Campanone

In the heart of the historic center of Bergamo stands the majestic Civic Tower, better known among locals as the Campanone. This monumental medieval structure, over 52 meters tall, is the key architectural highlight of the famous Piazza Vecchia. Built in the 12th century, the tower originally served as a residential and defensive residence, but over time it became the primary civic symbol of the city in Italy.

Civic Tower (Campanone). Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, the Campanone is not only a precious historical site but also one of the region's best viewing platforms. The tower houses the largest bell in Lombardy, which still preserves the traditions of the past: every evening at 10:00 PM, it rings exactly 100 times, a reminder of the medieval curfew when the city gates were closed at this hour.

Visitors can climb to the top by ascending 230 steps or use a modern elevator. From a bird's-eye view, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama unfolds, overlooking the tiled roofs of the Upper Town, the foothills of the Alps, and the vast plains. The site is part of the Bergamo Museum of History complex, making it a must-see for all fans of ancient architecture and beautiful vistas.

To plan your visit to the Civic Tower (Campanone), you can use the official contact details below. The management provides information via the museum website and by phone for details regarding guided tours or special events.

Climbing to the top of the tower is a highlight for every visitor to Bergamo. You can choose to walk up the 230 steps to feel the scale of the ancient masonry or take the glass elevator. The reward for the ascent is a panoramic view of the Cathedral of St. Alexander, the Colleoni Chapel, and the picturesque surroundings of Italy, which look like a scale model from this vantage point.

Special attention should be paid to the interior. Inside the tower, elements of 13th-century prison cells remain, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of the past. It is also fascinating to study the mechanism of the huge clock and see the famous multi-ton bell up close. Its powerful resonance is the pride of the city, and watching it in action is truly impressive.

If your visit coincides with 10:00 PM, you will witness a unique tradition: the ancient bell begins its hundred-fold chime. This is the perfect time for a romantic stroll across the square to the sounds of history. You can round out your experience by visiting the Bergamo Museum of History in the adjacent Palazzo del Podestà, where multimedia exhibitions bring the legends of the past to life.

Finding the tower is easy, as it is located in the heart of the historic Città Alta (Upper Town) district. The most atmospheric way to get here from the lower part of Bergamo is to take the historic funicular, which will bring you almost directly to Piazza Vecchia. From the upper funicular station, the Campanone is just a few minutes' leisurely walk through picturesque medieval streets.

If you prefer public transport, use ATB buses (routes #1 or 1A), which run from the city's railway station directly to the historic gates of the Upper Town. Those traveling by car should remember that the historic center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). It is recommended to leave your car at the Parcheggio Ex Autolinee or other parking lots near the city walls and then continue on foot or by public transport.

For those arriving at Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), the journey to the center takes about 15 minutes by a special shuttle, after which you can transfer to a bus to the Upper Town. The exact address of the attraction for navigation is: Piazza Vecchia, 8A, 24129 Bergamo BG.

The history of this majestic tower began in the mid-12th century when the influential Suardi-Colleoni family built it as a private defensive structure. During that period in the cities of Italy, such "tower-houses" served as both residences and fortresses for noble families. However, over time, the role of the building changed: when Bergamo gained the status of a free city-commune, the tower became public property, turning into a symbol of civic power and unity.

In the 14th century, the Campanone acquired its most important features—the mechanical clock and the massive bell. The tower served not only to announce the time but also for security: in the 1300s, it even housed prison cells within its walls. The structure reached its current appearance and height of 52.76 meters in 1550, when the municipal authorities decided to add the belfry so that the chime could be heard in all corners of the city.

The final touch to the tower's architectural ensemble was the statue of Saint Alexander, the city's patron saint, installed at the top in the 17th century. Throughout the centuries, the Campanone survived changes in rulers and regimes, but it has always remained the heart of city life. In the 1960s, a major renovation was carried out, and a modern elevator was installed, allowing tourists to comfortably visit this monument of medieval architecture.

To fully enjoy a visit to the tower, the average tourist needs about 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to leisurely climb to the top, examine the details of the ancient bell mechanism, and spend 15–20 minutes on the observation deck, capturing the city panorama through a camera lens.

If you also plan to visit the adjacent Bergamo Museum of History or want to wait for the famous evening bell tolls, you should set aside about half a day for your walk. This will allow you to combine a visit to the Campanone with a tour of other Piazza Vecchia attractions and lunch at one of the cozy cafes in the Upper Town.

The Civic Tower (Campanone) is open to visitors throughout the week, except for Mondays. Please note that the schedule changes slightly on weekends, allowing tourists to enjoy the evening views for longer.

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

It is important to keep in mind that the last entry to the tower is usually permitted 30 minutes before closing. Depending on the season or city festivals, operating hours may change slightly, so it is recommended to check for current information at the entrance.

A stroll around the Campanone allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of medieval Bergamo. The tower is surrounded by architectural masterpieces that shape the appearance of one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, while parks and modern entertainment centers are within walking distance.