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The Piazza del Duomo, in Bergamo, Italy, is a square that contains two of the most important churches in the city. Both the Bergamo Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore are located on the piazza, but this entry focuses on the other places of interest to visit. Piazza del Duomo is located in the Upper Town (Città Alta) area.
Colleoni Chapel
First, located just to the right of the entrance to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the Colleoni Chapel (Cappella Colleoni). This small chapel is the mausoleum of Bartolomeo Colleoni (1400-1475), an important captain-general for the Republic of Venice. It was built between 1472 and 1476 on the site of the sacristy of Santa Maria Maggiore. Colleoni’s soldiers demolished the sacristy in order for the chapel to be built.
The Colleoni Chapel was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. It features a rose window above the entrance flanked by medallions of Julius Caesar and Trajan. The interior includes an altar and the tombs of Colleoni and his daughter, Medea. The chapel is dedicated to Saints Bartholomew, Mark, and John the Baptist. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside.
Baptistry
To the right of the basilica and Colleoni Chapel is the Baptistry (Battistero). Originally constructed in 1340 by Giovanni di Campeone for the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, it was dismantled and put into storage in 1650. It was reassembled in 1856 and moved to its present location in 1889.
Inside is a baptismal font by Campeone dating back to 1340, a statue of Saint John the Baptist, and bas-reliefs of the life of Christ. The gate was locked and we weren’t able to enter, but the doors were open and we could see a lot from the outside.
Palazzo della Ragione
From the Baptistry, you can get a good look at both the Bergamo Cathedral and the rear of the Palazzo della Ragione. The main façade of the palazzo is on Piazza Vecchia.
Hall of the Episcopal Curia
Finally, down a small alley next to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, you can visit the Hall of the Episcopal Curia (Aula della Curia Vescovile). The hall dates back to at least 1225.
The hall, which served as a classroom, is divided into two sections. Both are completely frescoed by unknown artists. The frescoes date back to between the 12th and 14th centuries.
