Cappella Colleoni

The Cappella Colleoni is a church dedicated to saints Bartholomew, Mark and John the Baptist. Built between 1472 and 1476, the design of this beautiful structure was done by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. One of the most majestic buildings in all of Bergamo, the red and white marble is a testament to the Italian Renaissance. The ornate façade of this church has extensive use of tarsia and polychrome marble decorations which make for a stunning visual spectacle. Built in Roman style, the interior has a square hall and the high altar is in the smaller room. The tomb of Bartolomeo Colleoni is on the wall facing the entrance and has with reliefs depicting episodes from Christ’s life, statues, heads of lions and an equestrian statue. There is an interesting story behind this as it was believed for centuries that the condottiere's remains had been buried elsewhere but in 1969 they were discovered in Colleoni's tomb in a wooden coffin under a plaster cover. For the uninitiated, Bartolomeo Colleoni was among the most famous captains and a soldier who spent his life in war around Italy. Our guide told us an interesting story that the monks of Santa Maria Maggiore were opposed to give him space in this building and Bartolomeo resolved the issue by sending soldiers who demolished the old sacristy of the basilica. Check the timings before you visit as it varies according to season, closing earlier in winters and this place is closed on Mondays.