Lavatoio Pubblico (Public Wash House), Bergamo
The Public Wash House located on San Lupo Street in the Upper Town of Bergamo, is a remarkable architectural gem. Built in 1881, it showcases an elegant design and features a long tank made of white marble, divided into different sections. The structure is covered by a graceful roof crafted from cast iron and metal slabs, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
From a functional standpoint, the Wash House is ingeniously designed. It incorporates a sophisticated water supply system, an overflow drain system, and a mechanism for discharging dirty water after washing. Additionally, it includes a gutter to collect water sprays generated during the washing process. These thoughtful features make the washhouse highly effective and efficient in its purpose.
During the time of its construction, Bergamo faced significant challenges in terms of hygiene. In 1884, a devastating cholera epidemic struck the city, and physicians attributed the spread of diseases such as typhus fever to the poor quality of water in the Upper Town. In response to these health concerns, the Bergamo Administration took decisive action and decided to construct multiple public washhouses. In addition to the one on San Lupo Street, similar washhouses were built on Boccola Street and in Borgo Canale.
The San Lupo Street Wash House remained operational until the 1950s, serving as a vital community resource for many years. Today, it stands as a precious testament to the past and is meticulously preserved by the authorities.
From a functional standpoint, the Wash House is ingeniously designed. It incorporates a sophisticated water supply system, an overflow drain system, and a mechanism for discharging dirty water after washing. Additionally, it includes a gutter to collect water sprays generated during the washing process. These thoughtful features make the washhouse highly effective and efficient in its purpose.
During the time of its construction, Bergamo faced significant challenges in terms of hygiene. In 1884, a devastating cholera epidemic struck the city, and physicians attributed the spread of diseases such as typhus fever to the poor quality of water in the Upper Town. In response to these health concerns, the Bergamo Administration took decisive action and decided to construct multiple public washhouses. In addition to the one on San Lupo Street, similar washhouses were built on Boccola Street and in Borgo Canale.
The San Lupo Street Wash House remained operational until the 1950s, serving as a vital community resource for many years. Today, it stands as a precious testament to the past and is meticulously preserved by the authorities.
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Lavatoio Pubblico (Public Wash House) on Map
Sight Name: Lavatoio Pubblico (Public Wash House)
Sight Location: Bergamo, Italy (See walking tours in Bergamo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bergamo, Italy (See walking tours in Bergamo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bergamo, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Bergamo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergamo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergamo Introduction Walking Tour
The first thing you notice about Bergamo is topography. Situated at the foothills of the Italian Alps, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Bergamo has been divided into two parts, the Upper Town and the Lower Town (Citt脿 Alta and Citt脿 Bassa), since the 15th century. The flat Lower Town rises steeply to the Upper Town, perched on a picturesque hill's crest.
Historically, Lower... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Historically, Lower... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles