Historical Museum, Bergamo

Within the setting of the 14th-century monastery of St. Francis, the first section of the Historical Museum of the City of Bergamo was opened in 1996.

The exhibition path of the Historical Museum of Bergamo begins with an accurate reconstruction of the tree of liberty, raised in March 1797 during the days of the Bergamasque Republic.

Already in this first section, the city, its urban form, and its architecture become protagonists of the exhibition: digitized thematic maps and two computers help navigate the urban history of Bergamo.

The section dedicated to the period 1815-1847 examines the manufacturing development, particularly linked to the silk sector, as well as the economic and social development of the Bergamo fair. For the years 1848-1849, the various political and social components were investigated, represented not only through war objects but also through revolutionary gadgets such as tricolor fans, cups, scarves, flags, and patriotic paintings. The decade 1849-1859 occupies a significant part of the exhibition because many of its men held important national positions.

The banner of Bergamo proudly bears the title “City of the Thousand.” Indeed, 174 Bergamasques rushed with Garibaldi to Quarto: photographs, busts, and paintings not only return the faces of the participants but also reveal their social and political backgrounds.

The path continues retracing the role played by Bergamasques in completing unification after 1860 and presenting the city and provincial reality: urban and territorial configuration, public and private welfare organization, school system, and productive situation, which sees the coexistence of traditional activities and working methods with an increasingly intense industrial development, documented by a multimedia station.

The exhibition closes with the reconstruction of Porta Nuova, symbolizing the dominant role assumed during that period by the lower city area compared to the upper city.

Historical Museum Bergamo: what to see

Campanone

In the heart of Piazza Vecchia stands the Civic Tower, called the Campanone, which at 52.76 meters tall offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the ancient city. At the top, reachable on foot (230 steps) or more comfortably by elevator, you find the largest bell in Lombardy. It is under the shadow of the Civic Tower, or Campanone, that Bergamo has experienced its most important moments for nearly a millennium.

Opening hours: TUE-FRI 10-18; SAT-HOL 10-20

Palazzo del Podestà

In the shadow of the Campanone, Palazzo del Podestà tells you a story with distant origins: on the ground floor, immerse yourself in Roman Bergamo through the archaeological excavations, then go up to the first floor to admire the magnificent frescoes in the Renaissance courtyard.

Opening hours: TUE-FRI 10-13 | 14.30-18; SAT-HOL 10-19

Donizetti Museum

Behind Santa Maria Maggiore, walk along the quiet Via Arena to reach the Domus Magna: here, on the first floor, is the Donizetti Museum.

The visit allows you to learn about the life, work, and personality of Gaetano Donizetti, a protagonist of early nineteenth-century European musical theater.

Opening hours: TUE-FRI 10-13; SAT-SUN 10-13 | 15-18

Tower of the Fallen

San Francesco Convent Bergamo

Not far from the heart of Città Alta, cross Piazza Mercato del Fieno to discover a fine example of medieval convent architecture rich in hidden treasures: the Cloister of the Arks, the Well Cloister, and the Chapter Hall reveal through their fresco cycles made between the 14th and 17th centuries the long history of this building.

Opening hours: TUE-FRI 10-13 | 14.30-18; SAT-HOL 10-19

Rocca

From the funicular of Città Alta, ascend towards the hill of Sant’Eufemia to reach the Rocca complex, one of the cherished places of the Bergamasques. The short walk is well rewarded by the exceptional 360° panoramic view from the tower: before your eyes, beyond the wonders of the upper city, the Orobie Prealps and the entire Bergamo plain, stretching to Milan.

Opening hours: TUE-FRI 10-13 | 14.30-18; SAT and HOL 10 | 19

Historical Museum Bergamo Opening Hours