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Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: A Bergamo Masterpiece

Discover Bergamo's Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: A blend of Romanesque origins and Baroque splendor, rich in art and history.

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The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, located in Bergamo's Città Alta, is a stunning church with Romanesque origins and a Baroque interior. Built in the 12th century as a vow to the Virgin Mary to protect the city from plague, it showcases a blend of architectural styles and artistic treasures, including tapestries, frescoes, and the tomb of composer Gaetano Donizetti.

A brief summary to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Look for the medieval Bergamo measurement units (the cavezzo and the braccio) on the basilica's northern external wall.
  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the basilica's serene atmosphere.
  • Note the basilica's unusual lack of a main facade, with entrances on its sides.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Vecchia, walk east towards Piazza Duomo. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is located on the north side of Piazza Duomo, next to the Colleoni Chapel. The walk is short and direct, approximately 100 meters. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Bergamo train station, take Bus 1 to the Colle Aperto stop in Città Alta. From there, walk downhill along Via Colleoni to Piazza Duomo. The basilica will be on your left. Bus fare is approximately €1.50 - €2.00. The walk from the Colle Aperto bus stop is about 5-10 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Bergamo city center, a taxi ride to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore typically costs between €8 and €10 and takes approximately 3 minutes. Taxis are readily available in the city center.

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Discover more about Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore stands as a testament to Bergamo's resilience, faith, and artistic evolution. Construction began in 1137, prompted by a vow made to the Virgin Mary in 1133 to safeguard the city from a devastating plague. The basilica was erected on the site of a pre-existing 8th-century church dedicated to St. Mary, which itself was built over a Roman temple of Clemence. Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone numerous modifications and expansions, resulting in a captivating fusion of architectural styles. While the exterior retains its original Lombard Romanesque lines, the interior showcases a lavish Baroque decoration from the 17th century. The basilica lacks a main facade with a central entrance, instead featuring lateral entrances adorned with sculpted decorations and supported by lion-shaped sculptures. The northern and southern entrances are guarded by red and white marble lions, respectively. Inside, visitors are greeted by three naves adorned with magnificent frescoes, 25 tapestries, and intricate wood inlays by Lorenzo Lotto. The basilica also houses the tomb of Gaetano Donizetti, a renowned composer born in Bergamo. Adjacent to the basilica stands the Colleoni Chapel, a monumental 15th-century chapel showcasing Renaissance art. The basilica's rich history, architectural blend, and artistic treasures make it a must-see attraction in Bergamo.

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