The Museum of the Stories of Bergamo (also known as the Historical Museum of the City of Bergamo) is not a single venue but a widespread museum network that tells the story of the Orobic city through seven different sites of interest. It offers a thematic journey that spans from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This innovative approach allows visitors to discover Bergamo’s history not only through displayed artifacts but also by immersing themselves directly in the places where history unfolded.
The Seven Stories of Bergamo
Each site of the Museum of the Stories of Bergamo focuses on a specific aspect of the city’s past, making the visit dynamic and captivating.
- Convent of San Francesco: located in the heart of the Upper Town (Città Alta), this former convent is the main headquarters of the museum. It hosts temporary exhibitions, archives, a library, and a documentation center. It serves as a place of study and exploration and as the starting point for a journey through Bergamo’s history.
- Address: Piazza Mercato del Fieno 6/a, Bergamo (Città Alta)
- Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Friday–Sunday and holidays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Tickets: Full €5; Reduced €3
- La Rocca: located on the Colle di Sant’Eufemia hill, the Rocca hosts the Museum of the 19th Century, narrating the period from the end of Napoleonic rule to Italian unification (1797–1870). Its panoramic position offers a breathtaking view of the city.
- Address: Piazzale Brigata Legnano, Bergamo (Città Alta)
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday and holidays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tickets: Full €5; Free for visitors under 18
- Donizetti Museum: housed in the Domus Magna on Via Arena, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of the great Bergamasque composer Gaetano Donizetti.
- Address: Via Arena 9, Bergamo (Città Alta)
- Hours: Thursday–Sunday and holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tickets: Full €5; Reduced €3
- Campanone (Civic Tower): in the heart of Piazza Vecchia, the Campanone is Bergamo’s ancient civic tower. Not only is it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, but from its 52.76 meters of height, it also offers a spectacular panoramic view.
- Address: Piazza Vecchia, Bergamo (Città Alta)
- Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tickets: Combined ticket with Palazzo del Podestà and Museum of the 16th Century: Full €8; Reduced €6
- Palazzo del Podestà: located in Piazza Vecchia, this palace tells the story of Bergamo from the Roman period to the Renaissance.
- Address: Piazza Vecchia, Bergamo (Città Alta)
- Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tickets: Included in the combined ticket with the Campanone
- The Walls of Bergamo – The Museum: located inside Porta Sant’Agostino, this interactive and multimedia exhibition tells the story of the majestic Venetian walls, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Address: Inside Porta Sant’Agostino, Bergamo (Città Alta)
- Hours: Friday–Sunday and holidays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tickets: Full €7; Reduced €5
- Torre dei Caduti: located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto in the Lower Town (Città Bassa), the Tower of the Fallen is a monument dedicated to the soldiers who fought in World War I.
- Address: Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Bergamo (Città Bassa)
- Hours: Saturday–Sunday and holidays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (opening times may vary seasonally; visitors are advised to check the website)
- Tickets: Full €5; Reduced €3
Visitor Information
- All-In-One Ticket: for a complete experience, a combined ticket (€15, valid for 48 hours) grants access to all seven museum sites. It is the best option for those wishing to explore every “story” the city has to offer.
- Website: www.museodellestorie.bergamo.it
- Getting Around: since the museum sites are located both in the Upper and Lower Town, it is recommended to plan your route on foot or use the funicular for easy travel.
The Museum of the Stories of Bergamo is a virtuous example of an “open-air museum”, enhancing the city’s historical and architectural heritage while offering visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience. It is a unique opportunity to discover the many facets of Bergamo — not just as a place to admire, but as a living book to be explored.
Cover photo credits: Biblioteca del Museo delle Storie di Bergamo, Google Maps
