The Bank of Italy building in San Francisco, California is one of those early grand structures in a modern city that spells anachronism-- but in a good way. Completed in 1918, the building is eight-story high made of steel and concrete, with its four sides decorated with terra cotta and brick. The building is awe-inspiring not just because of its beautiful facade but more so because of the history it holds.

One could say that America would not be America without Amadeo Peter Giannini. The son of two immigrants had a big heart for immigrants whom he offered and save accounts loans to when every other banker closed their doors. The Bank of Italy building that still stand up to the present day serve as a living testimony to Giannini's kindness and greatness as ?America's banker.? When a great earthquake shook San Francisco in 1906, he helped the city rise and become great again. He would eventually form the Bank of America, now one of the largest banks in America.