places of interest - Comune di Bergamo

EN
GL
ISH
PLACES OF INTEREST
A WALK THROUGH ART AND HISTORY
BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES
NE
VIA CASTA
ETA
GN
O
Parco dei Colli di B
Parco del Castello
di S. Vigilio
VIA CO
S
Castello di
San Vigilio
V IA
FE
LIC
E
SAN VIGILIO CAV
AG
TANTI
NO
BE
LT
N IS
VIA S O T T
E
ON
ZZ
LA
OR
SA
LI T
A
VIA
SUD
O
VIA DE
ALE
.A
RO
SAND
Parco
la Crotta
RG
O
DI
P. S
LES
EM
LA
LO
RO
OB
VIA
VICOL
O DE
VICOLO DEL
PARADISO
TA
VIA
DEL
PA R
ADIS
E
SAN
MOR
ILLA
AV
. RIV
LE
A
VIA
SC
AL
ET
TA
DE
L
TAN
FO N
GLI OR
TOLA
NI
RLAZ
ZINO
GR
AT
AR
OL
I
V
IVA
VIA
AS
ILL
FR
AN
K
A
NI
IES
CH
M IN
TA
TU
T
VIA
VIA
S
O
A
I
VIA PA
NSERI
VIA R
DE
LL
O
GR
Clinica
S. Francesco
VIA
VIA
NE
GIO
VIA
24
MA
G
N
O
FIL
ZI
TO
RIN
O
VIA HE
LV
ST
AT
UT
O
ETIA
Clinica
Castelli
VIA G. MAZZINI
VIA G. MAZZINI
XI
NZO
VIA
R
OGN
VI A
DO
N
VIA
DE
LL
OS
BO
L
G.
VIA
VIA
EX OSPEDALE
AN
TA
LU
CIA
E
ZIO
N
I TU
T
EO
AN
TT
CA
SA
VIA
VIA
ZO
S
VIA C O
VIA
TA
AN
VIA
LARGO
G. BAROZZI
C.C
AT
TA
NE
O
R
A.
VIA D
E
Piscina
Comunale
VIA
O
VIA
LLO
STAT
UTO
VIA
TED
E SCHI
NI
VIAL
I
ARM
TRE
RILL
OSI
LEGION
VIA DE
I
VIA A. DIAZ
Parco
F.lli Locatelli
VELA
VIA G.
VIA CIFRONDI
VIA TALLONE
VIA BROSETA
VIA 4
Parco
Diaz
A RI I N
VIA A. DIAZ
VIA A. GRAMSCI
VIA V.
VIA
NOVEMB
RE
LO
24
RGAMO
O
BR
VIA TO
TI
EL
IO
D
SÈ
MO
VIA BR
. BE
Polizia locale
VIA F. COGHETTI
VIA DEI GALLIARI
VIA C. GOLDONI
VIA DELL’
LE
ZA
PIA
Z
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
RINI
LORETO
VIA B. ZEND
VIA F. COGHETTI
SA
NP
AO
LO
VIA
POLON
I
A
NOCE
VIA IN
MA
GG
SCO
Carab
ED
ELL
VIA
SALITA DELLO
BORGO CANALE
VIA W. VON GOETHE
2
AN
GL I ORTI
LE
ANA
OC
ORG
VIA B
C.
PORTA
S. ALESS
URA
V
Stazione
funicolare
VIA BO
RGO
C
VIA W. VON GOETHE
Piazza Vecchia
VIA
RNO
STRADA CONTRADELLO
NO
R
UDO
IA S
V
SCALETTA
COLLE APERTO
NO
OR
SC
O
DR
AN
SS
LE
T’A
AN
IS
AD
ORTO BOTANICO
D
SU
O
LL
O
R
MU
VIA
Monastero
di Astino
DE
VIA SAN VIGIL
IO
R AMI
V
A
journey between the two cities, one on the
hill and the other on the plain, different yet
linked by history and interwoven streets,
alleys and stairways. Bergamo is a treasure trove,
protected yet open to those who wish to see her,
for those who yearn to explore her narrow corners
of medieval architecture, the lightness of Venetian
colonnades, the strength of the stones that gird
the city and the breeze of the mountains behind it.
We can recommend two itineraries, diverse yet
united. They offer two views of Bergamo, that
reveal the lively spirit of a city of culture and business, of contemplation and action, of sky and
earth, the Upper and Lower Cities.
The blue itinerary begins with the city on the
hill, where we can savour the ambience of the
historic district and its monuments, bathed in
the gleaming light of the buildings of Piazza Vecchia. It then continues in search of the unique
views of the plains and the Alps, with the extraordinary vistas offered by the Civic Tower (Campanone), the Fortress and the Gombito Tower.
The red itinerary amazes for its historic routes
through the Pignolo or Sant’Alessandro boroughs and the avenue with its ramparts passing
through the Gate of Sant’Agostino, descending
to the centre of Lower Bergamo, in the heart of
the shopping district.
These tours are perfect for exploring the city’s
two faces, through continuously evolving perspectives, linked by the romantic and delightful
funicular railways, useful yet unusual, rising to
enter the very belly of the Walls until it reaches
the ancient heart of Bergamo.
N
PIA
AL
VIA
VIA M. DA C ARAV
ERA
V
ZI
VIA
DE N
GAU
A.
PIN
ET
TI
INI
VIA PIETRA
TO
RE
T
DE
LL
AZ
ZA
CA
F
RE
ESA
G. C
CE
G.
ELES
TINI
VIA
VIA A. DA ROSCIATE
I
AR
D
SU
AN
FO
RT
E
GI
VIA
VIA
VIA TORRETTA
MA
ZZ
I
NI
ZO
FRIZ
RO
CAL
EPI
O
VIA
A. D
A
PA
LA
Z
ZO
P.ZA
SANT’ANNA
CA
PP
BO
RG
O
BORGO
PALAZZO
AN
GE
LO
VIA
MA
I
DIV
ISIO
NE
T
VIA
NT
INA
RID
E
I
CIN
V IA
BO
NO
VIA
TTI
ORE
RIO
B
VIA
DAV
ID
ONO
ATB
LINEA 1
PIAZZALE
G. MARCONI
LI
OVE
L
VIA
N
VIA G. LONG
O
SA
RE
VIA DEI C
VIA
VIA
GH
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RD
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VIA
ON
AC
VIA BRI
DO
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MA
VIA
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one
Stazi(Tram)
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Urban Center
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VIA
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VIA SA
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VIA MANARA
VIA SANT’ANT
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Carabinieri
VIA
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N
SA
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.
D’A
PIAZZALE
DEGLI ALPINI
Centro Congressi
Giovanni XXIII
O
MAD
VIA
C
PAS
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VIA
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PA
V IA
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SC
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VI A T
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PA
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D
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di Bergamo
e Prefettura
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T. T
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PIAZZA
G. MATTEOTTI
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PIAZZETTA
S. SPIRITO
NI
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BORGO
SANT’ANTONIO
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LA
Clinica
Palazzolo
GRE
P
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VIA
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SC
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UB
AS
EP
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SAN
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Polizia Locale
E
BR
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ONA
AMB
V IA Z
LARGO
CINQUE VIE
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URI
VIA
TO
DOT
LARGO
N.REZZARA
T
BO
SA
VIA
GALLERIA
CRIS S. MARTA
PI
Comune
di Bergamo
FUR
O
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IA
TIG
AR
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LARGO
DEL GALGARIO
VICO
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Parco Marenzi
Parco
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VIA BROSETA
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V IA
PIAZZA
DELLA LIBERTÀ
VIA
ABRUZZI
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II
VIA DEGLI
TR
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Istituto
Matteo Rota
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UP
P.LE DELLA
REPUBBLICA
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Parco
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PIAZZALE
E. TIRABOSCHI
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ATB
LINEA 1
Stazione
funicolare
PORTA
S. GIACOMO
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RN
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SANTA CATERINA
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BO
VIA
PIAZZALE
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PIAZZA
CARRARA
VIA DELLA NOCA
TIN
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P.LE
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Ostello
della
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D.
PIE
N.
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ACCA
Parco
S. Agostino
P.LE
SANT’AGOSTINO
TA
IPIN
VIA
TR I
VIA A.
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A. VI
TA
O
VIA
i
MB
ITO
PIAZZA
MERCATO
LI PIAZZA L. ANGELINI DELLE
SCARPE
VIA G. DONIZET
TI
PIAZZA
ATB 3
ROSATE Polizia locale
VIA
VIA
TA D
POR
I
VIA C. BATTIST
OR
AT
LV
SA
A
ROCCA
P.ZZA MERCATO
DEL FIENO
PIAZZA
DUOMO
S.
EM
UR
Parco delle
Rimembranze
LARGO
DELLO
SPORT
Stadio
PIA
L. ZZAL
VIA GOISIS E
G. C
RES
CEN
ZI
VIA
VOLA
VIA
NA
ADI
VIA
VIA F. BAR
MANO
VIA OS
AR
E
DE
LL
VIA RI
PIAZZA VECCHIA
N. N
O
VIA N. SAURO
. S ALVATORE
LE
T
DEL LAZZ A R ET
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VIA DELLA FARA
IS
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VIA
LORE ZO
N
A
VIA
VAG
TE
ON
AP
A
HI
PIAZZALE
OLIMPIADI
Lazzaretto
VIA
VIA
P.ZZA
L. MASCHERONI
VIA
B. C
OLL
EON
I
IO
CH
EC
ALV
S
VIA
binieri
LLA P.
S.
A
CCOL
VIA DELLA BO
PIAZZA DELLA
CITTADELLA
C
OR
AMO
DA BERG
V IA
SANDRO
ATB LINEA 1
LARGO COLLE APERTO
NI D
IRO
MA
V IA
SP
NI
OVA
ANT
G. M
VIA
SOLI
VIA FAS
VIA A.
GRE
E
G.
AY DEL MORLA
NW
PORTA
GARIBALDI
(PORTA DI
S. LORENZO)
CITTÀ ALTA
V IA
SC
EN
ZI
DE
LL
I
ION
Campo
Utili
VALVERDE
LT
. BE
RE
ROC
V IA
G.
C
TO
ZABOT
VIA
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ITA
CONCA FIORITA
I
A.
GHEZZI
N
RA
TU
VIA
A.
VIA
MP
RA
BA
BA
CO
LIN
O
G.
VIA
VIA
A
RN
BA
I
EID
EL
AS
A.
VIA MAIRONI DA P ONTE
C
LE
AL
VIA
DE
V IA
VI A
VIA
ER
LV
VA
Bergamo
A.
PIN
ET
TI
VIA
Monastero di Valmarina
LI
EL
M
NO
BO
iaria
rrov
e Fe
zion
Sta
The Venetian walls
3
THE HISTORY OF BERGAMO
FROM THE IRON AGE TO THE “LORDS”OF MILAN
The city was conquered by
the Lombards.
Certain places, such as Fara,
owe the origin of their
names to them.
568/569
First settlement on
the Bergamo hill with
a village of Celts.
X-IX century B.C.
400 a.C.
200 a.C.
anno 0
200
400
197 B.C.
With the advent of Roman colonisation,
the hilltop settlement began to take on the
characteristics of a Roman city, recognised
later by Rome as a Municipium in 49 B.C.
FROM THE VENETIAN REPUBLIC TO THE PRESENT
After being under the
rule of the Viscontis,
Bergamo surrendered
to the lion of Saint Mark
for three and a half
centuries.
1428
1400
1500
1430
The first ring of walls
known as the “Muraine”
was built, surrounding
a good portion of the
town’s boroughs.
4
Construction began on the mighty
defensive walls ringing the hilltop city,
continuing until 1588, followed by the
reconstruction of the castle on San
Vigilio hill. For all intents and purposes,
Bergamo became a fortress city.
1561
1600
1700
1734
Construction began on
the new Sant’Alessandro
fair on the plain below,
comprising
350 shops.
After the invasion of
Napoleon’s troops and
the defeat of Venice, the
Bergamo Republic was
created, becoming part
of the Kingdom of Italy.
1797
1800
1814
The Congress of
Vienna sanctioned
the passage of
Bergamo under
Austrian rule.
FROM ONE CENTURY TO THE NEXT
The city
came under
the rule
of the
Franks.
774
600
Following the episcopal rule, Bergamo became a free commune ruled
over by the Consuls. During this
period, the Basilica of Santa Maria
Maggiore and Palazzo della Ragione
were constructed.
1098
800
1000
904
King Berengar relinquished
jurisdiction over the city to bishop
Adalbert. The bishop renovated
the walls and city defences.
Lower Bergamo was
linked to Upper
Bergamo by the
funicular railway,
one of the first ever
constructed in Italy.
1887
King John of Bohemia was called
to Bergamo to put an end to strife
between the Guelphs and the
Ghibellines. The rule of the Viscontis,
the Lords of Milan, began over
the city and territory.
1331
1200
1400
1167
Bergamo joined the Lombard League
against Emperor Frederick I. The league,
uniting 16 communes, was sanctioned
by an oath taken at Pontida Abbey.
In the fair area, the new town centre was built in Lower
Bergamo in the 1920s upon the design of architect
Marcello Piacentini.
Bergamo native Angelo Roncalli was elected pope in
1958, with the name of John XXIII, and went down in the
Catholic Church’s history for the second Vatican Council.
20th century
1900
1859
On the morning of June 8th, Giuseppe Garibaldi entered
the city at the head of the Hunters of the Alps.
The citizens of Bergamo made an important contribution
to the struggle to unify Italy (Risorgimento): 180 of them
participated in the Mille expedition (1860).
5
UPPER BERGAMO
UPPER BERGAMO
The majority of the city’s monumental and artistic heritage in enclosed within the limited area
of Upper Bergamo. The ring of walls built by Venice in the 1500s marks the boundary of this area
abounding in history and vestiges of the past.
This concentration indeed aids sightseeing, offering the possibility of strolling through medieval
streets and alleyways shaded by towers and bell
towers while discovering the city’s most evocative spots. The funicular railway travels from Lower
Bergamo to inside the Upper City walls, facilitating access for the visitor. The other funicular
railway, on the opposite side only metres from
the gate of Sant’Alessandro, ascends San Vigilio
hill with its magnificent views.
THE WALLS AND THE GATES
Almost one-third of the dwellings of an entire quarter and an important monastery were razed to the
ground so that the great construction site of the
mighty defensive walls could get under way in 1561
and be completed in 1588. Four gates were inserted into the wall, almost six kilometres long, each
of which corresponded to the main thoroughfares
leading to the territory and other cities. The gate of
The Walls and Gate St. Giacomo
6
Sant’Agostino, situated on the road to Venice; the
gate of San Giacomo on the way to Milan; the gate
of Sant’Alessandro on the road for Lecco and Como;
the gate of San Lorenzo leading to the valleys.
The walls never came under assault but from one
bastion to another, the cannons could have impeded an enemy approach. The cannon batteries
in San Michele and San Giovanni can be visited
from spring through autumn.
Info: ph. +39 035 242226
www.comune.bergamo.it
THE FORTRESS
The capitol was set up on the rise of Santa Eufemia,
according to several hypotheses on the layout
of Bergamo in Roman times. When the city was
handed over to the seigniory, thus ending the free
Commune, King John of Bohemia had a fortress
built. After the walls were constructed, the fortress
was transformed into an arsenal, housed a barracks
and then a prison. In 1960, it became the site of the
Risorgimento Museum. Today, despite being outfitted differently and in the larger context of the city’s
Historical Museum, it houses the 1800s section.
Info: ph. +39 035 247116.
www.bergamoestoria.it
HISTORICAL CENTRE
THE FORMER CONVENT OF SAN FRANCESCO
Accessed from Piazza Mercato del Fieno, the monastery of San Francesco was the medieval city’s
largest and most important religious complex.
Established in the 12th century and completed
in 1500s, it features two large cloisters. The first,
known as the Sarcophagus cloister due to the 19
tombs built in the 1200s, was destined as a tomb
for the city’s families. The well cloister, the second,
offers a lovely view on the Bergamo Alps. Eliminated at the onset of the 19th century, and turned
into a barracks and then a prison, the complex
became severely damaged; the only part of the
church remaining was the apse with its frescoes.
The former monastery is currently the site of the
city’s Historical Museum.
Info: ph. +39 035 247116.
www.bergamoestoria.it
PIAZZA VECCHIA
The architecture of Piazza Vecchia fools the eye
into believing it is larger than it actually is. As the
core of Bergamo’s political and administrative life
and all of the Bergamo region, this space began to
acquire its current appearance in the 1400s. It was
at the beginning of the Venetian rule that this
central area took on the forms and dimensions
of the Renaissance, in particular when the building on the western side was transformed into
the seat of the Venetian magistrate. The façade
was magnificently decorated by one of the era’s
most renowned artists, Bramante, who frescoed it
in 1477. The piazza assumed its definitive appearance when the new Town Hall was constructed
on the eastern side. Faced with white marble, today the building is the home of the Angelo Mai
Municipal Library, with its priceless collection of
scrolls, illuminated codices, incunabula and archives which recount the city’s history.
PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE
Considered one of the oldest Lombard communal
buildings (12th century), the palace consists of a
single imposing “hall of trusses”, resting on a base
of porticoes, accessed by a great staircase flanking
the Campanone (Civic Tower). It was originally
used as a council room, then as premises of the
court of justice, a theatre and then library. The colonnade beneath the old town hall acts almost as
a filter between Piazza Vecchia, where civil power
was concentrated, and the square of the Duomo
(cathedral), symbol of episcopal power.
7
UPPER BERGAMO
Civic Tower
CIVIC TOWER (CAMPANONE)
A symbol of the medieval city, the town tower
is 52 metres high. Its two panoramic floors,
which can be reached by a convenient lift, offer not only fantastic views over the rooftops
of the historic district and the Alps, but are
the perfect places to view Piazza Vecchia. Only
from above can one perceive the balanced
dimensions of this space, of which the lovely
fountain, donated to the city in 1780 by the Venetian magistrate Alvise Contarini, is its focal
point. The tower is also referred to as the Campanone for the large bell which, in addition to
calling town council meetings, rings more than
100 times every evening at 10 p.m., the old
night curfew, or rather, the traditional closing
of the city gates in the evening.
Info: ph. +39 035 247116.
www.bergamoestoria.it
PALACE OF THE MAGISTRATE AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF THE VENETIAN AGE – THE
INTERACTIVE 1500s
Originally the residence of the Suardi-Colleoni families, the Palace of the Magistrate was
8
Baptistery, Colleoni Chapel
and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
home to the Magistrate of Bergamo and the
location for various communal functions from
the beginning of the 12th to first half of the
15th centuries. The Municipality carried out
restoration work on the palace, revealing extremely important findings regarding the city’s
history. Remains and structures from the Roman era were discovered beneath the palace.
In 2012, the Historical Museum of the Venetian Age - The Interactive 1500s was opened.
Info: ph. +39 035 247116.
www.bergamoestoria.it
BAPTISTERY
The Baptistery has been in its current location
since 1898, complementing the intimate ambience of the Duomo square. The building has
ancient origins and was constructed by Giovanni da Campione in 1340 inside the Basilica
of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Virtues are represented in the fourteenth century statues found
in narrow niches on the sides of the octagonal
structure in the upper band of red Verona marble pierced by columns. Only open for baptisms.
Info: ph. +39 035 210223.
HISTORICAL CENTRE
COLLEONI CHAPEL
Renowned mercenary warlord Bartolomeo Colleoni had an apse of the basilica demolished to
build his own tomb. Having chosen one of the
most prestigious places in the city, he commissioned (1470-1472) one of the best known artists
of that days: Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. Its extraordinary façade, decorated with polychromatic
marble and bas-relief details, seems to compete
with the lavish décor of the basilica’s porch.
The sumptuous decorations are dense with
meaning, references to ancient Roman culture,
Jewish culture, and Christianity without failing
to adore the personage, visible in the portrayal
of the feats of Hercules (considered progenitor
of Colleoni), represented in four panels beneath the façade’s pillars.
Info: ph. +39 035 210061.
THE BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE
Amongst the city’s many historical and artistic assets, the basilica is its greatest monument, and was once held in such consideration as to be deemed the “Chapel of the city”.
1. Colleoni Chapel; inside, eighteenth-century frescoes
by Tiepolo
2. Northern portal with the column-bearing lions
3. Florentine and Flemish tapestries, the tombs
of Gaetano Donizetti and S. Mayr
4. The marquetry panels and wooden cross
5. The portal by Giovanni da Campione
6. Central apse
7. Baroque decoration
7
1
3
6
4
5
2
9
UPPER BERGAMO
Duomo - interiors
When the decision was made to build it, also in
fulfilment of a vow against the plague, Bergamo
natives chose an easily accessed location where the small church of Santa Maria rose. Construction began in 1137. Used for baptisms, the
church also served as a hall for civic assemblies.
Toward the middle of the 1300s, Giovanni da
Campione was commissioned to build the monumental northern entrance with a porch supported by red marble lions, complete with a three-legged loggia and statue of Saint Alexander
on horseback. At the end of the century, a covered and cusped tabernacle was finally added. The
southern porch is instead supported by white
marble lions. The majestic Romanesque interior,
which was supposed to be entirely frescoed, was
later transformed by lavish Baroque decorations.
Over the centuries, the Mia Consortium embellished the basilica with works of art. Standing out
amongst these is the choir with its astounding
wood inlay panels carried out between 1522 and
1555, based on the drawings of Lorenzo Lotto,
and the Baroque confessional by Andrea Fantoni.
Info: ph. +39 035 223327.
www.fondazionemia.it
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Baptistery detail
DUOMO AND MUSEUM AND THE TREASURE
OF THE CATHEDRAL
Important discoveries made under the cathedral
revealed the presence of two large churches that
preceded it, and which traced the current church’s
outline: the Palaeo-Christian cathedral and the
Romanesque cathedral dedicated to San Vicenzo.
Both buildings were no doubt majestic and lavishly decorated as witnessed by the remains of the
mosaic flooring dating back to the 6th century and
13th century frescoes, which can now be toured
in the Cathedral’s Museum and Treasure. In the
second half of the 1400s, the decision to build the
current Duomo was made and renowned architect
Filarete contributed to the initial phase. Completed
at the end of the 1600s, the church was dedicated
to Saint Alexander. The cathedral, which holds works by Gian Battista Tiepolo, Giovan Battista Moroni,
Sebastiano Ricci and Andrea Previtali, was completed only in the 19th century with the realisation of
the cupola, whereas the façade dates back to 1866.
Info Duomo: ph. +39 035 210223.
www.cattedraledibergamo.it
Museum Info: ph. +39 035 248772
www.fondazionebernareggi.it
HISTORICAL BERGAMO
Teatro Sociale (Society Theatre)
TEATRO SOCIALE (SOCIETY THEATRE)
Two centuries from the 1808 inauguration, in the
spring of 2009, the Society Theatre was reopened
to the public with an extensive programme of
shows and participations by important artists. This
was made possible by an exemplary restoration on
this authentic jewel. The theatre was designed by
architect Leopoldo Pollack, a student of Piermarini, who rose to enormous fame after building the
Royal Villa in Monza and the Arch of Peace in Milan.
Info: www.teatrodonizetti.it
THE CITADEL AND CIVIC MUSEUMS
This is what remains of the fortification the Viscontis had built when they imposed their seigniory on Bergamo. The Citadel then became
home to the Venetian captain and its large open
spaces continued to be used for storing grains
and as a depository. With the arrival of the French
and the Austrians, military use of the structure
continued but the building fell in continual decline. This period was ended by restoration work
done between 1958 and 1960 which restored the
building’s original appearance. It is now the site
of the “Enrico Caffi” Civic Museum of Natural
Botanic Garden
Science and the Civic Museum of Archaeology.
The former is known for its collection of ancient
fossils, including a deer discovered in 2001 in Borlezza Valley, dating back 700,000 years and one of
the oldest flying reptiles ever found, 220 million
years old, discovered in a quarry in Seriana Valley. The Archaeological Museum is home to finds
from Bergamo and its territory ranging from the
prehistoric to medieval ages. The frescoes from a
Roman domus discovered in Upper Bergamo are
particularly interesting. The “Lorenzo Rota” Botanic Garden is located not far from the Citadel,
beside the Venetian powder magazine, offering
lovely views on the Upper City where autochthonous, exotic, Mediterranean, aquatic and carnivorous species can be observed.
The“Enrico Caffi”Civic Museum of Natural Science
Info: ph. +39 035 286011.
www.museoscienzebergamo.it
Civic Museum of Archaeology
Info: ph. +39 035 242839.
www.museoarcheologicobergamo.it
“Lorenzo Rota” Botanical Garden
Info: ph. +39 035 286060.
www.ortobotanicodibergamo.it
11
FROM UPPER BERGAMO
San Vigilio Castle
THE DONIZETTI ITINERARY
It is interesting to retrace the life of Gaetano
Donizetti who was born and lived in Bergamo
from 1797-1848. The house where he was born
can be visited in Borgo Canale, offering a crosssection of the daily life of the composer and his
family, while his tomb is located in Santa Maria
Maggiore. The Donizetti Museum is a tribute
the city wished to make to the Maestro and a
visit is an opportunity to have an up-close look
at the documents, mementos, portraits and the
piano of the great musician who composed
more than 70 operas, including “Elisir d’Amore”
(1832) and “Lucia di Lammermoor” (1835).
Info: ph. +39 035 244483.
www.donizetti.org
SAN VIGILIO CASTLE
A funicular railway leads from the Upper City
to the top of San Vigilio hill, where one can discover the extraordinary surroundings of the
Bergamo hills. In the 12th century, a castle was
built on San Vigilio hill, which overlooks the city
and where a tower from the Roman period once
12
Bergamo Hills
existed. The castle underwent various demolitions over a period of time; it was purchased
by the Municipality in 1958 and is currently a
public garden offering a sweeping view toward
the plain and Bergamo Alps.
THE HILLS AND THE PARK
Bergamo rises on the last projection of a hill system extending about six kilometres long from
east to west.
Buildings of enormous importance, such as
the former Astino and Valmarina monasteries,
now head office of the Park of the Hills of Bergamo, mingle with old farmhouses converted
into delightful residences with parks and vegetable gardens.
A network of over 100 km of trails cover the
Park’s terrain, divided into 32 routes marked
with signs. The various levels of difficulty of these paths will meet the needs of the most expert
hikers as well as tourists and families.
The Park also features cycling and walking
paths, such as the Greenway which stretches for
about ten kilometres along the Morla stream,
TO LOWER BERGAMO
offering magnificent views of the Walls and the
Garibaldi Gate.
Info: ph. +39 035 4530400.
www.parcocollibergamo.it
THE STAIRWAYS
There are dozens of stairways and lanes climbing
the sides of Bergamo hill and which lead to a world
that is right above the city yet remote all the same.
The stairways include “Paradiso”, “Santa Lucia
Vecchia”, “More”, “Ortolano”, “Fontanabrolo”, “San
Martino”, “Scorlazzino” and “Scorlazzone”. They are
the vestiges of a dense network of medieval links between the plain and the hill, or paths to the
once numerous fields and gardens. Flanked by dry
stone walls or hedges, they offer unique views of
the upper and lower cities. The stairways and lanes are perfect for visitors in search of tranquillity
and greenery or romantic walks.
LOWER BERGAMO
THE BOROUGHS
Starting with the 14th century, Bergamo’s historic core stretched along its road system, which
extended down the hill to the countryside. This
first urban expansion, in the form of the historic
boroughs, involved the eastern and western routes on which the city stretched. Boroughs that
developed westward included Canale, Sant’Alessandro and San Leonardo, while Sant’Antonio, Palazzo, Pignolo, San Tomaso and Santa
Caterina reached toward the east.
PORTA NUOVA
The heart itself of modern Bergamo, Porta Nuova’s expanse is a true gate as it was built when
a wide opening in the medieval “Muraine” walls
was necessary. This took place with the inauguration of the “Strada Ferdinandea” (now Viale
Vittorio Emanuele). Two Neoclassic buildings or
propylaea, were built for the occasion, located
on either side to house the tollhouses.
DONIZETTI THEATRE
Named after the great composer in 1897 for the
commemoration of the 100th anniversary of
his birth, the renowned Donizetti Theatre rises
on an area where performances were held on a
temporary wooden stage that was continuously
Donizetti Theatre
13
LOWER BERGAMO
assembled and disassembled during the old
Sant’Alessandro fair. The façade was built to architect Pietro Via’s design and was inaugurated in
1897 beside a romantic monument to Donizetti,
surrounded by a pond and small garden.
Info: ph. +39 035 4160611.
www.teatrodonizetti.it
THE PIACENTINI CENTRE
The space around the Sentierone, as well as
Matteotti, Vittorio Veneto and Dante Squares,
comprises the city centre built to the single design of Marcello Piacentini starting in 1914. Built in the area of the Sant’Alessandro fair, one of
Italy’s oldest, the Piacentini Centre encompassed the view of the upper city that can be seen
from the propylaea in Porta Nuova.
LORENZO LOTTO IN BERGAMO
Many of the great Venetian artist’s works (14801556) can be found in Bergamo, where he passed twelve years of intense activity. In Lower Bergamo, in the church of San Bartolomeo, on the
Sentierone, and in Santo Spirito church in the
Porta Nuova
14
square of the same name, two magnificent altarpieces painted in this period can be admired.
They consist of two large paintings of the same
subject: Madonna and Child with Saints (the one
in San Bartolomeo is known as the Martinengo
altarpiece); another beautiful altarpiece also depicting the Madonna with Child and Saints can
be admired in the small San Bernardino church
in Via Pignolo. The “Trinity” painting belonging
to the church of Sant’Alessandro della Croce
can also be found in Via Pignolo at no. 76 in the
Bernareggi Diocesan Museum. There is a cycle
of frescoes by Lorenzo Lotto in the chapel of
the Madonna in the San Michele al Pozzo Bianco
church, along with the drawings for the wood inlay work in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
in Upper Bergamo. Seven works by the artist defined as the “restless genius of the Renaissance”
can be found in the permanent collection of the
Accademia Carrara.
ADRIANO BERNAREGGI DIOCESAN MUSEUM
The museum is named after Mons. Adriano
Bernareggi, Bishop of Bergamo who, starting
CITY CENTRE
L. Lotto’s alterpiece – S. Bernardino Church
in the 1930s, began collecting works of art,
images of worship and objects for liturgical
use. The museum is arranged in an itinerary
with chapters and themes, offering the possibility of discovering these extraordinary
testimonies that are intimately linked to the
history of Bergamo and its Church.
Info: ph. +39 035 248772.
www.fondazionebernareggi.it
GAMeC (MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY
ART GALLERY)
The Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery
(GAMeC) is a space for contemporary art in all
of its forms with temporary exhibitions supported by educational initiatives and cultural
activities. The Manzù Collection is the heart of
the museum, composed of sculptures, paintings, drawings and etchings by the great Bergamo artist. The Spajani Collection includes
around forty works by the 20th century master,
whereas the Stucchi Collection covers Italian
and European artists from the 1950s. The collections are completed by works by contem-
GAMeC – Entrance
porary artists such as Alviani, Basilico, Garutti
and Cattelan.
Info: ph. +39 035 270272.
www.gamec.it
ACCADEMIA CARRARA
An extraordinary love of culture and art were
the driving force behind the origins of the Accademia Carrara on the part of Count Giacomo Carrara who established and financed the
institution. With almost 2000 paintings, the
collections of sculptures and extensive archives
of drawings and prints, the Accademia Carrara
is one of Italy’s most important picture galleries. Some of its most renowned artists include
Titian, Raphael, Tiepolo, Mantegna, Bellini, Botticelli, Lotto, Canaletto and Guardi and many
works bearing witness to the centuries-long
relationship with Venice. The Accademia is closed for restoration until 2014, but a selection
of works are on exhibition at the Palazzo della
Ragione in Upper Bergamo.
Info: ph. +39 035 399677.
www.accademiacarrara.bergamo.it
15
USEFUL INFO
San Vigilio Funicolar
HOW TO REACH BERGAMO
By air: the convenient and well-connected international airport “Il Caravaggio” Bergamo/Orio al
Serio is located 5 km from the centre of Bergamo.
By car: take the Bergamo exit on the A4 MilanVenice motorway.
By train: Bergamo is directly connected with
Milan, Lecco and Brescia (with connections for
Lake Garda, Verona and Venice).
By bus: from Milan Lampugnano, Cadorna and
Piazza Castello to the Bergamo bus station.
GETTING AROUND
FROM THE AIRPORT – The Airport Bus connection to and from the airport runs daily with departures every 20 minutes; the trip takes about
20 minutes.
Turismo Bergamo info office – Airport Arrivals
area – Ph. +39 035 320402
BY CAR - The shopping district (Largo Belotti,
Via XX Settembre, Largo Rezzara, Via Sant’Alessandro) is a limited traffic zone while almost all
of Upper Bergamo is off limits to traffic. Sundays/public holidays, the Upper City is closed
to traffic between 10 am and noon and from 2
pm to 7 pm. With Daylight Saving Time, it is also
closed to traffic Friday and Saturday between 9
pm and 1 am. In order to enjoy the city better,
16
Fontanabrolo stairway
we suggest parking in areas close to the exhospital and reaching the Upper City by way of
the panoramic stairways.
Local police Via Coghetti 10 - Ph. +39 035 399.559
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT – The ATB runs the urban bus lines and funicular railway connecting
the Lower and Upper City and the Upper City
and San Vigilio. Bus lines no. 1 and 1A go to the
Upper City and the funicular railway can also
be used. Passing through a tunnel cut through
the Venetian walls, the visitor arrives in Piazza
Mercato delle Scarpe in just minutes. Those
who wish to go up to San Vigilio hill may take
the panoramic funicular railway leaving from
Sant’Alessandro Gate (just outside of Colle
Aperto).
ATB Point – Largo Porta Nuova - Ph. +39 035
236026 www.atb.bergamo.it
BERGAMO BY BIKE Bergamo and its province
offer itineraries of exceptional beauty.
Eco Rent: scooter, microcar and electric car
hire. Piazzale Marconi, 4 (c/o Urban Center). Ph.
+39 035 5293888 – www.eco-rent.it
Ciclostazione 42 (bike station 42) (piazzale
Marconi - Bergamo station) – Ciclostazione
dei colli (Colli bike station) (via Valbona,
Ponteranica, Bg) – Bike hire “Prenditempo”
Ph. +39 340 0982887 www.pedalopolis.org
TAXI – Radio Taxi: Tel. +39 035 4519090.
TOURIST SERVICES
INFORMATION OFFICE (I.A.T.)
Lower Bergamo
V.le Papa Giovanni XXIII, 57 – Urban Center
Ph. +39 035 210204
turismo1@comune.bg.it
www.comune.bergamo.it
INFORMATION OFFICE (I.A.T.)
Upper Bergamo
Via Gombito, 13 (Gombito Tower)
Ph. +39 035 242226
turismo@comune.bg.it
www.comune.bergamo.it
TURISMO BERGAMO INFO OFFICE
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport – arrivals area
Ph. +39 035 320402
orio@turismo.bergamo.it
www.turismo.bergamo.it
Left Luggage Airport / Autostradale
at Arrivals Area
Tel. +39 035 318472. www.orioaeroporto.it
Left Luggage Bergamo / Eco Rent
at Urban Center
Tel. +39 035 5293888 www.depositobagagli.it
Greenway
“Città di Bergamo” Tourist guides group
Ph. +39 035 344205
www.bergamoguide.it
AGIAT tourist guides
Ph. +39 035 262565
www.agiatguidebergamo.it
“Bergamo Su & Giù” tourist guides
Ph. +39 035 234182
www.visitbergamo.info
Guides not registered with associations
www.turismo.bergamo.it
USEFUL NUMBERS
Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital
Piazza OMS
- Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità, 1
Ph: +39 035.267111
www.hpg23.it
Doctor on call – Bergamo
Via Croce Rossa, 2 - Ph. +39 035 4555111
SOS: Universal emergency number 112
Piazza Vecchia
CREDITS
Texts: Comune di Bergamo, Pino Capellini, Turismo Bergamo. Translations: Geakoinè
Pictures: Antonella Macis, Archivio Comune di Bergamo, Archivio Turismo Bergamo, Dimitri Salvi, Elina Ilgaza,
GAMeC – Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Bergamo, Gianfranco Rota, Lapi, Marco Mazzoleni, Paolo Ardiani.
17
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