Palazzo del Podestà

A journey in the Renaissance

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Watched over by the Campanone, the Palazzo del Podestà is rich in ancient history. Visitors can explore the archaeological excavations of the Roman city on the ground floor, then go up to the first floor and admire the beautiful Renaissance frescoes in the courtyard.

Museo del Cinquecento

Bergamo at the time of the Serenissima

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Palazzo del Podestà

Standing next to the Palazzo della Ragione, the seat of civic power, and the Vescovado, the seat of religious power, the Palazzo del Podestà borders two squares at the heart of Medieval Bergamo, Piazza Duomo, and of Venetian Bergamo, Piazza Vecchia.

Built in the late 12th century by the powerful Suardi-Colleoni family, which gave it to the city, the building later became the residence of the Podestà, the external chief magistrate who governed the municipality in six-month terms. If necessary, he was also able to use the prisons located below the Torre Civica (or Campanone).

Under the long rule of the Republic of Venice (which began in 1428), the palace became the centre of the city’s justice system thanks to new constructions and structural adaptations.

The history of the Palace

An eight-part timeline to discover the past of one of the most fascinating and historically rich buildings in Upper Bergamo..

12^th cen.

Building construction

Construction of the Suardi-Colleoni palace around the Torre Civica began

13^th cen.

Residence of the municipal Podestà

As property of the municipality, the building became the home of the Podestà.

From 1428

Venetian rule

The Venetian Republic made a few important changes to the building

1481

Renaissance courtyard

Work done on the interior of the building led to the creation of a delightful loggia

15-16^th cen.

Frescoes

Important frescoes decorate the interior and exterior of the Palazzo del Podestà

1502

Sala dei Giuristi

The Palazzo del Podestà became the administrative centre of civic justice

19-20^th cen.

New uses

The building first became the seat of the Procura Regia and later was turned into public housing

2001-2011

Restoration of the complex

Major restoration work brought the building back to its original splendour, turning it into a museum

Piazza Vecchia, 24129 Bergamo BG

Tuesday – Friday: 10-18 | Saturday – Sunday & Holidays: 10- 19

Closed at Christmas and New Year

Accessible by lift.

Small dogs are allowed but must be kept in a pet carrier. Guide dogs are permitted at all times.

Come arrivare

Includes entrance to Campanone + Palazzo del Podestà + Museo del Cinquecento

Full 5€

Reduced 3€
Amici del Museo delle storie di Bergamo, University students up to 26 years old, Groups of 15 people, discounts

Free
Under 18, disabled people, ICOM members, accredited journalists, qualified tour guides,
Abbonamento Musei Lombardia.

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Palazzo del Podestà

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History

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Useful information

History

Watched over by the Campanone, the Palazzo del Podestà is rich in ancient history. Visitors can explore the archaeological excavations of the Roman city on the ground floor, then go up to the first floor and admire the beautiful Renaissance frescoes in the courtyard.

Museo del Cinquecento

Palazzo del Podestà

The history of the Palace

Building construction

Building construction

Residence of the municipal Podestà

Residence of the municipal Podestà

Venetian rule

Venetian rule

Renaissance courtyard

Renaissance courtyard

Frescoes

Frescoes

Sala dei Giuristi

Sala dei Giuristi

New uses

New uses

Restoration of the complex

Restoration of the complex

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