Piazza Vecchia – The Old Square

19 January 2024

Situated in the heart of Città Alta, Piazza Vecchia is Bergamo’s most iconic symbol. Here, the main medieval streets converge, and some of the city’s most important historic buildings stand side by side. The square represents a perfect balance between Renaissance harmony and a medieval atmosphere, and has been the meeting point for Bergamo residents and visitors from all over the world for centuries.

Where Piazza Vecchia is Located and how to get there

Piazza Vecchia is located at the heart of Città Alta, the historic part of Bergamo.

It can be reached on foot, by bus, or via the famous funicular that departs from Viale Vittorio Emanuele II and arrives directly in Via Gombito, just a few minutes’ walk from the square.

Those arriving by car can park at the San Pancrazio parking lot, the new Città Alta parking area, or the Sant’Alessandro parking in Colle Aperto, then continue on foot. From Bergamo’s train station, the square is about 20 minutes away by public transport or taxi.

What to see in Piazza Vecchia in Bergamo

For those wondering what there is to see in Piazza Vecchia in Bergamo, at its center stands the Contarini Fountain, donated to the city in 1780 by Alvise Contarini, podestà of Bergamo on behalf of the Republic of Venice.

The gesture, made at the end of his mandate, was a sign of gratitude to the citizens and a way to respond to the population’s water needs, especially during periods of drought.

Its sculptures of lions, sphinxes, and serpents in white marble recall symbols of civic power and protection.

Surrounding the fountain are masterpieces of civic architecture:

• Palazzo della Ragione, built in the 12th century and considered the oldest municipal building in Italy;
• The Civic Tower, also known as the Campanone, which every evening at 10 p.m. tolls one hundred times in memory of the Venetian era, when the city gates were closed;
• Palazzo Nuovo, an elegant 17th-century building that today houses the Angelo Mai Library, custodian of precious manuscripts and incunabula, and which served as the town hall until 1873.

Just a few steps away, in Piazza Duomo, you will also find the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro Martire, and the Colleoni Chapel, forming one of the most remarkable monumental complexes in Northern Italy.

When Piazza Vecchia was built

This square in Bergamo Alta took shape in the 15th century, when the Venetian authorities decided to redesign Bergamo’s civic center. It was built over the area that once hosted the Roman forum and the medieval market.

The square’s current harmonious and proportional layout dates back to the Renaissance and reflects Venetian urban planning, which made Piazza Vecchia the political and social hub of the city.

Where to eat

The arcades surrounding the square host historic cafés, artisanal gelato shops, and traditional restaurants, perfect for enjoying a plate of casoncelli alla bergamasca or a dessert overlooking the fountain.

There are several dining options with outdoor seating or large windows overlooking the square:

• Trattoria Sant’Ambroeus (Piazza Vecchia 2). A refined trattoria offering traditional Bergamo cuisine and a terrace with a view of the square.
• Caffè del Tasso 1476 (Piazza Vecchia 3). A historic café and restaurant in Bergamo, founded in 1476, with outdoor tables on the square—perfect for a break or an informal dinner.
• Taverna del Colleoni (Piazza Vecchia 7). An elegant restaurant known for its refined cuisine and historic setting.
• Ristorante Lalimentari (Piazza Vecchia 8). Ristorante Lalimentari offers cuisine that highlights Bergamo’s culinary traditions through selected, genuine, and carefully sourced local ingredients. Ideal for a relaxed lunch or a late dinner, the venue combines historical charm with contemporary hospitality, featuring an extensive wine list and typical dishes such as casoncelli and polenta with rabbit.

Biblioteca Civica Angelo Mai

Curiosities

The famous architect Le Corbusier described Piazza Vecchia as “one of the most beautiful squares in Europe,” adding that such beauty should never be altered, not even by moving a single stone, admiring its perfect proportions and balance between civic and religious architecture. For this reason, today it is one of the most photographed and recognizable places in all of Lombardy.

Piazza Vecchia is the beating heart of life in Bergamo, and throughout the year it hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions that keep the square lively in every season—especially at Christmas, thanks to its magical atmosphere.