Piazza Vecchia (Old Square), Bergamo (must see)
The Old Square is a captivating square situated in the upper part of Bergamo. Throughout many centuries, this square has served as the epicenter of political and civil power in Bergamo and remains a beloved meeting place for locals today. The history of Old Square traces back to ancient times, as it was built on the site of the city's Roman forum.
In the 11th century, numerous dwellings were erected on the square, but in the 13th century, a reclamation project commenced, resulting in the demolition of these structures. It was during the Middle Ages, particularly in the 12th century, that the square became the city center with the construction of Palace of Reason, which served as the seat of the Municipality. Over time, additional buildings were constructed around the square, primarily starting from the 15th century.
To the north of the square stands the New Palace, which currently houses the Angelo Mai Library. In the western section of the square, one can find Mayor's Palace, originally built in the 12th century as a residence for the Suardi family. Adjacent to Mayor's Palace stands the Civic Tower which dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries when it was constructed for the Suardi family. Today, the tower is part of the Bergamo History Museum and can be visited along with the Museum of the Sixteenth Century.
To the south of the square is the Palace of Reason, connected to the Mayor's Palace Big Bell by a portico. The Palace of Reason houses the Fresco Museum as well as various temporary art exhibitions. Next to Palace of Reason is the historic Caff猫 del Tasso, a renowned establishment that served as a base for the people who decided to follow Giuseppe Garibaldi in the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860.
At the center of Piazza Vecchia stands the stunning Contarini Fountain, constructed in 1780, adding to the square's charm and beauty. The fountain serves as a focal point and further enhances the atmosphere of this remarkable historical square in Bergamo.
In the 11th century, numerous dwellings were erected on the square, but in the 13th century, a reclamation project commenced, resulting in the demolition of these structures. It was during the Middle Ages, particularly in the 12th century, that the square became the city center with the construction of Palace of Reason, which served as the seat of the Municipality. Over time, additional buildings were constructed around the square, primarily starting from the 15th century.
To the north of the square stands the New Palace, which currently houses the Angelo Mai Library. In the western section of the square, one can find Mayor's Palace, originally built in the 12th century as a residence for the Suardi family. Adjacent to Mayor's Palace stands the Civic Tower which dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries when it was constructed for the Suardi family. Today, the tower is part of the Bergamo History Museum and can be visited along with the Museum of the Sixteenth Century.
To the south of the square is the Palace of Reason, connected to the Mayor's Palace Big Bell by a portico. The Palace of Reason houses the Fresco Museum as well as various temporary art exhibitions. Next to Palace of Reason is the historic Caff猫 del Tasso, a renowned establishment that served as a base for the people who decided to follow Giuseppe Garibaldi in the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860.
At the center of Piazza Vecchia stands the stunning Contarini Fountain, constructed in 1780, adding to the square's charm and beauty. The fountain serves as a focal point and further enhances the atmosphere of this remarkable historical square in Bergamo.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergamo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Piazza Vecchia (Old Square) on Map
Sight Name: Piazza Vecchia (Old Square)
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