Citta Alta | Bergamo

The Città Alta (Upper Town) of Bergamo is the historic heart of the city, sitting on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding region. Its medieval charm is well-preserved, with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and towering fortifications. As one of the most picturesque areas in Italy, Città Alta offers a rich historical and cultural experience. Here's a detailed look at the key landmarks and attractions in this part of Bergamo:

1. Piazza Vecchia

• Description: The central square of the Città Alta, Piazza Vecchia, is one of the most beautiful and historic squares in Italy. Surrounded by impressive buildings, the square is the heart of medieval Bergamo.
• Key Features:
  • Palazzo della Ragione: A medieval town hall with a loggia, which once housed the council of Bergamo.
  • Contarini Fountain: A Renaissance-era fountain that adds charm to the square.
  • Torre Civica (Civic Tower): The imposing tower at the edge of the square offers panoramic views of the city.
• Significance: Piazza Vecchia is a place for both locals and tourists to gather, with cafés, restaurants, and a central spot for cultural and social events. It was the political center of Bergamo during the medieval period.

2. Palazzo della Ragione

• Description: Located at the edge of Piazza Vecchia, the Palazzo della Ragione is a medieval town hall, dating back to the 12th century. It was originally the seat of the city’s government.
• Key Features:
  • The building has a loggia with arches and columns, which is a classic feature of medieval architecture.
  • Inside, there is a large hall once used for public meetings, fairs, and trials.
• Significance: The Palazzo della Ragione symbolizes the civic power of Bergamo in the medieval period and remains a focal point of the Città Alta.

3. Torre Civica (Civic Tower)

• Description: The Torre Civica is a medieval bell tower located near Piazza Vecchia. It is one of the tallest structures in the city, rising 52 meters high.
• Key Features:
  • Climb to the top: Visitors can climb the tower for stunning views of Bergamo, the Città Bassa, and the surrounding mountains.
  • The tower’s bell has been used since the Middle Ages to mark the time and announce important events.
• Significance: The tower is a symbol of Bergamo's medieval power, and its views offer a great vantage point to appreciate the city’s history and surroundings.

4. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

• Description: A Romanesque and Renaissance-style church located in the heart of Piazza del Duomo in Città Alta. It is one of the most significant churches in Bergamo.
• Key Features:
  • The church features a beautiful wooden ceiling, intricately carved, and a famous organ.
  • The interior has mosaics, frescoes, and other works of art, making it one of the most stunning religious buildings in the city.
  • The Tomb of Gaetano Donizetti, the famous composer born in Bergamo, is located here.
• Significance: The basilica is a symbol of Bergamo's deep religious heritage and its architectural grandeur, especially its wealth of Byzantine mosaics.

5. Cappella Colleoni (Colleoni Chapel)

• Description: A Renaissance chapel built between 1472 and 1476, dedicated to the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni, who led mercenary forces for Venice.
• Key Features:
  • The chapel's ornate facade is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Bergamo, featuring beautiful carvings and a marble exterior.
  • Inside, there are frescoes, sculptures, and a tomb that houses Colleoni's remains, as well as his horse's statue.
• Significance: The chapel represents the wealth and military power of the Colleoni family, who were influential during the Venetian period.

6. Duomo di Bergamo (Cathedral)

• Description: Also located in Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo di Bergamo (Bergamo Cathedral) is the city's most important church. It was rebuilt in the 17th century in Baroque style after a fire destroyed the original structure.
• Key Features:
  • The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Alexander, the patron saint of Bergamo.
  • The interior is richly decorated with frescoes, paintings, and altarpieces by Italian artists.
• Significance: The Duomo is a major center of religious life in Bergamo, and its grandeur speaks to the city's cultural and spiritual importance.

7. Piazza del Duomo

• Description: The Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Città Alta and home to several major landmarks, including the Duomo di Bergamo, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and Cappella Colleoni.
• Key Features:
  • The piazza is surrounded by historic buildings that represent various architectural styles, from Romanesque to Renaissance.
  • The square also has a large, open space ideal for strolling and taking in the historical ambiance of the area.
• Significance: Piazza del Duomo is a cultural and architectural hub, offering visitors a glimpse into Bergamo's religious and civic history.

8. Venetian Walls

• Description: The Venetian Walls are a well-preserved system of fortifications that surround the Città Alta. Constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century, these walls were designed to protect the city from invaders.
• Key Features:
  • The walls are punctuated by gates, such as the Porta San Giacomo and Porta di Sant'Alessandro, which mark entrances to the Upper Town.
  • Visitors can walk along sections of the walls to enjoy breathtaking views of the Città Bassa, the surrounding countryside, and the mountains.
• Significance: The Venetian Walls are part of Bergamo’s UNESCO World Heritage designation and are a testament to the city’s strategic importance during Venetian rule.

9. Rocca di Bergamo (Bergamo Fortress)

• Description: The Rocca di Bergamo is a fortress located at the highest point of the Upper Town, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
• Key Features:
  • The fortress was built in the 14th century and later expanded under Venetian rule.
  • The site offers panoramic views over Bergamo, the plains, and the nearby Alps.
• Significance: Historically, the Rocca served as a military stronghold, and today it is a popular tourist destination offering spectacular views and historical exhibits.

10. Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe

• Description: A small, historic square in Città Alta, often considered one of the most picturesque in Bergamo.
• Key Features:
  • The square is lined with medieval buildings, including palazzos and arches, creating an intimate and charming atmosphere.
  • It was once the site of the shoe market (hence the name), and now is a quiet, beautiful spot for visitors to explore.
• Significance: Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe is a hidden gem in the Città Alta, offering visitors a quieter place to enjoy the medieval charm of Bergamo.

Conclusion:

The Città Alta is the essence of Bergamo's rich history and cultural heritage, with its medieval streets, Renaissance buildings, and breathtaking views. Walking through its ancient piazzas, exploring its churches and fortifications, and taking in its spectacular vistas, visitors are transported back in time, experiencing the heart of one of Italy's most enchanting cities.