About
The Palazzo della Ragione, also known as the Palace of Reason, stands on Piazza Vecchia in the historic upper town of Bergamo, in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is one of the city's most recognisable civic buildings, and a visit here is a good way to see how the centre of Bergamo was shaped over several centuries.
What you will see
The palace dates from the 12th century and was the ancient seat of the city administration. Its ground floor is open to the square through a portico, so you can walk under the arches before stepping into the wider piazza. Above, the Gothic windows give the façade a lighter, more vertical feel.
- A 12th-century building with a ground-floor portico
- Gothic windows on its upper storeys
- 15th-century frescoes inside
- An architectural mix of medieval and Renaissance elements
Why visit
The palace suits anyone interested in civic history and in the way Italian towns layered new styles onto older structures. The frescoes from the 15th century are the main reason many visitors step inside, while the exterior rewards a slow look from the square itself.
Piazza Vecchia is a short walk from the rest of Bergamo's upper town, so the palace fits easily into a half-day or longer stay. Combine it with a stroll through the surrounding streets and the views the upper town offers over the lower city.
Practical details
The palace is at Piazza Vecchia, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy. You can reach the office by telephone on +39 035 399677. For current visiting arrangements, it is worth calling ahead before you plan your day.
