The famous St. Giorgio’s Palace in the Old Town of Genoa, located in the eastern part of the Caricamento square a few steps from Porto Antico (Ancient Port) and San Lorenzo Cathedral, was built by architect-monk Oliviero in 1260 following the desire of Guglielmo Boccanegra, Captain of the People, so as to provide the Comune with its own headquarters.
It was initially called Palazzo del Mare, but its name was changed to S.Giorgio when Banco di S.Giorgio moved there. This bank, one of the symbol of Republic of Genoa’s power, managed public debt and port incomes, as well as becoming the forerunner of all modern bank systems.
