Cappella Colleoni

Bergamo


The Cappella Colleoni, attached to the north side of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, was built between 1472 and 1476 as a magnificent mausoleum-cum-chapel for the Bergamese mercenary commander Bartolomeo Colleoni (c 1400–75), who led Venice's armies in campaigns across northern Italy. He lies buried inside in a magnificent tomb.

Venetian rococo master Giambattista Tiepolo (1696–1770) did some of the frescoes below the central dome.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bergamo attractions

1. Baptistry

0.02 MILES

This octagonal baptistry was built in 1340 but moved to its present spot and was given a few neo-Gothic flourishes in 1898. Inside, you'll find bas…

2. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

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Bergamo's most striking church, begun in 1137, is quite a mishmash of styles. To its whirl of Romanesque apses (on which some external frescoes remain…

3. Museo e Tesoro Della Cattedrale

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Down the steps right next to the duomo, this glittering museum is filled with sacred art and reliquary from the cathedral's collection, as well as…

4. Cattedrale di Bergamo

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5. Palazzo della Ragione

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6. Palazzo del Podestà

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On the northwest side of Piazza Vecchia, the fresco-dappled Palazzo del Podestà was traditionally home to Venice's representative in Bergamo. Today, the…

7. Torre del Campanone

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Bergamo's colossal, square-based Torre del Campanone soars 52m above the city. It still tolls a bell at 10pm, the legacy of an old curfew. Taking the lift…

8. Piazza Vecchia

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