The center of Bergamo’s religious life since the early Middle Ages, the Duomo casts an unassuming figure, somewhat overshadowed by the flashiness of Santa Maria Maggiore, the city’s other major church. Visit the Duomo for a more relaxed atmosphere and sometimes near-private viewings of the church’s collection of Renaissance paintings and frescoes.
Arrive on the Piazza Vecchia, the center of political life until the Venetian Republic came to dominate the city’s affairs. Look for the statue of St. Alexander, the protector, who shelters Bergamo’s inhabitants from dangers both terrestrial and religious. Admire the white stone façade of the cathedral and linger in the shade offered by the veranda-like features at the front. Visit the 14th-century baptistery, once located inside nearby Santa Maria Maggiore. It features extensive sculptural descriptions of the life of Christ and a statue of John the Baptist.
Enter through the main portal and let your eyes adjust to the splendid interior, white with elaborate gilt designs. Walk slowly down the side aisles, looking for frescoes by famous Renaissance painters including Andrea Previtali, in the first chapel to the right, and Giovan Battista Moroni, in the first chapel to the left.
Wander to the Chapel of the Crucifix, named for the enormous crucifix hanging on its walls. Admire the large paintings, especially one by legendary painter Tiepolo.
Walk downstairs into the crypt, ending your visit viewing the small but impressive collection of sacramental goods and parts of the earlier church that once stood on this spot.
Find the Duomo in Bergamo’s Città Alta, accessible via funicular or on foot from the rest of the city. Walk to the Duomo in 40 minutes from Bergamo’s Central Station or take a 15-minute bus ride to the funicular station, which is a 3-minute walk from the church. Free parking is available in the Città Bassa near the funicular station. The Città Alta is open to vehicles, but parking is extremely difficult to find.
The Duomo is open to visitors all week long during business hours, though it does close for several hours in the early afternoon.
