Loggia

South Dakota Progressive is offering a virtual tour of the new governor's mansion and asks the question what is a loggia? 

Like Bill, I have no idea what a loggia is.  In fact, I would be that your average South Dakota doesn't know what a loggia is (much like how the average South Dakota doesn't live in a $3 million mansion).

For my own benefit and the benefit of our readers, I looked up the word loggia.  In this context, I believe the following definition would be most appropriate (courtesty of dictionary.com):   

An open-sided, roofed or vaulted gallery, either free-standing or along the front or side of a building, often at an upper level.

Since they say a picture is worth a thousand words, here is a picture of a loggia courtesy of the old DVT site.