Designed by Vignola and began by Carlo da Limito I banchi got its name from the bankers and traders here in the past. It looks like all the other spectacular buildings on this Piazza but it’s a disguise to hide the not so noble buildings behind it. Many people died while scaffolding came down as they climbed it to watch the carnival in 1567.

I Banchi Photos

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About I Banchi

This majestic looking façade on the building known as I Banchi is actually no more than just that an illustrious front to an otherwise group of not so appealing buildings on the east side of Piazza Maggiore. It got its name from the workshops of bankers and money traders located here in the past referred to as the banchi and was originally designed to be consistent with the other spectacular buildings here in Piazza Maggiore.

The design is attributed to Vignola and started by Carlo da Limito who died before it was completed.

Peculiar elements include the porticoes where new columns were added to ancient ones while others were built without destroying the gothic style vaults.

A myriad of huge windows acting as openings to the streets behind often referred to as being shabby also help to maintain this solemn aspect of the square.

Rows of shops are located below on the ground level while offices and private residences make up the rest of the building.

An incident in 1567 marred the development of this project when many people died after scaffolding which collapsed was invaded by spectators vying for a better view of the Carnival in the square.

References

Tiziano Costa, Elisa Panzacchi, Welcome to Bologna, Bologna 2007, p11.