19 January 2024
Bergamo’s cathedral, the Duomo, dedicated to Sant’Alessandro, the patron Saint of the city, is the main Catholic church in the Upper Town.
The construction of the Cathedral began in the 12th century, and it continued for several years, undergoing various modifications and extensions over time. The architectural style is predominantly Romanesque, with Gothic and Renaissance influences. The impressive façade of the Duomo features a richly carved portal with several decorations and statues. Recent excavations, carried out between 2004 and 2012, indicate the stratigraphy of the area where the early Christian church would have been located, as well as some remains of presumed Roman roads that over time were clearly and inevitably then enclosed within the Cathedral itself. All these ‘recent’ discoveries are the essence and heritage of the Cathedral Museum that actually explain to the visitor the different phases that led to its historical construction. The most interesting discovery resulting from these excavations is the fact that the early Christian church was not as small in size as originally thought, but instead it turned out to be a large church, extensive in size and with three naves.
The access to this interesting museum is on the north side, via a downward staircase on the left side of the wider central access one.
Inside the church, several artworks of great historical and artistic value can be found. These include paintings, sculptures, altars and frescoes by many famous artists. One of the most famous masterpieces is the polyptych by Lorenzo Lotto, an important Italian Renaissance painter, which is located inside the Colleoni Chapel.
The Colleoni Chapel, built in the 15th century, is a monumental chapel attached to the Duomo, and it features a sumptuous architecture and rich decorations.
In addition to being a place of worship, the Duomo of Bergamo is an important historical and artistic point of interest for visitors wishing to admire its sacred architecture, its artworks, and the rich history linked to this millenary church.
Itineraries, experiences and a local soul: this is the Bergamo that we want to tell you about!
