Best View Bergamo Italy: The Campanone (Civic Tower) Unmissable 360°

Planning a quick stop in Bergamo? Maybe you’re flying in or out of Orio al Serio (BGY) or enjoying a day trip from Milan. If you have just a few precious hours and are looking for one incredible experience, forget trying to see everything. Instead, we have the perfect itinerary: a ride up the funicular to Città Alta, a stroll through the main square, and a climb up the magnificent Civic Tower, locally known as the Campanone.

From its summit, you are rewarded with the single best 360-degree panorama of the city, the dramatic Orobie Alps behind you, and the vast Lombardy Plain stretching out below. This is the one essential stop that makes a short visit to Bergamo truly unforgettable. We’ll show you how to do it, why you should time your visit for sunset, and what other historical treasures are included in your ticket.

Video: 1 must-do in Bergamo? Visit the Campanone Civic Tower

Check out this amazing place and watch the following video here or on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/V_9btkF4RCI. If you are reading this article from your smartphone, scroll to the bottom of the page and exit the mobile mode to view it directly on this page.

Why Bergamo is Unique: The City with Two Sides

Bergamo is a charming Lombard city nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps. Its unique character stems from being perfectly divided into two distinct parts: Bergamo Bassa (the modern, commercial lower town) and Bergamo Alta (the historic, walled upper town), which rests proudly on a hill. It is in this ancient, elevated heart—the Città Alta—that you find the Campanone, an iconic tower offering the key to truly understanding the stunning, two-sided beauty of this Italian gem.

The Campanone (Civic Tower): Bergamo’s Single Most Unforgettable Thing To Do

The Campanone, or Civic Tower, is the majestic, unrivaled centerpiece of Piazza Vecchia, the central square of Bergamo Alta’s historic center. As the tallest structure in the square, it’s something you always notice, yet for many—even the locals—it remains an iconic, but often unvisited, landmark. This is common: when you live in a beautiful place, you often take its greatest sights for granted. In fact, we had a Bergamo local with us who experienced the top for the very first time! This makes the Campanone one of the city’s true hidden gems and an experience we strongly recommend.

The ticket grants access to the adjacent Palazzo del Podestà museum, which offers deep historical insights. This information proved invaluable: when friends later asked me about the construction date of the city walls, I was prepared to answer—not because I have a history degree, but simply because I had visited the museum, unlike someone who lives in the area! This demonstrates how the museum is a useful and accessible tool for everyone to understand the city.

At 52.76 meters (173 feet), the ascent unlocks a profound 360° panorama that, combined with the museum’s lessons, gives you a complete spatial and historical understanding of the two-sided city. This knowledge will help you understand the city better when you later walk through the streets and along the Venetian Walls.

The Campanone (Civic Tower): Facts, History, and Logistics

The Campanone: Explore the Civic Tower’s Story, Significance, and Visitor Tips

☁️ Expert Tip: What to Do on an Overcast Day

We often talk about the perfect golden sunset, but what happens when the weather is not ideal?

Crucially, even if the sun isn’t setting perfectly, the view is still worthwhile. You get to witness the magnificent spectacle of Piazza Vecchia and the rooftops of Città Alta below, and watch the Lower Town progressively light up into a captivating carpet of urban light. Even in imperfect weather conditions, the sight is truly beautiful and charming.

A Realistic Warning: If the fog is so dense that you cannot see more than 10 meters, it is perhaps better to postpone the visit for safety reasons and to guarantee the panoramic experience. But if it’s just a light haze, don’t give up!

➡️ WATCH: Bergamo: NO Sunset View? Don’t Leave! (Watch What Happens)

1. The Tower’s History and Unique Role

The Civic Tower, locally known as the Campanone (Big Bell), is the most outstanding structure in Piazza Vecchia.

• Construction: It was originally built at the end of the 12th century by the Suardi family and later sold to the municipality in the 13th century.
• Height: The tower stands 52.76 meters (173 feet) high, making it the tallest in the city.
• The Campanone Bell: The massive bell itself was installed in the 16th century. Historically, it marked the life of Bergamo’s citizens, signaling council meetings, happy events, and difficult times.
• The 10:00 PM Tradition: Crucially, the bell served as an evening warning that the city gates were closing. This tradition persists: even today, the bell rings every evening at 10:00 PM. The duration and intensity of the chime are unique at this hour, a loud reminder of its ancient protective function. The sound is audible throughout the Upper Town, especially from the Old Square. Not at the top of the tower because at that time the tower is closed and 100 rings next to you makes you definitely deaf.

2. Practical Details and Ticket Information

From the top of the Civic Tower, you can enjoy an extraordinary 360° panoramic view of the city, the majestic Orobie pre-Alps, and the Lombardy Plain. To guarantee the best experience, here are the essential logistics:

• The Best View: If you manage to go up on a particularly clear day, and especially at sunset, you will truly be amazed by the sight.
• Ticket Cost: As of October 2025, the entrance ticket costs €8 per person. A reduced price of €6 is available for visitors aged between eleven and seventeen. Children under eleven, people with disabilities, and their companions enter for free. Always check the current price at the entrance, as costs can increase or change. In fact, for example, the ticket from 2023 to 2025 had an increase of 2 euros.
• Included in the Ticket: Your ticket includes the ascent to the Civic Tower and the visit to the majestic Palazzo del Podestà.

3. The Palazzo del Podestà Museum

The visit often begins at the Palazzo del Podestà, a historic 13th-century residence that once housed the foreign podestà, who served as a guarantor of peace between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions during Venetian rule. The palace was the administrative headquarters of Justice.

• A Journey Through History: Within these walls, you take a journey through history, focusing on how events and great discoveries, such as that of America, influenced the political balance and expansion of maritime powers like Venice. The exhibit reveals the true balances and power clashes that shaped the course of time on the world stage.
• Interactive Experience: The visit is fascinating because you can explore different rooms set up with videos and interactive panels that offer a complete vision of history—for example, explaining how dominant powers and trade routes shifted over time.
• The Cartographic Map: Among the attractions, you’ll find a beautiful cartographic representation that traces a route through the territory, revealing the ancient landscape that once stood between Venice and Bergamo. This projection allows you to journey back to the 14th and 15th centuries and reflect on the obstacles travelers faced.

4. Reaching the Summit: Elevator vs. Stairs

You can reach the top of the tower by taking either the stairs or the elevator.

• The Elevator: The elevator is free, comfortable, and takes you almost to the top of the tower.
• The Final Climb: To reach the absolute summit and the best panoramic point, you must walk up a short final stretch of narrow, irregular stairs (about two or three short flights).
• Alternative Stairs: As an alternative to the elevator, the main stairs you can use are newer and wider with smooth steps.

5. Location and Navigation

The Civic Tower (Campanone) is located in the heart of Città Alta.

• Campanone Location: Civic Tower (Campanone) on Google Maps
• Funicular Arrival Point: Funicular Station on Google Maps

The Italian Autumn Experience: A Feast of Tradition

Our latest expedition to Bergamo on Sunday, October 19, 2025, was all about sharing true Italian tradition—and flavor—with our American friends. Autumn is simply the best time of year here for savory cuisine, and we wanted to recapture that old Italian custom of the long, shared Sunday lunch.

The feast began with a big platter of charcuterie and mixed antipasti with polenta.

➡️ [WATCH: The Real Struggle of Italian Appetizers!] https://youtube.com/shorts/bGAwHUH1ifg

The real delight, however, was the main courses featuring porcini mushrooms and the dessert of chestnuts. These seasonal foods, so prevalent here but not always available back in Connecticut or Washington, are the epitome of this time of year in Italy. We finished with specialities like Panettone, pistachio semifreddo, and millefoglie with strawberries. It was a rich, memorable meal—a true celebration of Italian and Bergamasque flavor.

🍄 Get a Taste of Bergamo’s Autumn Feast!

Want to see the rich flavors of those Porcini mushrooms and chestnuts?

➡️ [WATCH THE QUICK AUTUMN FOOD SHORT HERE] https://youtube.com/shorts/4k4TNAQ6gJ0

(The ultimate autumn food guide: See the rich dishes and specialty desserts that make October the best time to visit Bergamo for foodies!)

Ascent to Città Alta: The Race to Sunset

After such a grand meal, there was only one place to go: Città Alta (Upper Town). For a truly complete experience, we took the funicular, which carries you directly into the historic heart. Our friends were immediately astonished by the beauty and unique character of this old city.

Practical Funicular Note (Expert Tip): You don’t need to reserve tickets online; you can purchase them directly at the ticket office. The cost is around €1.50 for a single ride, and you can buy a return ticket when you go up, or choose to walk down later.

We quickly arrived in Piazza Vecchia and knew we were on a timeline. It was 6:04 PM, and with the last entry to the tower around 6:30 PM, the race to see the sunset was on!

The Timing Challenge: Chasing the Sunset View

We quickly arrived in Piazza Vecchia. It was 6:04 PM, and we had a choice to make. We were told we were right at the moment of museum closing and that the last entry time for the Tower was 6:30 PM.

We knew we had to move fast because the weather forecast predicted a sunset. Given that this was a special occasion for our friends, we decided to give them a rapid tour of the Palazzo museum first, so they could get an idea of the building, and then rush to the top for the final ascent time. Our time pressure was real!

Piazza Vecchia: Warmed by History and Firelight

The atmosphere in Piazza Vecchia was already magnificent. The square, which was historically central to the life of the Bergamaschi—where power, religion, and commerce have always interacted—is truly a magical sight, whether by day or night.

The atmosphere was made even more welcoming by the surrounding bars and restaurants. Although the sun had set and it was getting dark and cooler, the air was warmed by scenic heaters (the scaldotti with fire inside). These heaters allow people to sit outside and enjoy the ancient beauty of the place, but they are also scenographic, adding charm and heat to the square. We noted the beautiful arcades (porticoes) and the ancient white palazzo, a truly beautiful and fascinating sight. The piazza is surely romantic, and we even spotted a cute detail: a restaurant that had set two giant plush toys at an outdoor table for a very romantic dinner.

We also spotted the famous curiosity next to Bar Tasso: the incredibly narrow palazzo. While we were told it was the “narrowest in Europe” , subsequent checks revealed this is a popular local jest; it is not the narrowest in Europe but a popular local curiosity.

The Campanone Ascent: Pride vs. Pleasure

The Civic Tower, locally known as the Campanone, is the city’s tallest building. The combined ticket for the ascent and the cultural experience at the Palazzo del Podestà is now €8 (€6 reduced).

We had climbed the Campanone before and loved it , so bringing our friends was a perfect excuse to return and share the experience.

The Ascent Choice and Our Friends’ Reactions: You can choose to go up the tower using the stairs or the elevator. The elevator is free, comfortable, and takes you almost to the top.

• Many people, particularly younger ones, choose the stairs out of pride.
• The elevator is a great option for those who struggle with mobility, allowing them to reach a high point and already see a great panorama.
• We kept a mindful eye on our friend who was “a bit more elderly” (un po’ più attempato) to see how he handled the climb.
• In the end, those of us who chose the elevator were truly happy (veramente contenti) when we saw how much distance the lift had covered compared to the stairs.

To reach the absolute summit and the best panorama, you must climb a short final stretch of narrow, irregular stairs. There is a handrail, so you can climb slowly. You definitely need to wear comfortable, practical shoes for this part.

The View: Enchanted by the Night Lights

We made it up right on time! Although the weather wasn’t perfectly clear—there was some fog and not the crisp sunset we’d had last time—the view was still incredibly fascinating and beautiful. The sight of the monuments below starting to illuminate and the streets and palaces twinkling with light made for a captivating urban panorama. Even in imperfect weather conditions, the sight is truly beautiful and charming. Everyone immediately pulled out their phones to take photos.

From the top, you stand next to the massive Campanone bell. We told them the true story: the Campanone rings its famous one hundred chimes every night at 10:00 PM to commemorate the ancient tradition of closing the city gates, which warned everyone outside to run inside before it was too late.

Although the campanone rings during the day to mark the time, it rings 100 times at 10 pm to commemorate the old tradition. Of course, you can’t listen to the 100 rings from the top of the tower because they are too loud and the tower is closed, but you can listen to them in all Bergamo Alta, and the best place is Piazza Vecchia, because you can listen to them well, and you can also look at the tower.

Palazzo del Podestà: History and Warmth

We had just enough time to quickly show our friends the Palazzo del Podestà, which the ticket includes. The museum is highly interactive with videos and panels. We learned a key historical fact: in the 16th century, the Venetian Republic (the Serenissima) was forced to fortify Bergamo, which led to the painful demolition of hundreds of buildings and the symbol of Bergamasque Christianity, the Basilica of Sant’Alessandro. Practical note: There is a restroom inside the museum if needed.

Since the museum visit is included in the ticket, we made a quick, ten-minute whirlwind tour of the Palazzo del Podestà to give our friends an idea of the history. The museum is highly interactive with videos and panels.

We learned a key historical fact: beginning in 1561, the Venetian Republic (the Serenissima) had to fortify the city against attacks. This is why the famous Walls exist, but it required the demolition and expropriation of hundreds of houses and churches, including the Basilica of Sant’Alessandro, the symbol of Bergamasque Christianity.

Ascending the Tower: Practicalities and Emotion

To get up, you have two options: the stairs or the elevator. The elevator is comfortable and takes you most of the way up, which is a great option for those with reduced mobility. However, to reach the absolute top, you must climb a short stretch of narrow, irregular stairs. We recommend comfortable shoes for this final climb!

The view, even on a slightly foggy day, was absolutely fascinating. You see the streets beginning to light up below and the lights on the buildings switching on. We noted that even when the weather isn’t perfect, the view is lovely and captivating, with a 360° panorama over the monuments, the Pre-Alps, and the Lombardy Plain. It’s truly one of the most beautiful things to do in Bergamo.

From the top, you stand next to the great bell. We told our friends the true story: the Campanone rings its famous one hundred chimes every night at 10:00 PM to commemorate the ancient tradition of closing the city gates, which warned everyone outside to run back into the safety of the city before it was too late.

The Magical Descent: Through Arcades and Along the Walls

We descended with the elevator while some friends took the stairs. Stepping back into Piazza Vecchia, it was fully illuminated, and the magic was complete. We lingered to look at the two very particular and elaborate churches behind the Piazza Vecchia.

Leaving the Piazza, we drifted toward Via Bartolomeo Colleoni. As we walked, we were tempted by fantastic window displays showing local sweets, pizza, and focaccia.

We passed through an archway and found ourselves in Piazza Mascheroni, where the cistern, built between 1605 and 1606, still stands. A little further, we entered Piazza della Cittadella, which is beautiful and illuminated. This area is a principal testament to the Visconti dominion (1333–1428) before the Venetian takeover , and it also houses the Archaeological Museum. We also passed Gelateria Marianna, famous for its Stracciatella, which was already beautifully decorated with an illuminated tree.

The Unforgettable Walk on the Mura Venete

Our friends decided to walk down to the Lower Town, and it was the best choice! We headed towards the Venetian Walls to see the whole city below. The scene was breathtaking: the Lower Town was completely illuminated, offering a panoramic urban view that was both quiet and beautiful, especially with the double contrast of the historic walls and the modern lights.

Finally, we reached the great gates of the city—Porta San Giacomo—which are beautiful, scenographic, and white with columns. Crossing the ancient bridge supported by arcades, we began our descent to the Lower Town in a truly historic and grand style.

It was a beautiful and brisk walk, full of conversation, good company, and magic. As the day concluded, we drove home, confident in the next adventure.

👉 Want to learn more about visiting the area?

Best Things to do in Bergamo Italy: the city with 2 sides