Description of the attraction
The Loggia dei Mercanti (Gallery of the Merchants) is a splendid historic palace in the heart of Ancona, the capital of the Italian Marche region.
The construction of the palace began in 1442 by the architect Giovanni Pace, also known as Sodo, during the economic heyday of Ancona. The building was located near the port, which was the center of commerce in the commercial republic during the Middle Ages. It was here that all important meetings of merchants and traders took place. In 1558-1561, after a severe fire (caused by fireworks during the carnival), the palace was restored - the work was supervised by Pellegrino Tibaldi, who himself painted the central hall of the Loggia with frescoes. Also, the building received serious damage during air raids on the city during the Second World War, and was restored only at the end of the 20th century. Today only important conferences and conventions are held here.
The current Venetian Gothic façade of the Loggia dei Mercanti was designed by the Dalmatian master Giorgio da Sebenico, who worked on it from 1451 to 1459. The façade is divided into three vertical sections by means of four columns. Each column is crowned with pinnacles - decorative pointed turrets with statues of Hope, Courage, Justice and Mercy. The two side sections are also decorated with large pointed windows with stained-glass windows. Above are double false vaulted windows, and in the center is a statue of a horseman from the coat of arms of Ancona.
