Bergamo Castle

Bergamo Castle, locally known as Rocca di Bergamo, lies in the historic center of the city of the same name, in the Bergamo province in the Lombardy region in Italy.

Construction of Bergamo Castle started in 1331, probably on the remnants of an earlier Roman fortification, when the city of Bergamo was donated to the King of Bohemia, John of Luxembourg. When it was completed in 1336 by Azzone Visconti, Lord of Milan, the Viscontis had turned the castle into a stronghold to not only defend Bergamo, but also to repress and control it. In 1345 they strengthened it further.

In 1428 the Republic of Venice succeeded the Visconti lordship, which led to new fortification works. The Venetians constructed the Bergamo city walls in the 2nd part of the 16th century, which enclosed the castle in a bastion. Also, an artillery barracks was constructed within the castle.

Bergamo Castle maintained its military function throughout the Napoleonic period (1797-1814) and subsequently the Austrian domination until 1859, when it was liberated by troops led by the Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi. The last strengthening of the castle was due to the Austrians around 1850.

In the first half of the 20th century the Bergamo municipality had bought the castle from the State and then restored it. The old Venetian barracks were turned into a museum; the Bergamo Museum of the 19th century.

Bergamo Castle can freely be visited during daytime. For the museum you will have to pay a fee. The area directly around the castle is a small public park. A nice strong castle. Also, a prolonged visit to the historic center of Bergamo itself is recommended. San Vigilio Castle is close by.

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