Loggia

A loggia is a gallery or room with one or more open sides that projects from the facade of a building and is typically covered by a roof, supported by columns or arches. Unlike a balcony, which is a platform projecting from an interior wall and usually enclosed by a railing, a loggia is integrated into the exterior envelope and often features an arcade or colonnade.

Architectural forms of a loggia range from long, open-air corridors that run along a building to recessed rooms with exterior arches. Logs may be part of the building’s exterior facade or form a transition space between interior rooms and outdoor areas. Keys to its identity are the roof, the open sides, and the structural support provided by columns or arches.

Historically, loggias are especially associated with Italian architecture, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. They provided sheltered social space, circulation routes, and venues for display and reception in palaces, churches, and civic buildings, while allowing light and air to enter.

Variations and related terms include arcade, portico, and veranda, though regional usage differs. A loggia is distinguished by being open to the exterior on one or more sides and typically integrated into the building’s façade rather than projecting as a standalone balcony.

Today, loggias are valued as architectural and cultural heritage features. They continue to serve as functional walkways and social spaces in historic structures and can be preserved as prominent decorative elements in modern adaptations.