The Museo delle Storie di Bergamo is a network of historical museums scattered throughout the city, offering a comprehensive narrative of Bergamo’s past from medieval times to the 20th century. In the Città Alta, you’ll find the Convento di San Francesco housing the Museo della Fotografia Sestini and Bergamo 900, the iconic Campanone, the Palazzo del Podestà hosting the Museo del 500, the Rocca with the Museo dell’800, and the Museo Donizzettiano. In the Città Bassa, the Torre dei Caduti provides insight into modern Bergamo.
6+1 Museums Around the City:
1. Palazzo del Podestà
2. Rocca Museum
3. Campanone (Civic Tower)
4. Convento di San Francesco
5. Museo Donizettiano
6. Torre dei Caduti
7. Panoramamura (itinerary)
Palazzo del Podestà
The Palazzo del Podestà, situated in the Città Alta, is a splendid medieval building that now houses the Museo del Cinquecento. This museum offers an immersive, multimedia journey through Bergamo’s past under the rule of the Serenissima. The Palazzo del Podestà provides a fascinating exploration of the city’s evolution during the 16th century. Visitors can interact with engaging exhibits and experience a restored medieval courtroom, revealing insights into the city’s judicial history. Additionally, the building showcases Roman remnants at its base and stunning Renaissance frescoes on the first floor, making it a treasure trove of historical layers.
Rocca Museum
The Rocca Museum, housed within a historic fortress, offers a captivating glimpse into Bergamo’s 19th-century history, focusing on the Risorgimento and Garibaldi. This site underscores the city’s strategic significance and its pivotal role in the Italian unification movement. Known as the “Città dei Mille” for contributing the most soldiers to Garibaldi’s campaign, Bergamo’s legacy is vividly brought to life here. The Rocca di Bergamo also provides stunning panoramic views of both the Città Alta and Città Bassa. Inside, visitors can explore weapons, uniforms, and other relics from the period.
Campanone (Civic Tower)
The Campanone, or Civic Tower, is an iconic landmark in Bergamo’s skyline. This 12th century monument, which is the highest bell tower in Lombardy, provides visitors with a unique perspective on the city’s architectural and urban development. Climbing to the top of the tower rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Bergamo. The historic bells, which have marked time for centuries, are still in function: every evening at 10:00 PM, they strike more than 100 chimes, in remembrance of the closing of the gates along the city walls.
Convento di San Francesco
The Convento di San Francesco, a stunning example of medieval architecture, is rich with hidden treasures. Visitors can explore the Chiostro delle Arche, the Chiostro del Pozzo, the Sala Capitolare, and a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views. Today, the convent houses the Museo della Fotografia Sestini, Bergamo 900, and the section for temporary exhibitions within the ancient Church of San Francesco. Inside, magnificent frescoes from the 14th to the 17th centuries reveal the building’s long history. This peaceful site provides a serene retreat, showcasing Bergamo’s spiritual and cultural heritage amidst its beautifully preserved cloisters and gardens.
Museo Donizettiano
Dedicated to the life and work of the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti, the Museo Donizettiano is a must-visit for music lovers. This museum celebrates Bergamo’s rich musical heritage and Donizetti’s lasting impact on the world of opera. Visitors can view Donizetti’s original manuscripts and personal belongings, and discover a collection of historic musical instruments used during his time. Checking the museum’s schedule for special performances or events can enhance your visit.
Torre dei Caduti
The Torre dei Caduti, or Tower of the Fallen, is a solemn monument dedicated to the memory of Bergamo’s soldiers who perished in World War I. This poignant site offers a reflective space to honor their sacrifice while providing insights into the impact of the wars on the city. The six floors of the tower detail the development of the surrounding Piacentiniano center and the life of the city around the Torre, which has become a symbol of modern Bergamo. Visitors can climb to the terrace to discover an unparalleled panoramic view, adding a unique perspective to their understanding of Bergamo’s 20th-century history.
Panoramamura
Last but not least there is the Panoramamura itinerary, which offers a historical journey along Bergamo’s Venetian Walls, UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017. This project by the Museo delle Storie di Bergamo, in collaboration with the Municipality of Bergamo and its UNESCO Secretariat, explores the 16th-century fortress through ten key stops. Since its launch in 2019, Panoramamura has engaged visitors with guided tours, educational initiatives, and the book “Da Bergamo al Mediterraneo. Fortezze alla moderna della Repubblica di Venezia.”
In 2023, as part of Bergamo Brescia Capital of Culture, the project opened sites like Porta di Sant’Agostino, Cannoniera di San Giovanni, and Polveriera Superiore di San Marco for free public tours. By 2024, the walls will host an immersive audio-visual museum experience, and in 2025, additional sites such as Porta di Sant’Alessandro and Baluardo di Valverde will be included.
For current opening hours and activity schedules check: https://www.ticketlandia.com/m/event/panoramamura-pm3
Museo delle Storie ALL IN ONE
For an immersive experience, consider the Museo delle Storie ALL IN ONE ticket, granting access to all six museums for 48 hours at a discounted rate. This comprehensive ticket allows you to delve into Bergamo’s multifaceted history while saving money. Spend your time exploring each site at your leisure, from the medieval charm of the Città Alta to the modern narratives of the Città Bassa.
Find tickets here: https://www.ticketlandia.com/m/event/museo-delle-storie-all-in-one