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.
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
Among the buildings in Piazza Vecchia, the Old Civic Tower certainly stands out above all the others and stands out. It was built at the end of the 12th century by the Suardi family and then sold to the municipality in the 13th century. It is 52.76 m high and is the tallest tower in the city.
The largest bell placed on the tower is called “il campanone”. This bell was placed on the tower not at the time of its construction but at a later time, i.e. in the 16th century. This bell marked the life of the inhabitants of the city of Bergamo in many ways. In fact, it reported council meetings, happy events, and painful events in the city.
The bell was also used as an evening warning that the city gates were closed. In this way, all those who were outside the city gates at that time could return and avoid spending the night outside.
Even today, the bell rings every evening at 10 pm and the sound at 10 pm differs from the chimes at all other times in terms of duration and intensity, to remember their ancient function.
The Tower can be visited and you can reach the top of the tower either on foot or by lift. From the top of the Civic Tower, you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the city, the Orobie pre-Alps and the Lombardy Plain.
Visit
The ticket costs 8 euros for each person, with a discount of 2 euros for visitors aged between eleven and seventeen. Children under the age of eleven can enter for free, as can people with disabilities. During the visit, you can explore the majestic Palazzo del Podestà and admire the magnificent view from the Campanone.
Our visit begins at the Palazzo del Podestà, a historic 13th-century residence that once housed the foreign podestà, guarantor of peace between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions during Venetian rule. The palace served as the administrative headquarters of Justice.
Within these walls, you take a journey through history, highlighting how the events that have marked the course of the centuries and the great discoveries, such as that of America, have influenced the balance and the way of expansion of the maritime powers, like Venice in our case.
Here the true balances and power clashes that have shaped the course of time on the world stage are revealed. We also discover the main trade exchanges that were the protagonists in the world in different historical periods and the new lands that were discovered, influencing the dominant power of the moment.
History comes to life in this place and guides us through a fascinating journey. In fact, thanks to the exhibition spaces, you will immerse yourself and dreamily relive the most significant events in the history of Bergamo. Inside, further wonders await you in the form of interactive tables, ready to involve you in a unique experience.
The visit is fascinating because, besides admiring the historic building, you can explore the different rooms set up with videos projected on the walls and interactive panels. These, placed both at ground level and in showcases, offer a complete vision of the history. For example, it explains how everything originated in Eden, and Asia was the center of the world, and how dominant powers and discoveries influenced the shifting of power and the conquest of new territories over time. Venice takes on a leading role in this exhibition context, having been a dominant and influential power here in Bergamo too.
Among the attractions on display, we also find a suggestive cartographic representation that traces a route through the territory, revealing the natural landscape made up of fields, vineyards, and ancient towns or cities that once stood between Venice and Bergamo. This projection allows us to immerse ourselves in a journey into the past, taking us back to the 14th and 15th centuries and reflecting on the many obstacles that travelers of that time could face.
Once the visit to the Palazzo del Podestà is finished we head towards the entrance to the Civic Tower to go up and admire the 360-degree panorama. If you manage to go up on a particularly clear day, and at sunset, you have truly done “bingo” and you will be amazed by what you will see before your eyes, just like what happened to us.
The entrance ticket costs 8 euros and also includes a visit to the majestic Palazzo del Podestà.
You can reach the bell on foot with the navigator using the following link to the location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SA5eRb9dJiCoaAA38.
To climb the bell tower, you can choose between the stairs or the elevator. The latter is free, comfortable, and takes you almost to the top of the tower. However, to reach the top of the civic tower, you must walk up a short stretch of stairs, consisting of only a few steps. There are two or three flights of stairs, a bit narrow, but don’t worry, the view you can admire from the bell tower is priceless. In fact, from there you can enjoy a 360° view of the majestic mountains behind Bergamo, the city, and the Lombardy plain, a truly extraordinary experience. We recommend going up at sunset when you can admire not only the city but also the magnificent sunsets on the horizon. (Watch this short video https://youtube.com/shorts/kkmtXhDlTJ4?si=fzBOCrD0Y85p6oL6)
If the stairs that take you from the floor where the elevator arrives to the top are typical ancient stairs that are a little irregular, the stairs that can be used as an alternative to the elevator are newer and wider with smooth steps.
Do you have a few hours to spend in Bergamo and want to do something amazing?
Do you have a few hours to spend in Bergamo and want to do something amazing?
You can watch the video directly 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.
You can go up to the upper part of Bergamo, called Bergamo Alta, using the funicular (Position in Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CpdcR92YhrW122E99). When you go out of the funicular, you’re in Bergamo’s characteristic historic center, which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. In only 10 minutes on foot, you’re in the beautiful Piazza Vecchia. In this square is the civic tower commonly called “Campanone” (Position in Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/Sj6T7Y). You can go up to its top to see the amazing view.
You can go up with the lift or the stairs. The lift brings you almost to the top, but you must walk up a short stretch of stairs to get to the top.
From the top of the civic tower, you can enjoy a 360° view: an extraordinary view of the city, the Orobie pre-Alps, and the Lombardy Plain.
My favorite time of the day to go up is sunset. Don’t you think it is amazing?
This is an excellent thing to do both in summer and winter. In winter, at the top of the tower can be a little bit cold and sometimes windy, but you don’t need to stay out for too long. Furthermore, the ticket also includes an interactive museum where you can stay warm inside before going out again. A good alternative option is also something tasty to eat or drink. In winter a delicious hot chocolate is always a good idea!
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. 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.
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.
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.
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