Historical Museum, Bergamo

In the setting of the 14th-century monastery of S. Francesco, the first section of the Historical Museum of the City of Bergamo was opened in 1996.

The exhibition path of the Bergamo Historical Museum opens with a faithful reconstruction of the liberty tree, raised in March 1797 during the days of the Bergamasque Republic.

Already in this first section, the city, its urbis shape, and its architectures become the protagonists of the exhibition: digitized thematic maps and two computers help to orient oneself in the urban history of Bergamo.

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

The banner of Bergamo is honored with the title “City of the Thousand”. In fact, 174 Bergamaschi joined Garibaldi at Quarto: the photographs, busts, and paintings not only show us the faces of the participants but also their social and political backgrounds.

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

The exhibition concludes with the reconstruction of Porta Nuova, symbolizing the dominant role assumed during that period by the flatland settlement compared to the one on the hill.

Historical Museum of Bergamo: what to see

Campanone

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

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

Palazzo del Podestà

In the shadow of the Campanone, the Palazzo del Podestà tells you a story with distant origins: on the ground floor, immerse yourself in Roman Bergamo through archaeological excavations, then go up to the first floor and admire the wonderful frescoes of 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 silent 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 19th-century European musical theater.

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

Torre dei Caduti

Convent of San Francesco Bergamo

Not far from the heart of the Upper Town, cross Piazza Mercato del fieno to discover a fine example of medieval convent architecture rich in hidden treasures: the cloister of the arches, the well cloister, and the chapter house reveal to you through their cycles of frescoes 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 the upper town, go up towards the hill of Sant’Eufemia to reach the Rocca complex, one of the favorite places of the people of Bergamo. The short walk is well rewarded by the exceptional 360° panoramic view from the tower: under your eyes, besides the wonders of the upper town, the Orobic Prealps and the entire Bergamo plain up to Milan.

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

Opening hours Historical Museum of Bergamo