Piazza Vecchia

Piazza Vecchia with its medieval and renaissance architecture is the heart of Città Alta, and has morphed from being the centre of political power for centuries to being the most happening place to hang out. This is a square straight out of a dream, and is dotted with restaurants and cafes so you can chill having a drink, enjoy your breakfast, a wholesome lunch or a romantic dinner. The Palazzo della Ragione is a wonderful building here which happens to be the oldest municipal seat in Lombardy. You can also see the Torre Civica, a bell tower also called Campanone. At the centre of the square the Contarini Fountain which was setup in 1780 and on the opposite side of Piazza Vecchia is the Palazzo Nuovo or new palace that was used as Bergamo’s Town Hall till 1873 and today houses the Angelo Mai Library. Make sure you browse through their collection of ancient and precious books dating back to the 1500’s, engravings, manuscripts and artefacts. The design is inspired from the ancient Roman forum and as you walk up the narrow alleys and streets leading to it, the Piazza Vecchia opens as an unexpected surprise. With flowers and plants strew all over the place, it really is hard to pull yourself outside this place. This is where you will see a cloister on the ground, supported by columns and a sundial.