The city of Bergamo is located in the Lombardy region, north-east of Milan. The old upper town, Città Alta, which can be reached by cable car, is characterised by cobbled streets surrounded by Venetian walls. Here you will find Bergamo Cathedral, the city’s cathedral, as well as the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni, a chapel featuring 18th-century frescoes by Tiepolo.
Piazza Vecchia
The Palazzo della Ragione there is the oldest surviving town hall in Lombardy. It dates back to the end of the 11th century. The town tower is known as ‘il Campanone’. In the centre of Piazza Vecchia stands the Contarini Fountain. On the opposite side of the square we see the Palazzo Nuovo, which served as the town hall until 1873. Today it houses the Angelo Mai Library.
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
The north portal (Porta dei Leoni Rossi) is covered by an elaborately designed portico dating from 1353, which was remodelled in the 14th century. The supporting columns in front of the entrance rest on lions carved from red Veronese marble. Above the archway is a loggia featuring statues of Saints Barnabas, Vincent and Alexander (on horseback). Above the centre of this is another loggia depicting the Madonna and Child.
The south portal (Porta dei Leoni Bianchi) is preceded by a more simply designed portico dating from 1360. The outer columns rest on white lions, whilst the inner pair of columns is supported by a male and a female crouching figure respectively.
The interior is a three-nave basilica with a gallery, originally Romanesque but later converted to the Baroque style, dating from 1173. The choir screen features emblematic inlays based on designs by Lorenzo Lotto. It also houses the memorials and tombs of the composers Gaetano Donizetti and Johann Simon Mayr.
The Baptistery ...
... next to the basilica is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. The octagonal structure is adorned with a row of
red marble columns. These columns support a series of niches, each containing a statue symbolising one of the cardinal and
theological virtues. Opposite them stand the vices.
Eight statues of the Beatitudes adorn the cornice. These figures, as well as the angel crowning the lantern, are the result
of 19th-century restoration work. The portal dates from the 14th century.
A stroll through the Upper Town
View
From the ‘Rocca’ fortress, there is a beautiful view of the town. The fortress dates back to the 14th century. Its imposing keep is surrounded by a park, the Parco delle Rimembranze.
