Campanone: Bergamo's Civic Tower

Rising majestically from Piazza Vecchia, the Campanone, also known as the Civic Tower (Torre Civica), is a symbol of Bergamo's rich history and enduring spirit. Constructed in the mid-12th century by the Suardi-Colleoni family, it initially served as a house-tower, combining residential and defensive functions. Over the centuries, it transitioned into a vital component of the city's communal life, witnessing Bergamo's evolution through medieval rivalries and civic governance. Standing at 52.76 meters (approximately 173 feet), the Campanone offers unparalleled panoramic views of Bergamo Alta (Upper Bergamo), the surrounding plains, and the distant pre-Alps. Visitors can ascend the tower either by climbing the 230 steps or by taking a convenient lift. At the top, they encounter the Campanone, the largest bell in the Lombardy region. This massive bronze bell, cast in 1656, weighs 5,500 kg and has a diameter of 2.13 meters. For centuries, the bell has played a crucial role in Bergamo's civic life, signaling important events, marking the hours, and summoning citizens during emergencies. Today, the tradition of ringing the Campanone 100 times every evening at 10 pm persists, commemorating the curfew during the Venetian rule when the city gates were closed. The tower's multifaceted history includes periods when it served as a hospice and even housed the city jails. The Campanone stands as a testament to Bergamo's architectural and cultural heritage, offering visitors a captivating journey through the city's past.