Culture of Bergamo. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The territory of Bergamo is conventionally divided into two parts. Bergamo Alto district takes you back to the Middle Ages. This is a great place, which is home to a huge number of historical attractions. The district called Bergamo Basso is the modern part of the city. Start your observation of this part of the city from visiting Piazza Vecchia. The square is home to several beautiful architectural places of interest that are definitely worth making a visit. The facade of the magnificent building Palazzo della Ragione is decorated with the figure of a lion. The building was built in the beginning of the 12th century and has long been used as a city hall. In the beginning of the 16th century its main gallery was almost completely rebuilt and then was used to hold the audiences of Venetian governors. Nowadays the old city hall is the location of priceless frescoes by Bramante. The precious artifacts were brought here from various churches and cathedrals from different parts of Bergamo.

However, Contarini fountain named after its founder remains the main decoration of the square. The tallest building of the historic district of Bergamo can be also found here. This is the clock tower Torre del Campanone. The tower is also known as one of the main symbols of the city. In 1486 it was severely damaged by fire, but later the tower was completely rebuilt. Walking through the gallery halls of the tower, you can reach another beautiful area - Piazza del Duomo Square. The square is the location of a prominent religious landmark of Bergamo - Santa Maria Maggiore Church. All newcomers are surely amazed by the magnificent portal of the church, which is designed in Romanesque style, as well as its luxurious hall made in Baroque style. Without a doubt, the main relic of the basilica is the gravestone of the famous composer Donizetti, who was born in Bergamo.

Sant Alessandro Cathedral is an equally prominent and remarkable religious sights of Bergamo. The construction of the cathedral was started in the 6th century. The construction of the cathedral was completed only in the second half of the 19th century, so the building is a truly unique combination of different architectural styles. Tourists will be really interested in visiting this sight as six of its chapels and the nave of the cathedral were built in the 15th century; the interior furnishing was made in the 18th century, while the main decoration of the cathedral as well as its beautiful dome appeared only in the 19th century. You will find a magnificent baptistery right opposite to the cathedral. During the construction of the baptistery was the expensive Verona pink marble. The baptistery is considered one of the most beautiful architectural buildings of the old part of the city. The mandatory excursion program should also include a visit to Colleoni Chapel, which is considered a true example of wonderful Renaissance architecture. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The name Donizetti is connected with two other buildings that are located in the city. Firstly, there is the house-museum of a famous composer, and secondly, a museum dedicated to the works of the famous native of the city. Here you will find musical instruments, works of art, sculpture – and everything immerses you in the atmosphere of the 19th century. For those who want to get acquainted with the ancient history of the region, it will be a more pleasant surprise to discover the Civico Museo Archeologico with its many archaeological finds. However, interesting exhibits are also available in the Museo di Scienze Naturali “E. Caffi”. You will find here ethnographic expositions, collections of insects and beetles, and models of dinosaurs. Kids will really like it in the museum, besides; you can visit it for free.

While walking through the Piazzale Degli Alpini, you can find an interesting monument. We are referring to the monument of Arlecchino, which is a kind of symbol of Bergamo. Also in the hometown of Donizetti there are several interesting fountains – for example, Fontana di San Pancrazio and Fontana della Fiera, built in the 16th century which got their names from the fact that it is located at the place where fairs were held earlier, as well as Fontana del Delfino, which can be found along the road to the Upper Town. Interesting frescoes of the year 200 (Aula Picta) can be seen in Curia Vescovile, and breathtaking views can be beheld upon climbing to Castello di San Vigilio. The castle itself also deserves attention. It was erected in 1335, when Count Visconti had completed the fortification.

One remarkable architectural creation is Chiostro di Santa Marta. Today in the building which used to be a monastery, you can see a beautiful inner courtyard, amazing arcades, figures of three nuns and a cardinal, and striking abundance of greenery. Another religious monument, Chiesa di Santo Spirito, is famous for its magnificent facade, the feeling of pacification that emits from it and an interior with frescoes and works of art – the painting of “Madonna and Child with Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Augustine, Saint Sebastian and Saint Anthony” by Lorenzo Lotto and “San Giovanni Battista” by Andrea Previtali. The Cathedral was built in the 16th century. Another old church (built at the beginning of the 15th century) is Chiesa Di Santa Maria Immacolata delle Grazie. Here the interior is no way inferior to the unsurpassed exterior.

Convento Di San Francesco is one more building that was once a monastery at some point. The sanctuary was founded in the 13th century, but was used by Napoleon as a prison in the year 1797. The building then passed into the hands of the National Guard and became a school. Inside the building there are several beautiful frescoes that survived, there used to be much more of them previously. Heading towards the mountains, you should visit the observation deck, from where you can enjoy fascinating views. You will be further shocked to learn that entrance into the place is absolutely free. The most ancient place in Bergamo is perhaps the Tempietto di Santa Croce. This church was built in the Romanesque style in the year 1133. The building witnessed many events, and therefore, being right next to it, you will sense that unique feeling as if you could touch the history.