Palazzo della Ragione

Bergamo


The imposing arches and columns of the Palazzo della Ragione sit at the southern end of Piazza Vecchia. Built in the 12th century, it bears the lion of St Mark – a reminder of Venice's long reign here. The animal is actually an early-20th-century replica of the 15th-century original, which was torn down when Napoleon took over in 1797. Note the sun clock in the pavement beneath the arches and the curious Romanesque and Gothic animals and busts decorating the pillars.

The palazzo houses temporary exhibitions. Enter via the steps leading up on the right.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bergamo attractions

1. Museo e Tesoro Della Cattedrale

0.01 MILES

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…

2. Palazzo del Podestà

0.02 MILES

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

3. Torre del Campanone

0.02 MILES

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…

4. Piazza Vecchia

0.02 MILES

The Upper Town's beating heart is the cafe-clad Piazza Vecchia, lined by elegant architecture that is a testament in stone and brick to Bergamo's long and…

5. 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…

6. Cattedrale di Bergamo

0.03 MILES

Roman remains were discovered during renovations of Bergamo's baroque cathedral, with an interior dating to the 17th century. A rather squat building, it…

7. Cappella Colleoni

0.03 MILES

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…

8. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

0.04 MILES

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…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "italy/lombardy-and-the-lakes/bergamo/attractions/palazzo-della-ragione/a/poi-sig/1383043/359943",
      "destination": "Bergamo",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Italy",
      "region": "The-Italian-Lakes",
      "city": "Bergamo",
      "position": "superzone"
    }