at the former silk exchange the columns resemble ....

[superlearning]

Hi everyone. Could you help me to understand the context below, again?

In medieval times, Valencia was an independent kingdom, and the buildings in the old town reflect its wealthy mercantile past. The regional government offices, for example, have rooms with golden ceilings, while at the former silk exchange the columns in the main hall resemble palm trees.

Could it be: "while at the former (government offices), silk (curtains?) change the columns (appearance) in the main hall (and they, the columns), resemble palm trees."...?

Thank you again.

Paul.

 

[Copyright]

The expression is "former silk exchange" -- the building that had once been the silk exchange (where buying and selling of silk took place). The columns are columns that hold the building up -- their shape is reminiscent of the trunks of palm trees. (Google Images: columns)