Logge dei Mercanti in Monte San Savino

Opposite Palazzo Di Monte - the seat of the municipality of Monte San Savino - of which they constitute a sort of natural complement, the Logge dei Mercanti (Merchants’ Loggias) date from the mid-1500s, the work of Nanni di Baccio Bigio, sculptor and architect also mentioned by Vasari. 
Open on three sides, they also include the three-floor building to which they are attached.
The construction of the Loggias was most likely undertaken when, in 1550, Pope Julius III gave his brother Baldovino, Count of Monte San Savino, the necessary funds for the work.
Count Fabiano, son of Baldovino and Lord of the Mount since 1556, completed the construction by spending 700 scudi to have the main facade walled in on the columns, have the cornice built and complete the whole project. 
The Loggias were used in later centuries as a covered market. 
The Loggia has five round arches - supported by four elegant, fluted columns with Corinthian style capitals - sustained by single or paired pilaster strips.
The pendentives above the columns are adorned with symbols of the coats of arms of Monte - three mountains incorporated in a wreath - in bas-relief.
The covered part of the barrel-vaulted portico is embellished with architectural elements, such as a stone cornice, portals and blind arches, oval and round windows; at the back are three access portals: the central one leads via two side spiral staircases (or a central staircase) to the upper floor into three rooms now used as exhibition halls.