{"id":837,"date":"2025-01-30T17:04:11","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T16:04:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/?post_type=racconti_di_viaggio&p=837"},"modified":"2025-01-30T17:07:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T16:07:06","slug":"the-colleoni-chapel-in-bergamo","status":"publish","type":"racconti_di_viaggio","link":"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/the-colleoni-chapel-in-bergamo\/","title":{"rendered":"The Colleoni Chapel in Bergamo"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Colleoni Chapel<\/strong> is located in Bergamo<\/strong>, in the beautiful setting of Piazza Duomo<\/strong>, and it is situated in the Upper Town, also known as Citt\u00e0 Alta<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

This extraordinary architectural masterpiece represents one of the highest examples of Renaissance art<\/strong> in Lombardy. The chapel was commissioned by the famous commander Bartolomeo Colleoni<\/strong>, one of the most influential and controversial figures in Bergamo’s history, with the intention of creating a personal mausoleum to celebrate his glory and prestige.<\/p>\n

Construction work began in 1472<\/strong> and was completed in 1476<\/strong>, under the guidance of architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo<\/strong>. The chapel was built on the spot where the sacristy of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore<\/a><\/u><\/strong> used to be, a detail that caused quite a bit of controversy at the time.<\/p>\n

Today, the Colleoni Chapel is considered a true art masterpiece<\/strong> and a symbol of the power and magnificence of its patron.<\/p>\n

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Colleoni Chapel facade and entrance<\/p><\/div>\n

Opening Hours and Access to the Colleoni Chapel<\/h2>\n

The Colleoni Chapel is open to the public for the majority of the year, with opening hours that may vary slightly depending on the season.<\/p>\n

It is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday<\/strong>, from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., while it is closed <\/strong>on Mondays<\/strong>. Admission is free<\/strong>, a detail that makes this architectural masterpiece accessible to everyone.<\/p>\n

However, you can leave a free offer<\/strong> if you want to contribute to the maintenance and preservation of the site. It is always a good idea to check the updated timetable on the official tourism website of Bergamo<\/a><\/u>\u00a0or with the local tourist information office, especially during holidays or special events.<\/p>\n

The Colleoni Family Coat of Arms<\/h2>\n

One of the most distinctive and peculiar elements related to the Colleoni Chapel is the Colleoni family coat of arms<\/strong>, which can be found in various places around the structure, including the entrance gate. This coat of arms is an example of a \u2018Talking Coat of Arms\u2019<\/strong>, i.e. a heraldic symbol that phonetically recalls the family name.<\/p>\n

It represents three testicles<\/strong>, a detail that has been the source of several interpretations and legends. The name \u2018Colleoni\u2019<\/strong> in fact, in Bergamo dialect, sounds similar to a vernacular word indicating the male organ.<\/p>\n

This symbol has often been associated with the notions of virility, strength<\/strong> and luck<\/strong>, and even today many visitors touch the coat of arms hoping for good luck.<\/p>\n

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The Colleoni Family Coat of Arms<\/p><\/div>\n

The interiors and Tiepolo’s artworks<\/h2>\n

The interior of the Colleoni Chapel is an actual treasure, rich in refined details and priceless artworks. Bartolomeo Colleoni’s funeral monument<\/strong> dominates the scene: composed of two superimposed sarcophagi<\/strong> in finely sculpted marble, it is surmounted by an equestrian statue in gilded wood<\/strong>, attributed to the sculptors Sisto and Leonardo from Nuremberg<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The statue represents Colleoni in a heroic pose, on horseback in an upright position and wearing a captain’s beret on his head, emphasising his role as a valiant and brave commander<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The walls of the chapel are decorated with frescoes and stuccoes<\/strong> that create a solemn and evocative atmosphere. The artworks of Giambattista Tiepolo<\/strong>, one of the greatest masters of the 18th century, are one of the highlights.<\/p>\n

Tiepolo’s frescoes depict biblical and allegorical scenes<\/strong>, characterised by vivid colours, bold perspectives and an extraordinary narrative. Among these artworks, the \u2018Glory of Saint Alexander\u2019<\/strong>, a celebration of Bergamo’s patron saint, stands out for its dynamism and richness of detail.<\/p>\n

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Colleoni Chapel Interiors<\/p><\/div>\n

Interesting facts about the Colleoni Chapel and Bartolomeo<\/h2>\n

In addition to its architectural and artistic beauty, the Colleoni Chapel is surrounded by many interesting facts and anecdotes. One of the most famous stories is about its construction<\/strong>: the story says that the canons of Santa Maria Maggiore initially opposed the project, refusing to grant the space for the building of the mausoleum.<\/p>\n

Bartolomeo Colleoni, however, settled the matter by demolishing the sacristy of the basilica<\/strong> during the night, an action that left the canons with no alternative.<\/p>\n

Another interesting fact is about the coat of arms of the Colleoni family. As we mentioned earlier, many visitors touch the three testicles depicted in the coat of arms<\/strong>, visible on the chapel’s entrance gate, as they are believed to bring good luck<\/strong>. This gesture has become a kind of ritual<\/strong> for the tourists who visit Bergamo.<\/p>\n

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Statue and Family Coat of Arms<\/p><\/div>\n

The Tomb of Bartolomeo Colleoni<\/h3>\n

Even though the Colleoni Chapel was conceived as the leader’s personal mausoleum, his remains do not rest in the upper part where the equestrian statue is located. It was only discovered in 1969<\/strong>, due to the conviction of the prior of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, that Bartolomeo Colleoni was actually buried in a crypt in the lower part of the monument<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Therefore it was 494 years after his death – which occurred on the 3rd of November 1475 – that the mystery surrounding his burial place was finally solved. Another curious detail was revealed: he did not die at the age of 75<\/strong> as everyone initially thought, but he was actually 81 years old<\/strong> as per the engraving written on the lead plaque<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

He had always pretended to be 6 years younger during his life, as younger commanders used to receive more money<\/strong>! The funeral monument inside the chapel is a sculptural masterpiece, with details celebrating the leader’s life and actions.<\/p>\n

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Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni in Venice<\/p><\/div>\n

The Equestrian Monument in Venice<\/h3>\n

Another tribute to Bartolomeo Colleoni can be found in Venice<\/strong>: the equestrian monument dedicated to him, located in front of the hospital of San Marco in Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It is a monumental bronze statue by Andrea del Verrocchio<\/strong>, commissioned by the leader in exchange for 300,000 ducats left to the Serenissima<\/strong> that imposed a bond: to erect a monument in his honour in front of San Marco.<\/p>\n

It is an artwork that further underlines Colleoni’s importance as a historical and cultural figure for Bergamo.<\/p>\n

Not to be missed in Bergamo<\/h4>\n