places of interest - Comune di Bergamo
Transcription
places of interest - Comune di Bergamo
EN GL ISH PLACES OF INTEREST A WALK THROUGH ART AND HISTORY BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES NE VIA CASTA ETA GN O Parco dei Colli di B Parco del Castello di S. Vigilio VIA CO S Castello di San Vigilio V IA FE LIC E SAN VIGILIO CAV AG TANTI NO BE LT N IS VIA S O T T E ON ZZ LA OR SA LI T A VIA SUD O VIA DE ALE .A RO SAND Parco la Crotta RG O DI P. S LES EM LA LO RO OB VIA VICOL O DE VICOLO DEL PARADISO TA VIA DEL PA R ADIS E SAN MOR ILLA AV . RIV LE A VIA SC AL ET TA DE L TAN FO N GLI OR TOLA NI RLAZ ZINO GR AT AR OL I V IVA VIA AS ILL FR AN K A NI IES CH M IN TA TU T VIA VIA S O A I VIA PA NSERI VIA R DE LL O GR Clinica S. Francesco VIA VIA NE GIO VIA 24 MA G N O FIL ZI TO RIN O VIA HE LV ST AT UT O ETIA Clinica Castelli VIA G. MAZZINI VIA G. MAZZINI XI NZO VIA R OGN VI A DO N VIA DE LL OS BO L G. VIA VIA EX OSPEDALE AN TA LU CIA E ZIO N I TU T EO AN TT CA SA VIA VIA ZO S VIA C O VIA TA AN VIA LARGO G. BAROZZI C.C AT TA NE O R A. VIA D E Piscina Comunale VIA O VIA LLO STAT UTO VIA TED E SCHI NI VIAL I ARM TRE RILL OSI LEGION VIA DE I VIA A. DIAZ Parco F.lli Locatelli VELA VIA G. VIA CIFRONDI VIA TALLONE VIA BROSETA VIA 4 Parco Diaz A RI I N VIA A. DIAZ VIA A. GRAMSCI VIA V. VIA NOVEMB RE LO 24 RGAMO O BR VIA TO TI EL IO D SÈ MO VIA BR . BE Polizia locale VIA F. COGHETTI VIA DEI GALLIARI VIA C. GOLDONI VIA DELL’ LE ZA PIA Z Piazza Vittorio Veneto RINI LORETO VIA B. ZEND VIA F. COGHETTI SA NP AO LO VIA POLON I A NOCE VIA IN MA GG SCO Carab ED ELL VIA SALITA DELLO BORGO CANALE VIA W. VON GOETHE 2 AN GL I ORTI LE ANA OC ORG VIA B C. PORTA S. ALESS URA V Stazione funicolare VIA BO RGO C VIA W. VON GOETHE Piazza Vecchia VIA RNO STRADA CONTRADELLO NO R UDO IA S V SCALETTA COLLE APERTO NO OR SC O DR AN SS LE T’A AN IS AD ORTO BOTANICO D SU O LL O R MU VIA Monastero di Astino DE VIA SAN VIGIL IO R AMI V A journey between the two cities, one on the hill and the other on the plain, different yet linked by history and interwoven streets, alleys and stairways. Bergamo is a treasure trove, protected yet open to those who wish to see her, for those who yearn to explore her narrow corners of medieval architecture, the lightness of Venetian colonnades, the strength of the stones that gird the city and the breeze of the mountains behind it. We can recommend two itineraries, diverse yet united. They offer two views of Bergamo, that reveal the lively spirit of a city of culture and business, of contemplation and action, of sky and earth, the Upper and Lower Cities. The blue itinerary begins with the city on the hill, where we can savour the ambience of the historic district and its monuments, bathed in the gleaming light of the buildings of Piazza Vecchia. It then continues in search of the unique views of the plains and the Alps, with the extraordinary vistas offered by the Civic Tower (Campanone), the Fortress and the Gombito Tower. The red itinerary amazes for its historic routes through the Pignolo or Sant’Alessandro boroughs and the avenue with its ramparts passing through the Gate of Sant’Agostino, descending to the centre of Lower Bergamo, in the heart of the shopping district. These tours are perfect for exploring the city’s two faces, through continuously evolving perspectives, linked by the romantic and delightful funicular railways, useful yet unusual, rising to enter the very belly of the Walls until it reaches the ancient heart of Bergamo. N PIA AL VIA VIA M. DA C ARAV ERA V ZI VIA DE N GAU A. PIN ET TI INI VIA PIETRA TO RE T DE LL AZ ZA CA F RE ESA G. C CE G. ELES TINI VIA VIA A. DA ROSCIATE I AR D SU AN FO RT E GI VIA VIA VIA TORRETTA MA ZZ I NI ZO FRIZ RO CAL EPI O VIA A. D A PA LA Z ZO P.ZA SANT’ANNA CA PP BO RG O BORGO PALAZZO AN GE LO VIA MA I DIV ISIO NE T VIA NT INA RID E I CIN V IA BO NO VIA TTI ORE RIO B VIA DAV ID ONO ATB LINEA 1 PIAZZALE G. MARCONI LI OVE L VIA N VIA G. LONG O SA RE VIA DEI C VIA VIA GH IRA RD ELL I VIA ON AC VIA BRI DO TEO E SO N MA VIA ’ALZ ANO G. D VIA UC TEB one Stazi(Tram) i Urban Center CA PA PA LE O O TR PIE VIA VIA S VIA N D AZ ASTR EL ZU O RR O OLO L. P ALA ZZ DON VIA PAV ENTA O I VIA I EI AN TO MA SO VIA SOLAT A SAN VIA O SSANDR NT’AL E VIA SA E GN B AN CAL VIC. VIA SAN BER NARDINO MO RO NI G. VIA VIA S N LO RENZ O ZIO VIA SA PA N CRA VIA TA SSIS . LU PO VIA M G TE VIA SA N O AN DR SS ON INO VIA MANARA VIA SANT’ANT RO A AZZ A MA ZZ VIA NI S AN AN L NZO MA VIA M NI FANTO VIA BO A GA LIA . VIA A LUS VIA S VIA MAR VIA ND IS LE ME RO NI A. C A VI A MI RA I ALBR ICC IL AN O LE A. VIA M VIA GE NERA I U NE J ISIO DIV A LONI CEFA VIA F. NULL O VIA L APAC ANO MI AN E EV AN RI DI ARTI VIA i ne zio e Sta toline Au DI D EL RIO LGA RGO PALAZZO VIA FO RO I DUSS VIA CO I L DE L I FE AF G AN G. VIA M AM V IA VIA I MA ELO O OL N NA AR CL IA ER Carabinieri VIA VIA N SA OLI . D’A PIAZZALE DEGLI ALPINI Centro Congressi Giovanni XXIII O MAD VIA C PAS RATA VIA NI DO NA DO NI PA V IA OP O ST LIN A. SA V IA CA UID OP AG L IA OZ ZI VIA LL GA III ON I AM VIA CO CES GO TI EG RAN S. F XX SC OT AN Z GIO SI PAS LL I ZA FAN VIA NI AN IOV AG I OR VIA RE AT C LE RIE AB MELLI ARA VI A T GALL ICCIO G PA PA LE VIA VI VIA D TRA di Bergamo e Prefettura G VIA VI A ET T PIGN OLO CON I TT LO BE VIA SO AS Provincia T. T NE RO PIAZZA CAVOUR PIAZZA G. MATTEOTTI VIA VIA IE NT SE I SCH ABO TIR VIA VIA GH IS L VIA C OL A.N TA ET AB DE O RG PI VIA PIAZZETTA S. SPIRITO NI FO GIOVANN I BORGO SANT’ANTONIO VIA BO LA Clinica Palazzolo GRE P O ELL RAD VIA G . P VIA O CHI ZAI HI VEC RRO Z G EN AR A IL DEI CA A OM I S XX VIA QU ALM J. P VIA R LE N BRU VIA VIA SC IO UB AS EP S. PAS INO SAN NI Polizia Locale E BR EM TE ONA AMB V IA Z LARGO CINQUE VIE GI O URI VIA TO DOT LARGO N.REZZARA T BO SA VIA GALLERIA CRIS S. MARTA PI Comune di Bergamo FUR O VIA IA TIG AR IP UR AIN E LARGO DEL GALGARIO VICO LO Parco Marenzi Parco Caprotti DI LE M GIU CA AR TR NT MO OR PE ER EV PP SE VIA VIA VIA B VIA A SC TA VIA VIA SANT’O RSOLA DEI VAG NI MI VIA ROTONDA DEI MILLE RI PIAZZA PONTIDA BORGO SAN LEONARDO OR MB IAN CH I DO ET ELL SAN BENED O E TT RI HI VIA CUCC O OL V IC VIA BROSETA VIA MANZÙ O SC LA ZE V IA PIAZZA DELLA LIBERTÀ VIA ABRUZZI IS II VIA DEGLI TR MA E EL Istituto Matteo Rota I UP P.LE DELLA REPUBBLICA TA OT LO D VICO VIA G. GARIBALDI VIA NU D LI EL AT A EM VIA B C. ON L TA IGA BR LB IN I ZA VIA NI V AN GIO LIS OC RIO TO VIT SCALETTA DI S. ALESSANDRO EZ IO SAN VIA VIA A.L NI LIA VIG LE VIA RISM ONDO VIA MOVI A VI A IGN OL O VIA VIA CARLO GALLERIA CONCA D’ORO A AR TIG OR VIAL EA VIA I ON RN VIA P E NT Parco Suardi VIA E O TA A VIA MAGLIO DEL RAM PIAZZALE E. TIRABOSCHI BORGO PIGNOLO E TA SAN VIA S DI GNOLI PIAZZETTA DEL DELFINO LO EL LET CA A LE LIT SA VIA T’A RSEN INI AN VICOLO SAN S VIA DE .C. AN O SM CCHIA H VIA VE LUCIA NTA VIA ATB LINEA 1 Stazione funicolare PORTA S. GIACOMO PE LA AS RN CO YR MA I EL CO OC BR S. ED VIAL E LVIA ERIN C AT ANTA VIA DEGLI BORGO SAN TOMASO VIALE VITTORIO EMA N U S GO INI ELL VIA PORTA DIPINTA URA LE M I BORGO SANTA CATERINA R BO VIA PIAZZALE OBERDAN PIAZZA CARRARA VIA DELLA NOCA TIN PITEN OMO IAC SELL NO ALBANI P.LE BRIGATA LEGNANO ROS UR LT VO VIA LE SA NT .D EL OL O DD L’A VIA ALLA ROCC A VIA PIGNOLO VIA VIA TR EA RM OS A VIA R VIA T CAS GO PORTA SANT’AGOSTINO AIG Ostello della Gioventù D. PIE N. VIA ACCA Parco S. Agostino P.LE SANT’AGOSTINO TA IPIN VIA TR I VIA A. E A. VI TA O VIA i MB ITO PIAZZA MERCATO LI PIAZZA L. ANGELINI DELLE SCARPE VIA G. DONIZET TI PIAZZA ATB 3 ROSATE Polizia locale VIA VIA TA D POR I VIA C. BATTIST OR AT LV SA A ROCCA P.ZZA MERCATO DEL FIENO PIAZZA DUOMO S. EM UR Parco delle Rimembranze LARGO DELLO SPORT Stadio PIA L. ZZAL VIA GOISIS E G. C RES CEN ZI VIA VOLA VIA NA ADI VIA VIA F. BAR MANO VIA OS AR E DE LL VIA RI PIAZZA VECCHIA N. N O VIA N. SAURO . S ALVATORE LE T DEL LAZZ A R ET VIA VIA DELLA FARA IS SS TA VIA S VIA VIA ER PI UP AL RT SI PO AS RI . A GR A VIA S.P. AZZ N VIA .B. G VIA P. B VIA I ION BA INE VIA LORE ZO N A VIA VAG TE ON AP A HI PIAZZALE OLIMPIADI Lazzaretto VIA VIA P.ZZA L. MASCHERONI VIA B. C OLL EON I IO CH EC ALV S VIA binieri LLA P. S. A CCOL VIA DELLA BO PIAZZA DELLA CITTADELLA C OR AMO DA BERG V IA SANDRO ATB LINEA 1 LARGO COLLE APERTO NI D IRO MA V IA SP NI OVA ANT G. M VIA SOLI VIA FAS VIA A. GRE E G. AY DEL MORLA NW PORTA GARIBALDI (PORTA DI S. LORENZO) CITTÀ ALTA V IA SC EN ZI DE LL I ION Campo Utili VALVERDE LT . BE RE ROC V IA G. C TO ZABOT VIA IOR ITA CONCA FIORITA I A. GHEZZI N RA TU VIA A. VIA MP RA BA BA CO LIN O G. VIA VIA A RN BA I EID EL AS A. VIA MAIRONI DA P ONTE C LE AL VIA DE V IA VI A VIA ER LV VA Bergamo A. PIN ET TI VIA Monastero di Valmarina LI EL M NO BO iaria rrov e Fe zion Sta The Venetian walls 3 THE HISTORY OF BERGAMO FROM THE IRON AGE TO THE “LORDS”OF MILAN The city was conquered by the Lombards. Certain places, such as Fara, owe the origin of their names to them. 568/569 First settlement on the Bergamo hill with a village of Celts. X-IX century B.C. 400 a.C. 200 a.C. anno 0 200 400 197 B.C. With the advent of Roman colonisation, the hilltop settlement began to take on the characteristics of a Roman city, recognised later by Rome as a Municipium in 49 B.C. FROM THE VENETIAN REPUBLIC TO THE PRESENT After being under the rule of the Viscontis, Bergamo surrendered to the lion of Saint Mark for three and a half centuries. 1428 1400 1500 1430 The first ring of walls known as the “Muraine” was built, surrounding a good portion of the town’s boroughs. 4 Construction began on the mighty defensive walls ringing the hilltop city, continuing until 1588, followed by the reconstruction of the castle on San Vigilio hill. For all intents and purposes, Bergamo became a fortress city. 1561 1600 1700 1734 Construction began on the new Sant’Alessandro fair on the plain below, comprising 350 shops. After the invasion of Napoleon’s troops and the defeat of Venice, the Bergamo Republic was created, becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy. 1797 1800 1814 The Congress of Vienna sanctioned the passage of Bergamo under Austrian rule. FROM ONE CENTURY TO THE NEXT The city came under the rule of the Franks. 774 600 Following the episcopal rule, Bergamo became a free commune ruled over by the Consuls. During this period, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Palazzo della Ragione were constructed. 1098 800 1000 904 King Berengar relinquished jurisdiction over the city to bishop Adalbert. The bishop renovated the walls and city defences. Lower Bergamo was linked to Upper Bergamo by the funicular railway, one of the first ever constructed in Italy. 1887 King John of Bohemia was called to Bergamo to put an end to strife between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. The rule of the Viscontis, the Lords of Milan, began over the city and territory. 1331 1200 1400 1167 Bergamo joined the Lombard League against Emperor Frederick I. The league, uniting 16 communes, was sanctioned by an oath taken at Pontida Abbey. In the fair area, the new town centre was built in Lower Bergamo in the 1920s upon the design of architect Marcello Piacentini. Bergamo native Angelo Roncalli was elected pope in 1958, with the name of John XXIII, and went down in the Catholic Church’s history for the second Vatican Council. 20th century 1900 1859 On the morning of June 8th, Giuseppe Garibaldi entered the city at the head of the Hunters of the Alps. The citizens of Bergamo made an important contribution to the struggle to unify Italy (Risorgimento): 180 of them participated in the Mille expedition (1860). 5 UPPER BERGAMO UPPER BERGAMO The majority of the city’s monumental and artistic heritage in enclosed within the limited area of Upper Bergamo. The ring of walls built by Venice in the 1500s marks the boundary of this area abounding in history and vestiges of the past. This concentration indeed aids sightseeing, offering the possibility of strolling through medieval streets and alleyways shaded by towers and bell towers while discovering the city’s most evocative spots. The funicular railway travels from Lower Bergamo to inside the Upper City walls, facilitating access for the visitor. The other funicular railway, on the opposite side only metres from the gate of Sant’Alessandro, ascends San Vigilio hill with its magnificent views. THE WALLS AND THE GATES Almost one-third of the dwellings of an entire quarter and an important monastery were razed to the ground so that the great construction site of the mighty defensive walls could get under way in 1561 and be completed in 1588. Four gates were inserted into the wall, almost six kilometres long, each of which corresponded to the main thoroughfares leading to the territory and other cities. The gate of The Walls and Gate St. Giacomo 6 Sant’Agostino, situated on the road to Venice; the gate of San Giacomo on the way to Milan; the gate of Sant’Alessandro on the road for Lecco and Como; the gate of San Lorenzo leading to the valleys. The walls never came under assault but from one bastion to another, the cannons could have impeded an enemy approach. The cannon batteries in San Michele and San Giovanni can be visited from spring through autumn. Info: ph. +39 035 242226 www.comune.bergamo.it THE FORTRESS The capitol was set up on the rise of Santa Eufemia, according to several hypotheses on the layout of Bergamo in Roman times. When the city was handed over to the seigniory, thus ending the free Commune, King John of Bohemia had a fortress built. After the walls were constructed, the fortress was transformed into an arsenal, housed a barracks and then a prison. In 1960, it became the site of the Risorgimento Museum. Today, despite being outfitted differently and in the larger context of the city’s Historical Museum, it houses the 1800s section. Info: ph. +39 035 247116. www.bergamoestoria.it HISTORICAL CENTRE THE FORMER CONVENT OF SAN FRANCESCO Accessed from Piazza Mercato del Fieno, the monastery of San Francesco was the medieval city’s largest and most important religious complex. Established in the 12th century and completed in 1500s, it features two large cloisters. The first, known as the Sarcophagus cloister due to the 19 tombs built in the 1200s, was destined as a tomb for the city’s families. The well cloister, the second, offers a lovely view on the Bergamo Alps. Eliminated at the onset of the 19th century, and turned into a barracks and then a prison, the complex became severely damaged; the only part of the church remaining was the apse with its frescoes. The former monastery is currently the site of the city’s Historical Museum. Info: ph. +39 035 247116. www.bergamoestoria.it PIAZZA VECCHIA The architecture of Piazza Vecchia fools the eye into believing it is larger than it actually is. As the core of Bergamo’s political and administrative life and all of the Bergamo region, this space began to acquire its current appearance in the 1400s. It was at the beginning of the Venetian rule that this central area took on the forms and dimensions of the Renaissance, in particular when the building on the western side was transformed into the seat of the Venetian magistrate. The façade was magnificently decorated by one of the era’s most renowned artists, Bramante, who frescoed it in 1477. The piazza assumed its definitive appearance when the new Town Hall was constructed on the eastern side. Faced with white marble, today the building is the home of the Angelo Mai Municipal Library, with its priceless collection of scrolls, illuminated codices, incunabula and archives which recount the city’s history. PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE Considered one of the oldest Lombard communal buildings (12th century), the palace consists of a single imposing “hall of trusses”, resting on a base of porticoes, accessed by a great staircase flanking the Campanone (Civic Tower). It was originally used as a council room, then as premises of the court of justice, a theatre and then library. The colonnade beneath the old town hall acts almost as a filter between Piazza Vecchia, where civil power was concentrated, and the square of the Duomo (cathedral), symbol of episcopal power. 7 UPPER BERGAMO Civic Tower CIVIC TOWER (CAMPANONE) A symbol of the medieval city, the town tower is 52 metres high. Its two panoramic floors, which can be reached by a convenient lift, offer not only fantastic views over the rooftops of the historic district and the Alps, but are the perfect places to view Piazza Vecchia. Only from above can one perceive the balanced dimensions of this space, of which the lovely fountain, donated to the city in 1780 by the Venetian magistrate Alvise Contarini, is its focal point. The tower is also referred to as the Campanone for the large bell which, in addition to calling town council meetings, rings more than 100 times every evening at 10 p.m., the old night curfew, or rather, the traditional closing of the city gates in the evening. Info: ph. +39 035 247116. www.bergamoestoria.it PALACE OF THE MAGISTRATE AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF THE VENETIAN AGE – THE INTERACTIVE 1500s Originally the residence of the Suardi-Colleoni families, the Palace of the Magistrate was 8 Baptistery, Colleoni Chapel and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore home to the Magistrate of Bergamo and the location for various communal functions from the beginning of the 12th to first half of the 15th centuries. The Municipality carried out restoration work on the palace, revealing extremely important findings regarding the city’s history. Remains and structures from the Roman era were discovered beneath the palace. In 2012, the Historical Museum of the Venetian Age - The Interactive 1500s was opened. Info: ph. +39 035 247116. www.bergamoestoria.it BAPTISTERY The Baptistery has been in its current location since 1898, complementing the intimate ambience of the Duomo square. The building has ancient origins and was constructed by Giovanni da Campione in 1340 inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Virtues are represented in the fourteenth century statues found in narrow niches on the sides of the octagonal structure in the upper band of red Verona marble pierced by columns. Only open for baptisms. Info: ph. +39 035 210223. HISTORICAL CENTRE COLLEONI CHAPEL Renowned mercenary warlord Bartolomeo Colleoni had an apse of the basilica demolished to build his own tomb. Having chosen one of the most prestigious places in the city, he commissioned (1470-1472) one of the best known artists of that days: Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. Its extraordinary façade, decorated with polychromatic marble and bas-relief details, seems to compete with the lavish décor of the basilica’s porch. The sumptuous decorations are dense with meaning, references to ancient Roman culture, Jewish culture, and Christianity without failing to adore the personage, visible in the portrayal of the feats of Hercules (considered progenitor of Colleoni), represented in four panels beneath the façade’s pillars. Info: ph. +39 035 210061. THE BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE Amongst the city’s many historical and artistic assets, the basilica is its greatest monument, and was once held in such consideration as to be deemed the “Chapel of the city”. 1. Colleoni Chapel; inside, eighteenth-century frescoes by Tiepolo 2. Northern portal with the column-bearing lions 3. Florentine and Flemish tapestries, the tombs of Gaetano Donizetti and S. Mayr 4. The marquetry panels and wooden cross 5. The portal by Giovanni da Campione 6. Central apse 7. Baroque decoration 7 1 3 6 4 5 2 9 UPPER BERGAMO Duomo - interiors When the decision was made to build it, also in fulfilment of a vow against the plague, Bergamo natives chose an easily accessed location where the small church of Santa Maria rose. Construction began in 1137. Used for baptisms, the church also served as a hall for civic assemblies. Toward the middle of the 1300s, Giovanni da Campione was commissioned to build the monumental northern entrance with a porch supported by red marble lions, complete with a three-legged loggia and statue of Saint Alexander on horseback. At the end of the century, a covered and cusped tabernacle was finally added. The southern porch is instead supported by white marble lions. The majestic Romanesque interior, which was supposed to be entirely frescoed, was later transformed by lavish Baroque decorations. Over the centuries, the Mia Consortium embellished the basilica with works of art. Standing out amongst these is the choir with its astounding wood inlay panels carried out between 1522 and 1555, based on the drawings of Lorenzo Lotto, and the Baroque confessional by Andrea Fantoni. Info: ph. +39 035 223327. www.fondazionemia.it 10 Baptistery detail DUOMO AND MUSEUM AND THE TREASURE OF THE CATHEDRAL Important discoveries made under the cathedral revealed the presence of two large churches that preceded it, and which traced the current church’s outline: the Palaeo-Christian cathedral and the Romanesque cathedral dedicated to San Vicenzo. Both buildings were no doubt majestic and lavishly decorated as witnessed by the remains of the mosaic flooring dating back to the 6th century and 13th century frescoes, which can now be toured in the Cathedral’s Museum and Treasure. In the second half of the 1400s, the decision to build the current Duomo was made and renowned architect Filarete contributed to the initial phase. Completed at the end of the 1600s, the church was dedicated to Saint Alexander. The cathedral, which holds works by Gian Battista Tiepolo, Giovan Battista Moroni, Sebastiano Ricci and Andrea Previtali, was completed only in the 19th century with the realisation of the cupola, whereas the façade dates back to 1866. Info Duomo: ph. +39 035 210223. www.cattedraledibergamo.it Museum Info: ph. +39 035 248772 www.fondazionebernareggi.it HISTORICAL BERGAMO Teatro Sociale (Society Theatre) TEATRO SOCIALE (SOCIETY THEATRE) Two centuries from the 1808 inauguration, in the spring of 2009, the Society Theatre was reopened to the public with an extensive programme of shows and participations by important artists. This was made possible by an exemplary restoration on this authentic jewel. The theatre was designed by architect Leopoldo Pollack, a student of Piermarini, who rose to enormous fame after building the Royal Villa in Monza and the Arch of Peace in Milan. Info: www.teatrodonizetti.it THE CITADEL AND CIVIC MUSEUMS This is what remains of the fortification the Viscontis had built when they imposed their seigniory on Bergamo. The Citadel then became home to the Venetian captain and its large open spaces continued to be used for storing grains and as a depository. With the arrival of the French and the Austrians, military use of the structure continued but the building fell in continual decline. This period was ended by restoration work done between 1958 and 1960 which restored the building’s original appearance. It is now the site of the “Enrico Caffi” Civic Museum of Natural Botanic Garden Science and the Civic Museum of Archaeology. The former is known for its collection of ancient fossils, including a deer discovered in 2001 in Borlezza Valley, dating back 700,000 years and one of the oldest flying reptiles ever found, 220 million years old, discovered in a quarry in Seriana Valley. The Archaeological Museum is home to finds from Bergamo and its territory ranging from the prehistoric to medieval ages. The frescoes from a Roman domus discovered in Upper Bergamo are particularly interesting. The “Lorenzo Rota” Botanic Garden is located not far from the Citadel, beside the Venetian powder magazine, offering lovely views on the Upper City where autochthonous, exotic, Mediterranean, aquatic and carnivorous species can be observed. The“Enrico Caffi”Civic Museum of Natural Science Info: ph. +39 035 286011. www.museoscienzebergamo.it Civic Museum of Archaeology Info: ph. +39 035 242839. www.museoarcheologicobergamo.it “Lorenzo Rota” Botanical Garden Info: ph. +39 035 286060. www.ortobotanicodibergamo.it 11 FROM UPPER BERGAMO San Vigilio Castle THE DONIZETTI ITINERARY It is interesting to retrace the life of Gaetano Donizetti who was born and lived in Bergamo from 1797-1848. The house where he was born can be visited in Borgo Canale, offering a crosssection of the daily life of the composer and his family, while his tomb is located in Santa Maria Maggiore. The Donizetti Museum is a tribute the city wished to make to the Maestro and a visit is an opportunity to have an up-close look at the documents, mementos, portraits and the piano of the great musician who composed more than 70 operas, including “Elisir d’Amore” (1832) and “Lucia di Lammermoor” (1835). Info: ph. +39 035 244483. www.donizetti.org SAN VIGILIO CASTLE A funicular railway leads from the Upper City to the top of San Vigilio hill, where one can discover the extraordinary surroundings of the Bergamo hills. In the 12th century, a castle was built on San Vigilio hill, which overlooks the city and where a tower from the Roman period once 12 Bergamo Hills existed. The castle underwent various demolitions over a period of time; it was purchased by the Municipality in 1958 and is currently a public garden offering a sweeping view toward the plain and Bergamo Alps. THE HILLS AND THE PARK Bergamo rises on the last projection of a hill system extending about six kilometres long from east to west. Buildings of enormous importance, such as the former Astino and Valmarina monasteries, now head office of the Park of the Hills of Bergamo, mingle with old farmhouses converted into delightful residences with parks and vegetable gardens. A network of over 100 km of trails cover the Park’s terrain, divided into 32 routes marked with signs. The various levels of difficulty of these paths will meet the needs of the most expert hikers as well as tourists and families. The Park also features cycling and walking paths, such as the Greenway which stretches for about ten kilometres along the Morla stream, TO LOWER BERGAMO offering magnificent views of the Walls and the Garibaldi Gate. Info: ph. +39 035 4530400. www.parcocollibergamo.it THE STAIRWAYS There are dozens of stairways and lanes climbing the sides of Bergamo hill and which lead to a world that is right above the city yet remote all the same. The stairways include “Paradiso”, “Santa Lucia Vecchia”, “More”, “Ortolano”, “Fontanabrolo”, “San Martino”, “Scorlazzino” and “Scorlazzone”. They are the vestiges of a dense network of medieval links between the plain and the hill, or paths to the once numerous fields and gardens. Flanked by dry stone walls or hedges, they offer unique views of the upper and lower cities. The stairways and lanes are perfect for visitors in search of tranquillity and greenery or romantic walks. LOWER BERGAMO THE BOROUGHS Starting with the 14th century, Bergamo’s historic core stretched along its road system, which extended down the hill to the countryside. This first urban expansion, in the form of the historic boroughs, involved the eastern and western routes on which the city stretched. Boroughs that developed westward included Canale, Sant’Alessandro and San Leonardo, while Sant’Antonio, Palazzo, Pignolo, San Tomaso and Santa Caterina reached toward the east. PORTA NUOVA The heart itself of modern Bergamo, Porta Nuova’s expanse is a true gate as it was built when a wide opening in the medieval “Muraine” walls was necessary. This took place with the inauguration of the “Strada Ferdinandea” (now Viale Vittorio Emanuele). Two Neoclassic buildings or propylaea, were built for the occasion, located on either side to house the tollhouses. DONIZETTI THEATRE Named after the great composer in 1897 for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth, the renowned Donizetti Theatre rises on an area where performances were held on a temporary wooden stage that was continuously Donizetti Theatre 13 LOWER BERGAMO assembled and disassembled during the old Sant’Alessandro fair. The façade was built to architect Pietro Via’s design and was inaugurated in 1897 beside a romantic monument to Donizetti, surrounded by a pond and small garden. Info: ph. +39 035 4160611. www.teatrodonizetti.it THE PIACENTINI CENTRE The space around the Sentierone, as well as Matteotti, Vittorio Veneto and Dante Squares, comprises the city centre built to the single design of Marcello Piacentini starting in 1914. Built in the area of the Sant’Alessandro fair, one of Italy’s oldest, the Piacentini Centre encompassed the view of the upper city that can be seen from the propylaea in Porta Nuova. LORENZO LOTTO IN BERGAMO Many of the great Venetian artist’s works (14801556) can be found in Bergamo, where he passed twelve years of intense activity. In Lower Bergamo, in the church of San Bartolomeo, on the Sentierone, and in Santo Spirito church in the Porta Nuova 14 square of the same name, two magnificent altarpieces painted in this period can be admired. They consist of two large paintings of the same subject: Madonna and Child with Saints (the one in San Bartolomeo is known as the Martinengo altarpiece); another beautiful altarpiece also depicting the Madonna with Child and Saints can be admired in the small San Bernardino church in Via Pignolo. The “Trinity” painting belonging to the church of Sant’Alessandro della Croce can also be found in Via Pignolo at no. 76 in the Bernareggi Diocesan Museum. There is a cycle of frescoes by Lorenzo Lotto in the chapel of the Madonna in the San Michele al Pozzo Bianco church, along with the drawings for the wood inlay work in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Upper Bergamo. Seven works by the artist defined as the “restless genius of the Renaissance” can be found in the permanent collection of the Accademia Carrara. ADRIANO BERNAREGGI DIOCESAN MUSEUM The museum is named after Mons. Adriano Bernareggi, Bishop of Bergamo who, starting CITY CENTRE L. Lotto’s alterpiece – S. Bernardino Church in the 1930s, began collecting works of art, images of worship and objects for liturgical use. The museum is arranged in an itinerary with chapters and themes, offering the possibility of discovering these extraordinary testimonies that are intimately linked to the history of Bergamo and its Church. Info: ph. +39 035 248772. www.fondazionebernareggi.it GAMeC (MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY) The Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery (GAMeC) is a space for contemporary art in all of its forms with temporary exhibitions supported by educational initiatives and cultural activities. The Manzù Collection is the heart of the museum, composed of sculptures, paintings, drawings and etchings by the great Bergamo artist. The Spajani Collection includes around forty works by the 20th century master, whereas the Stucchi Collection covers Italian and European artists from the 1950s. The collections are completed by works by contem- GAMeC – Entrance porary artists such as Alviani, Basilico, Garutti and Cattelan. Info: ph. +39 035 270272. www.gamec.it ACCADEMIA CARRARA An extraordinary love of culture and art were the driving force behind the origins of the Accademia Carrara on the part of Count Giacomo Carrara who established and financed the institution. With almost 2000 paintings, the collections of sculptures and extensive archives of drawings and prints, the Accademia Carrara is one of Italy’s most important picture galleries. Some of its most renowned artists include Titian, Raphael, Tiepolo, Mantegna, Bellini, Botticelli, Lotto, Canaletto and Guardi and many works bearing witness to the centuries-long relationship with Venice. The Accademia is closed for restoration until 2014, but a selection of works are on exhibition at the Palazzo della Ragione in Upper Bergamo. Info: ph. +39 035 399677. www.accademiacarrara.bergamo.it 15 USEFUL INFO San Vigilio Funicolar HOW TO REACH BERGAMO By air: the convenient and well-connected international airport “Il Caravaggio” Bergamo/Orio al Serio is located 5 km from the centre of Bergamo. By car: take the Bergamo exit on the A4 MilanVenice motorway. By train: Bergamo is directly connected with Milan, Lecco and Brescia (with connections for Lake Garda, Verona and Venice). By bus: from Milan Lampugnano, Cadorna and Piazza Castello to the Bergamo bus station. GETTING AROUND FROM THE AIRPORT – The Airport Bus connection to and from the airport runs daily with departures every 20 minutes; the trip takes about 20 minutes. Turismo Bergamo info office – Airport Arrivals area – Ph. +39 035 320402 BY CAR - The shopping district (Largo Belotti, Via XX Settembre, Largo Rezzara, Via Sant’Alessandro) is a limited traffic zone while almost all of Upper Bergamo is off limits to traffic. Sundays/public holidays, the Upper City is closed to traffic between 10 am and noon and from 2 pm to 7 pm. With Daylight Saving Time, it is also closed to traffic Friday and Saturday between 9 pm and 1 am. In order to enjoy the city better, 16 Fontanabrolo stairway we suggest parking in areas close to the exhospital and reaching the Upper City by way of the panoramic stairways. Local police Via Coghetti 10 - Ph. +39 035 399.559 BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT – The ATB runs the urban bus lines and funicular railway connecting the Lower and Upper City and the Upper City and San Vigilio. Bus lines no. 1 and 1A go to the Upper City and the funicular railway can also be used. Passing through a tunnel cut through the Venetian walls, the visitor arrives in Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe in just minutes. Those who wish to go up to San Vigilio hill may take the panoramic funicular railway leaving from Sant’Alessandro Gate (just outside of Colle Aperto). ATB Point – Largo Porta Nuova - Ph. +39 035 236026 www.atb.bergamo.it BERGAMO BY BIKE Bergamo and its province offer itineraries of exceptional beauty. Eco Rent: scooter, microcar and electric car hire. Piazzale Marconi, 4 (c/o Urban Center). Ph. +39 035 5293888 – www.eco-rent.it Ciclostazione 42 (bike station 42) (piazzale Marconi - Bergamo station) – Ciclostazione dei colli (Colli bike station) (via Valbona, Ponteranica, Bg) – Bike hire “Prenditempo” Ph. +39 340 0982887 www.pedalopolis.org TAXI – Radio Taxi: Tel. +39 035 4519090. TOURIST SERVICES INFORMATION OFFICE (I.A.T.) Lower Bergamo V.le Papa Giovanni XXIII, 57 – Urban Center Ph. +39 035 210204 [email protected] www.comune.bergamo.it INFORMATION OFFICE (I.A.T.) Upper Bergamo Via Gombito, 13 (Gombito Tower) Ph. +39 035 242226 [email protected] www.comune.bergamo.it TURISMO BERGAMO INFO OFFICE Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport – arrivals area Ph. +39 035 320402 [email protected] www.turismo.bergamo.it Left Luggage Airport / Autostradale at Arrivals Area Tel. +39 035 318472. www.orioaeroporto.it Left Luggage Bergamo / Eco Rent at Urban Center Tel. +39 035 5293888 www.depositobagagli.it Greenway “Città di Bergamo” Tourist guides group Ph. +39 035 344205 www.bergamoguide.it AGIAT tourist guides Ph. +39 035 262565 www.agiatguidebergamo.it “Bergamo Su & Giù” tourist guides Ph. +39 035 234182 www.visitbergamo.info Guides not registered with associations www.turismo.bergamo.it USEFUL NUMBERS Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital Piazza OMS - Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità, 1 Ph: +39 035.267111 www.hpg23.it Doctor on call – Bergamo Via Croce Rossa, 2 - Ph. +39 035 4555111 SOS: Universal emergency number 112 Piazza Vecchia CREDITS Texts: Comune di Bergamo, Pino Capellini, Turismo Bergamo. Translations: Geakoinè Pictures: Antonella Macis, Archivio Comune di Bergamo, Archivio Turismo Bergamo, Dimitri Salvi, Elina Ilgaza, GAMeC – Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Bergamo, Gianfranco Rota, Lapi, Marco Mazzoleni, Paolo Ardiani. 17 Bergamo Card Save up to 40% INCLUDED Airport Bus, upper town Funicolar railway, San Vigilio Funicolar railway and all the public transport you need. FREE ENTRANCE • muSeum And the treASure • ACCAdemIA CArrArA oF the CAthedrAl • GAmeC (MODERN AND • “e. CAFFI” CIVIC muSeum CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY) oF nAturAl SCIenCe • AdrIAno BernAreGGI • CIVIC muSeum oF dIoCeSAn muSeum ArChAeoloGY • CIVIC toWer (CAMPANONE) • donIzettI muSeum • pAlAzzo del podeStà/hIStorICAl • GAetAno donIzettI muSeum oF the VenetIAn AGe BIrthplACe the InterACtIVe 1500S • the FortreSS /hIStorICAl muSeum, • pAlAzzo dellA rAGIone “mAuro GelFI” 19th CenturY SeCtIon • GomBIto toWer • the Former ConVent oF • “lorenzo rotA” SAn FrAnCeSCo/ hIStorICAl muSeum, BotAnICAl GArden exhIBItIonS SeCtIon ExCELLENT DISCOUNTS in all affiliated places A single Bergamo h travel card 24 for visiting www.bergamocard.it Bergamo. Card Azienda Trasporti Bergamo Info and dealers Museo Bernareggi Personale e non cedibile • Personal and not trans ferable DATA/DATE FIRMA/SIGNATURE Piazza Vecchia, Berg amo - Paolo Ardiani per Turismo Berga Piazza Vecchia, Berg amo - Paolo Ardiani for Turismo Bergam Bergamo 24 Valid for 1 adult and 1 child up to the age of 11 h Card 24h 10€ 48h 15€ videocomp.it Printed in June 2013 We protect the environment by using FSC®-certified paper