Rocca di Bergamo (Fortress of Bergamo), Bergamo (must see)
The Fortress of Bergamo is situated in the upper part of the city on the hill of Sant'Eufemia. It commands a view of the lower city and the surrounding plains to the south, while to the north, it overlooks the majestic Orobie mountains. The fortress is home to the Museum of the Nineteenth Century, which is part of the Bergamo History Museum network managed by the "Bergamo in history" foundation.
The construction of the fortress began in 1331, the same year Bergamo was donated to the King of Bohemia. It is believed that the structure was built upon a pre-existing Roman fortification. The works were carried out under the coordination of Guglielmo di Castelbarco, the king's vicar, and were later continued by the Visconti family. Azzone Visconti completed the fortress in 1336, adding fortification works to enhance its defensive capabilities against both external and internal enemies, as well as to suppress any potential rebellions.
The Rocca served its military function throughout various historical periods, including the Napoleonic era from 1797 to 1814 and the subsequent Austro-Hungarian rule from 1814 to June 8, 1859, when it was liberated by Garibaldi. The Austrians further strengthened the fortress around 1850. In 1927-1933, the complex underwent extensive restoration after being transferred from the state to the Municipality of Bergamo. The restoration aimed to preserve the fortress's original appearance and transform it into an ideal place for commemorating the history of the Risorgimento in Bergamo.
The square in front of the fortress serves as a venue for celebratory events. The elevated position of the Rocca, particularly the tower of the keep, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the plain and the Orobie mountains, attracting a significant number of tourists. Adjacent to the fortress is the Parco delle Rimembranze, which features tombstones and memorials of numerous military units that participated in the two world wars. Among the notable exhibits is a 75/18 self-propelled tank.
The construction of the fortress began in 1331, the same year Bergamo was donated to the King of Bohemia. It is believed that the structure was built upon a pre-existing Roman fortification. The works were carried out under the coordination of Guglielmo di Castelbarco, the king's vicar, and were later continued by the Visconti family. Azzone Visconti completed the fortress in 1336, adding fortification works to enhance its defensive capabilities against both external and internal enemies, as well as to suppress any potential rebellions.
The Rocca served its military function throughout various historical periods, including the Napoleonic era from 1797 to 1814 and the subsequent Austro-Hungarian rule from 1814 to June 8, 1859, when it was liberated by Garibaldi. The Austrians further strengthened the fortress around 1850. In 1927-1933, the complex underwent extensive restoration after being transferred from the state to the Municipality of Bergamo. The restoration aimed to preserve the fortress's original appearance and transform it into an ideal place for commemorating the history of the Risorgimento in Bergamo.
The square in front of the fortress serves as a venue for celebratory events. The elevated position of the Rocca, particularly the tower of the keep, offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the plain and the Orobie mountains, attracting a significant number of tourists. Adjacent to the fortress is the Parco delle Rimembranze, which features tombstones and memorials of numerous military units that participated in the two world wars. Among the notable exhibits is a 75/18 self-propelled tank.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergamo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: 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.
Rocca di Bergamo (Fortress of Bergamo) on Map
Sight Name: Rocca di Bergamo (Fortress of Bergamo)
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 (Città Alta and Città 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