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

Already in this first section the city, its form urbis, 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 were 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 significant part of the exhibition because many of its men had important national roles.

The banner of Bergamo proudly bears the title “City of the Thousand.” Indeed, 174 Bergamo citizens joined Garibaldi at Quarto: photographs, busts, and paintings not only give us the faces of the participants but also their social and political backgrounds.

The journey continues by retracing the role played by the people of Bergamo in completing the 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 working methods with an increasingly intense industrial development, documented by a multimedia station.

The exhibition concludes with the reconstruction of Porta Nuova, symbol of the dominant role assumed during that period by the flat area 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 height of 52.76 meters 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 Bergamo lives its most important moments for almost a millennium.

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.

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

Donizettiano Museum

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

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

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

Tower of the Fallen

Convent of San Francesco 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 tombs, the well cloister, and the chapter hall reveal the long history of this building with their fresco cycles created between the 14th and 17th centuries.

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

Rocca

From the funicular of Città Alta, go up towards Sant’Eufemia hill 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 enjoyed from the tower: under your eyes, beyond the wonders of Città Alta, are the Orobie Prealps and the entire Bergamo plain, up to Milan.

Hours: TUE-FRI 10-13 | 14.30-18; SAT AND HOL 10 | 19

Historical Museum of Bergamo Opening Hours