided to build one at Ripa Maris, the economic center of the time. The Antelami Magistri arrived from Lombardy, under the guidance of the friar Oliviero, built the building as a pier jutting out towards the waves, but the palace was the seat of the Municipality for only 2 years, until, in 1262, Boccanegra was deposed and exiled. In the 15th century, the palace passed to the Banco di S. Giorgio, a very powerful credit institution that managed the public debt of the Republic and administered the duties and overseas colonies. Today it is the seat of the port authority and can be partially visited.

The pirate ship, which served as a backdrop for a film, is worth seeing.
As is the artistically painted facade of the Palazzo di San Giorgio opposite.