The four gates that open along the perimeter of the walls are all named after the churches bearing their same names. Even the San Giacomo gate is no exception and its name derives in fact from the former nearby church of San Giacomo, which however was demolished during the creation of the perimeter of the city walls around 1561. The current Porta San Giacomo was completed in 1593, and it was built under the direction of Bernardo Berlendis, using fine marble from Zandobbio as its covering.
The current structure replaced the old gate, which was apparently made of wood. It overlooks the valley, and also this monumental façade is dominated by the lion of San Marco, the symbol of the Venetian Republic. The arched bridge connecting the gate, on the other hand, was built in 1780 by Alvise Contarini. One peculiarity is that its wings are bordered by pairs of double columns, which are crowned by two pinnacles. Through Porta San Giacomo you will enter one of the most evocative areas in the Upper Town, with its cobbled alleys, historical monuments and suggestive views of the Lower Town and beyond. The area around the gate is rich in history and culture, representing one of the main places of interest for visitors coming to Bergamo.
Itineraries, experiences and a local soul: this is the Bergamo that we want to tell you about!
