About
Piazza Vecchia, also known as the Old Square, sits at the heart of the upper city of Bergamo in Lombardy, northern Italy. It is an easy place to find once you reach the historic hilltop centre, and it makes a rewarding stop for anyone interested in the look and feel of an Italian town square.
What to see
The square is surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings, and the best known among them is the Palazzo della Ragione, a civic palace that gives the piazza much of its character. Walking the perimeter lets you take in the different architectural periods side by side, from the older stonework to later additions.
The square has long been admired. The architect Le Corbusier counted it among Italy's most beautiful squares, a judgement that many visitors find easy to understand once they stand in the middle of it.
Why visit
- A compact, atmospheric square that rewards slow looking.
- Architecture spanning medieval and Renaissance styles in one place.
- A natural starting point for exploring the upper city on foot.
Because the square is part of the historic upper town, it pairs well with a wider walk through the surrounding streets. Visitors who enjoy the rhythm of old Italian towns will find the setting a good fit for an unhurried visit, whether they come for a short stop or spend an afternoon moving between the square and the lanes around it.
