The Piazza Banchi has always been an important meeting place for Genovese merchants. It was originally a salt market before it became the heart of the city’s business and trade. The 16th Century modifications give the Piazza its present day appearance with most of the buildings dating from that era including the Chiesa di S.Pietro in Banchi and the Loggia dei Mercanti o di Banchi which was the site of the former Market exchange. Inside this building there are imposing statues portraying the high achievers of the republic.