
Banco di Napoli has a rich history dating back to 1789, making it one of the oldest banks in Italy.
The bank was founded by King Ferdinand IV of Naples, who wanted to create a financial institution that would support the local economy.
Initially, the bank focused on providing loans to local merchants and artisans, helping to stimulate economic growth in the region.
Banco di Napoli's early success led to its expansion into other areas, including trade and commerce.
The bank's headquarters was located in the historic center of Naples, a testament to its long-standing presence in the city.
Throughout its history, Banco di Napoli has played a significant role in shaping the economic landscape of Italy.
Its legacy continues to inspire new generations of bankers and entrepreneurs.
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History of Banco di Napoli
The Bank of Naples, also known as Banco di Napoli, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over four centuries. Founded in 1539 as Banco della Pietà, it was initially a mount of piety, an institution that provided interest-free loans to those in need.

The bank's origins date back even further, with some scholars tracing its roots to the founding of Casa Santa dell'Annunziata in Naples in 1463. This would make the Bank of Naples the oldest bank in continuous operation until 2018.
After the Unification of Italy, the bank took on its current name, Banco di Napoli, and relocated its headquarters to Via Toledo.
The History of the Bank of Naples
The Bank of Naples, also known as Banco di Napoli, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over four centuries. Founded in 1539 as Banco della Pietà, it was initially a mount of piety that provided interest-free loans.
The bank's origins can be traced back to 1463, when Casa Santa dell'Annunziata was founded in Naples. This would make the Bank of Naples the oldest bank in continuous operation until 2018.
As one of the oldest banks in the world, Banco di Napoli played a significant role in the history of banking. Its headquarters moved several times, including a change from St. Biagio dei Librai to Via Toledo.
The bank's name was changed to Banco di Napoli after the Unification of Italy. Today, we can still learn about its history through an exhibition at the Museo di Napoli - Collezione Bonelli, which features a collection of documents and artifacts that recount the bank's story since 1463.
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Historical Coins

Historical coins are a fascinating part of the Banco di Napoli's history, and the exhibition has an impressive collection of them. The coins date back to the early 1900s, a time when the bank was still in its early stages.
Some of the coins on display are extremely rare and valuable, making them a true treasure for numismatists and historians alike. The exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to see what the bank's coins looked like during that time.
The birth certificate of the Bank of Naples is also on display, providing a tangible connection to the bank's origins. This document is a vital piece of the bank's history, and it's amazing to think about the significance it holds.
The coins and banknotes on display are a testament to the bank's rich history, and they're a must-see for anyone interested in the subject. The attention to detail and care with which they were preserved is truly impressive.
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Bank Structure and Archives

The Banco di Napoli has a rich history that spans over 550 years, with the bank's history being told through an exhibition at the Museo di Napoli - Collezione Bonelli from November 2020 to February 2021.
The exhibition features a collection of documents and artifacts that recount the bank's history since 1463. This collection is the result of over six years of research by Gaetano Bonelli, a journalist and museum creator.
You can find everything from manifestos and posters to checks and bank payment slips on display.
The Pandetta Project
The Pandetta Project is a remarkable effort to digitize and transcribe the customer indices of Neapolitan banks.
Launched by the Fondazione Banco di Napoli in 2018, the project uses the Transkribus software and technology developed by the European Cooperative Society READ.
Sixty pandette have been digitized and transcribed, covering banks active from 1586 to 1599.
This massive undertaking involves over 6,000 pages of customer records, containing about 190,000 transcribed names of ancient customers.
The project's success can be attributed to the use of Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) technologies offered by the READ cooperative.
These technologies enabled the training of transcription models with a Character Error Rating of only 5%.
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World's Largest Bank Archive

The World's Largest Bank Archive is a treasure trove of historical banking records. Located in the United Kingdom, it contains over 500 years of banking history.
The archive is a result of the merger between Barclays and Woolwich Building Society in 2008. This merger brought together two of the oldest and most respected banks in the world.
The archive is home to over 3 million documents, including letters, ledgers, and other historical records. These documents provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of banking over the centuries.
The archive is a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in the history of banking. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to learn more about the evolution of banking.
The archive is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of banking.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banco_di_Napoli
- https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banco_di_Napoli
- https://www.transkribus.org/success-story/the-pandetta-project-fondazione-banco-di-napoli
- https://www.visitnaples.eu/en/neapolitanity/discover-naples/banco-di-napoli-the-exhibition-about-the-oldest-bank-of-the-world
- https://campaniasecrets.com/en/art-style/museo-archivio-storico-banco-di-napoli/
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