Malpaga Castle: a journey back in time with ladies, knights and enchanted flowers

Outside Bergamo Culture

18 April 2025

The Malpaga Castle stands majestically in the Bergamo valley, witness to centuries of history and Renaissance splendour. Located in the hamlet bearing the same name in the municipality of Cavernago, in the province of Bergamo, this imposing castle immediately catches the eye for its solid architecture and for the stories its walls guard.

The construction of the original core of the castle dates back to the 13th century, and it was built by the powerful Visconti family, lords of Milan. However, it was in the 15th century, with the advent of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a famous commander working for the Venetian Republic, that the castle experienced its greatest period of splendour. Colleoni bought the property in 1465 and transformed it into a sumptuous country residence, a place of delights and representation, hosting illustrious personalities of the time.

Today, the Malpaga Castle is privately owned and, thanks to the passion of its current custodians, is open to the public as a fascinating museum. Its considerable size allows visitors to experience an atmosphere of times gone by, exploring its richly decorated rooms and outdoor spaces full of history.

The exact measurements of the castle are not easily quantifiable in terms of square metres, as it is an articulated complex with several wings, courtyards and towers, but its magnificence is evident and testifies to its strategic and residential importance over the centuries.

Malpaga Castle – What to see

Stepping across the threshold of Malpaga Castle means going on a journey back in time, among vibrant frescoes, period furniture and architecture telling stories of power and art.

The interiors

A visit to the castle offers an experience of the Lombard Renaissance. The rooms contain cycles of remarkable frescoes by leading artists such as Romanino and his school, which decorate walls and ceilings with mythological, allegorical scenes and moments from daily life at the court of Bartolomeo Colleoni.

The furniture, although not entirely original, evokes the splendour of the period, with antique pieces, tapestries and furnishings that help recreate the noble atmosphere. Richly decorated, the interiors reveal the Great Hall, the beating heart of the castle’s social and political life, private rooms, kitchens and service areas, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the past.

The towers, distinctive elements of the structure, allowed for the control of the surrounding area and today offer impressive panoramic views.

Visit Duration, Timetable and Tickets

The average duration of a complete tour of the Malpaga Castle is approximately between one and a half and two hours, depending on the visitor’s interest and the presence of any guided tours.

As far as timetables and tickets are concerned, it is always advisable to check the Malpaga Castle official website, as they may vary depending on the season and ongoing events. Generally, the castle is open to the public on certain days of the week and at weekends, with specific times for visits.

It is often advisable to make a reservation for a visit to the Malpaga Castle, especially for groups or during busy periods. Booking methods may include filling out an online form on the castle website or contacting the castle directly by phone.

The ticket price varies, depending on the type of visit (individual, guided, groups) and any temporary exhibitions. Again, the castle’s official website is the most up-to-date and reliable source for prices (around €13 for adults and about half that price for children aged 6 to 16).

Flowers and Tulips

A special event that colours the castle is the ‘Fiori e Tulipani’ – Flowers and Tulips – exhibition. Usually hosted in spring, this exhibition transforms the gardens and sometimes even some of the interior rooms into a triumph of colours and scents.

Thousands of tulips of different varieties and other seasonal flowers create an enchanting scenery, offering a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of nature in a fascinating historical setting.

Malpaga Castle – Events

2025 promises to be a year full of events and activities at the Malpaga Castle, offering several opportunities for families and groups of friends to experience this historic place in unique and engaging ways. In addition to the already mentioned “Flowers and Tulips” exhibition, there are also many workshops, guided tours, and original initiatives organised inside the Castle.

It is always advisable to check the official website for up-to-date details on timetables, costs and how to book for each specific experience. Below are some of the most interesting events.

Calendar of Events and Experiences for 2025

Tulipani al Castello – Tulips at the Castle: During the months of March and April, the old castle garden will be transformed into a colourful field with 200,000 tulips belonging to 200 different varieties. Visitors will have the opportunity to self-pick the most beautiful flowers.
Visit to the Malpaga Castle: Guided and audio-guided tours through the rooms of the castle, decorated with 15th century frescoes, to discover the history of Bartolomeo Colleoni and his court.
FAMILIES: Egg Hunt: An Easter activity for families, in the company of characters such as Alice and the White Rabbit, while searching for eggs hidden in the castle.
LIVE THE COURT: A visit in period costume: An immersive experience where participants wear period clothing and experience the everyday life of a 15th century court, with medieval dances and an insight into the customs of the time.
ADULT NIGHT TOUR: Dark Malpaga: A guided night tour by candlelight and lanterns, exploring the castle’s mysteries and dark stories.
ADULT NIGHT TOUR: A Journey through Tarots: An unprecedented tour revealing the hidden meanings of the castle’s frescoes, linked to the major arcana of the Tarots.
The Witches’ Supper: A 15th-century style thematic dinner, enriched by rituals and stories related to the witch tradition.
Summer camps and Recreational Summer Centres: Summer programmes for children aged 3 to 13, with outdoor activities, agricultural workshops, medieval games and exploration of nature in the castle setting.

Where to park

Several parking areas are available for visitors in the surroundings of Malpaga Castle. Some car parks are free of charge and are within walking distance of the castle entrance, while others may be subject to a charge.

During particularly busy periods, such as weekends or during special events, it may be useful to arrive a little earlier in order to find a parking spot easily. Road signs clearly indicate the available parking areas.

What to visit near Malpaga Castle

The surroundings of Malpaga Castle offer several opportunities to enrich your visit with the discovery of other places of historical, cultural and natural interest, remaining within a radius of about 10-15 kilometres.

Bergamo

One of the most fascinating artistic cities in Lombardy, it is just 15 km from the Malpaga Castle. A stroll through the splendid Upper Town, among the Venetian Walls, cobbled alleys and historic squares, will offer you an authentic journey back in time. Don’t miss Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the breathtaking view from the Campanone.

Have you just visited Malpaga Castle and want to continue discovering the wonders of the area? Then now is the perfect time to visit Bergamo! Get in touch with us and book a Tuk Tuk tour to explore the City of the Thousand in an original and eco-friendly way. A pleasant and relaxing experience that will let you see the historic centre from a unique perspective!

Bergamo Tour With Bergamo By Tuk Tuk

Other locations in the surrounding area

Cavernago:The municipality that houses the castle is worth a visit for its historical centre, with the parish church and several historical villas that bear witness to the nobility of the area.
Martinengo:A few kilometres from Malpaga you will find Martinengo, a well-preserved medieval village with its characteristic square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, surrounded by porticoes and historical buildings. Don’t miss the Church of Sant’Agata and the Museum of Rural Life and Civilisation.
Romano di Lombardia:This town features an interesting historical centre with the Rocca Viscontea, an impressive medieval building, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and San Giacomo Maggiore, with several important artworks.
Palazzolo sull’Oglio:Located on the border between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, Palazzolo has a fascinating historic centre, dominated by the Roman bridge over the Oglio River and the Torre del Popolo.
Parco del Serio:For nature lovers, the Serio Regional Park offers nature trails along the river, ideal for walking and cycling, with the possibility of observing the local flora and wildlife as well.

Where to eat near the Malpaga Castle

In the area surrounding the Malpaga Castle, within just a few kilometres, there are several options to satisfy every palate, from traditional trattorias to the most refined restaurants.

Here are a few suggestions for places to eat:

Locanda dei Nobili Viaggiatori – Cavernago
Located within the Malpaga Castle village, it offers traditional Bergamo dishes with a creative touch. It also has rooms for overnight stays.
Bistrot Giardino degli Scudi – Malpaga
Open at weekends and on public holidays until the 14th of September, it offers breakfasts, aperitifs and lunches in a relaxed atmosphere.
Il Saraceno – Cavernago
An elegant restaurant with creative cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean tradition, located between Malpaga and Cavernago Castle.
Pizzeria Il Centro – Cavernago
Traditional pizzeria in the centre of Cavernago, ideal for an informal meal.
Ristorante Anteprima – Ghisalba
It specialises in fish dishes and also offers a catering service.
Farina00 – Bolgare
Restaurant, pizzeria and grill open daily, offering a variety of dishes in a cosy atmosphere.
Ristorante Al Barracuda – Grassobbio
Since 1985, it has been offering traditional fish cuisine and excellent pizzas.

It is always advisable to check opening times and to make a reservation, especially at weekends or during particular events. Online reviews can be useful to get an idea of the quality and type of cuisine offered by different venues.