Via San Luca starts on the left side of Piazza Banchi (from Piazza Caricamento). This alley is typical of the historic center of Genoa, parallel to the nearby sea, a few steps from the Aquarium, the Old Port, the Sea Museum, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo... Today numerous businesses cross this alley, making it the city's shopping destination. The street is surrounded by palaces, medieval gates and 16th century gates and was home to some of the city's nobles, including Spinola and Grimaldi. Wandering with a little caution among the shops, it is easy to spot traces of ancient porticoes that opened at street level. About halfway up the street is a small church of the same name (the name comes from the street). Founded in 1188 by Oberto Spinola, it was rebuilt in the 17th century in the typical Baroque style. A few meters from the building where IL NIDO IN SAN LUCA is located, in Piazza Banchi (it is precisely there that the banks were born), you can find the beautiful little church of San Pietro in Banchi, with a more unique than rare peculiarity: it is built of commercial activities. The area is full of museum and tourist attractions.