A walk along Bergamo’s Venetian Walls: history, their length and what to see

Bergamo’s Venetian Walls emerge among the hills like a path suspended in time, where the city seems to slow down and give way to the gaze. One only has to set out along the path to notice how stone, light and landscape dialogue with one another with surprising naturalness.

Since 2017, this fortified ring has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a title that speaks better than any words of its historical importance and its harmony with the urban environment.

History and origins of Bergamo’s Venetian Walls: why they were built

The construction of the Venetian Walls dates back to 1561, when the Venetian Republic decided to strengthen Bergamo by transforming it into a major military outpost. At the time, relations with the Duchy of Milan were tense, and the Serenissima sought to create a defensive barrier capable of withstanding the new techniques of warfare. The project was mammoth and demanded considerable sacrifices.

More than 250 buildings were demolished to make way for the new fortifications, including eight valuable religious sites. Tensions between civil and religious institutions ran so high that eight excommunications were issued during the course of the works.

Despite this, the fortification took shape according to the most advanced principles of the time. Angled bastions, gun ports, self-contained powder magazines and an extensive network of tunnels created a state-of-the-art defensive system.

Paradoxically, however, the walls were never involved in direct sieges. It was precisely this lack of exposure to warfare that allowed the structure to survive almost intact to the present day.

How long are the Venetian Walls?

The total length of the Venetian Walls is 5.2 kilometres. When connecting areas and platforms are included, the defensive system extends to more than 70,000 square metres of wall structures. This length allows the entire circuit to be walked in about two hours at a leisurely pace, with time to stop and enjoy the most striking points.

Along the route, shaded sections of vegetation alternate with panoramic openings overlooking the plain, as well as wider stretches such as the Avenue of the Walls, where the view gradually opens out towards the horizon.

The most fascinating viewpoints are found in the south-western area, while Colle Aperto is an ideal place for a peaceful break, particularly on clear days when the plains appear especially expansive.

What to see along Bergamo’s Venetian Walls: monumental gates and basements

A walk along Bergamo’s Venetian Walls offers the opportunity to encounter a series of places that blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings and, one after another, enhance Città Alta.

Here is what to see along the way.

St James’ Gate

Built at the end of the 16th century, it is the only gate constructed of pinkish-white marble from the Zandobbio quarry and still retains clearly recognisable Renaissance features. Located on the southern façade, it served as the main entrance for those arriving from the south and the plains. The Lion of St Mark, symbol of the Venetian Republic, is still visible at the top, and from here there is a broad view over the lower city and the Po Valley below.

St. Augustine’s Gate

Located to the east, it was historically the main entrance to the fortress for those arriving from Venice and the eastern plain. It takes its name from the Augustinian convent, which now houses the University of Bergamo.

Opposite the gate stands St. Augustine’s fountain, dating from 1574, once a water supply point for those entering the city. Inside the structure, guard and control functions were housed until the early 20th century, while today part of the space is dedicated to exhibitions and events.

San Lorenzo (or Garibaldi) Gate

The smallest of the four gates, it opens northwards towards the Brembana and Imagna valleys. Built on the site of a church of the same name, which was later demolished, it was closed in 1605 as it was considered indefensible and was reopened later with a raised entrance.

St Alexander’s Gate

Located on the western side, the gate owes its name to the ancient Basilica of St Alexander, which was demolished at the beginning of the work on the walls. Beyond the entrance stands the basilica’s memorial column, still visible near the gate. This entrance leads towards the paths up to the hills and St Vigilius Castle, and was one of the main access points for those arriving from the west. In 1958, the Lion of St Mark in Vicenza stone, by sculptor Antonio Milani, was added to the gable.

St. John’s Gunboat

These structures, accessible at certain times of the year, represent one of the most evocative testimonies to the Venetian defensive apparatus. Located near the bulwark of the same name, the embrasures feature internal tunnels and niches for artillery placement. Today they are often open for guided tours.

Sections of the Roman perimeter in Vagine Street

Fragments of much older walls, dating back to Roman times, emerge along the promenade. These sections can be identified along Vagine Street and near the Santa Grata Convent, forming a link to the period preceding the Venetian fortifications. They testify to the way in which the city repeatedly reorganised its defensive structures over the centuries.

Historic masonry at the Convent of Santa Grata

In the vicinity of the ancient monastery, integrated remains of medieval and Roman fortifications can be found. Set within the hilly landscape, these elements provide an evocative context for understanding the urban and military evolution of Bergamo well before the arrival of the Serenissima.

*Article translated by Agnese Giardini.