The historic drawing room of Città Alta
Piazza Vecchia is one of the most beautiful and most representative places in Bergamo. It lies in the heart of Città Alta, the historic Upper Town, and many people consider it the true “drawing room” of the city: elegant, intimate, rich in history and perfect for beginning a walk through the most evocative streets of the old town.
Arriving in Piazza Vecchia means stepping into the most authentic atmosphere of Città Alta: stone, towers, historic buildings and an elegant calm that makes every visit special.
Why visit
The square is surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings, such as the Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre Civica, also known as the Campanone, and the Biblioteca Angelo Mai. In the centre stands the Fontana Contarini, one of the most photographed and recognisable features of the square.
It is a perfect place to stroll without hurrying, sit down for a drink, take photographs or simply admire the beauty of the buildings and the life moving around them.
The sound of the Campanone
One of the most fascinating details of Piazza Vecchia is the Campanone, the great bell of the Torre Civica. Even today, every evening at 10:00 pm, the Campanone strikes one hundred times: an ancient tradition that recalls the moment when, during the Venetian rule, the city gates were closed.
It is a small daily ritual that makes Città Alta even more atmospheric. If you are in Piazza Vecchia in the evening, stopping to listen to it is a simple but very special experience.
Fun fact: every evening at 10:00 pm the Campanone rings out its one hundred strokes over Città Alta, in memory of the old closing of the city gates.
What makes Piazza Vecchia special
The loveliest thing about Piazza Vecchia is the balance between history and atmosphere. It is not just a monument to look at: it is a place to experience. By day it is bright and lively, ideal for visiting Città Alta; towards evening it becomes even more evocative, with warm lights, outdoor tables and the sound of the bells.
“A small, elegant and timeless square, where Bergamo shows one of its most beautiful faces.”
What to see around it
From Piazza Vecchia you can easily reach some of the most important places in Città Alta: Piazza Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cappella Colleoni and the historic streets that lead to Colle Aperto and the funicular.
It is therefore a perfect stop for a half-day or full-day itinerary in Bergamo.
A tip for Vittoria 36 guests
For guests of Vittoria 36, our advice is to go up to Città Alta by funicular, stroll to Piazza Vecchia and, if you can, come back in the evening around 10:00 pm to hear the strokes of the Campanone. It is one of the loveliest ways to experience Bergamo at a relaxed pace.
When to go
Piazza Vecchia is beautiful at any time of day, but at sunset and in the evening it becomes particularly captivating. The lights make the buildings warmer and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic walk or for ending the day in Città Alta.
Vittoria 36 MF Bergamo
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