Like many streets in the historic centre of Rome, Via dei Banchi Vecchi was named after the activities that historically were carried out there.
The “banchi”, open-air in many cases, were the spaces where the bankers practiced and where the notaries, for convenience, established themselves near Palazzo Sforza Cesarini, head office of the Zecca Pontificia (Papal Mint) and the Cancelleria (Apostolic Chancery) before the construction of the palazzo bearing the same name.
But “banchi” also were what the Romans today would call “bancarelle” (stalls) where merchandise of every kind was sold to the many pilgrims passing through that area, going to San Pietro in Vatican.
The name “banchi vecchi” and “banchi nuovi” are simply linked to the chronological date of the relocation of the functions of the Mint and of the Chancery from one place to another.
On this street the Church of Santa Lucia al Gonfalone is of considerable interest. It was built in the beginning of the 16th century and entrusted to the care of the Archconfraternity of Gonfalone, the oldest one in the capital, and the small and elegant palazzo of the banker from Milan, Pietro Crivelli, precisely Palazzo Crivelli.
With the relocation of the Mint, in the 16th century, the place name also changed and Via dei Banchi Nuovi was born, not far away. The banks’ activities were mainly carried out by the Florentines and the Sienese.
Today, Via dei Banchi Vecchi and Via dei Banchi Nuovi are very pleasant streets in the historic centre of Rome, where one can go for a walk, drink an aperitif or have dinner in one of the many restaurants that line the street.