Campanone Torre Civica
A 12th-century civic tower in Bergamo Alta offering breathtaking 360-degree views and housing one of Lombardy's largest bells.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Campanone Torre Civica
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century civic tower in Bergamo Alta offering breathtaking 360-degree views and housing one of Lombardy's largest bells.
"The view from the top is truly spectacular! Tickets are only a couple of euros and you can also combine the campanone and the museum."
🎯 Combo Tickets for Value
Consider package deals that include the Campanone and other local museums for a cost-effective visit.
⬆️ Elevator & Stairs Combo
Use the elevator for most of the climb, but be ready for a few final steps to reach the ultimate viewpoint.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top of the tower
Soak in 360-degree vistas of Bergamo's upper and lower towns, and the surrounding Lombardy landscape.
The Great Bell
Bell floor
Witness the impressive 'Campanone' bell, one of the largest in Italy, and hear its resonant chime.
Medieval Architecture
Tower interior
Explore the historic 12th-century tower, once a family home, and appreciate its ancient structure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Ticket & Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combo Tickets for Value
Consider package deals that include the Campanone and other local museums for a cost-effective visit.
⬆️ Elevator & Stairs Combo
Use the elevator for most of the climb, but be ready for a few final steps to reach the ultimate viewpoint.
🔔 Hear the Bell Ring
Experiencing the chime of the 'Campanone' while enjoying the views is a memorable moment.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are spectacular, so bring your camera or smartphone for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combo Tickets for Value
Consider package deals that include the Campanone and other local museums for a cost-effective visit.
⬆️ Elevator & Stairs Combo
Use the elevator for most of the climb, but be ready for a few final steps to reach the ultimate viewpoint.
🔔 Hear the Bell Ring
Experiencing the chime of the 'Campanone' while enjoying the views is a memorable moment.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are spectacular, so bring your camera or smartphone for stunning photos.
🚶♂️ Explore Piazza Vecchia
The tower is centrally located in Piazza Vecchia, making it easy to combine with exploring the square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Campanone for its spectacular panoramic views of Bergamo, calling it a highlight of any visit. The affordability and the option for combined tickets with other attractions are also frequently mentioned positives. Some minor dislikes include the final few steps to the very top and the potential for crowds during peak times.
"Probably the highlight of my day in Bergamo! I arrived 5 minutes before they opened the doors and I had the tower for myself for about 10 minutes. The view is truly spectacular! Tickets are only a couple of euros and you can also combine the campanone and the museum inside which was interesting but the view is what makes it so worth visiting!"
Marc-André Giroux
"Such towers were very popular all over northern Italy during the medieval ages.
They expressed the wealth of families who built it, but very few remained today.
This tower is in the very center of Bergamo upper town, on the main Piazza Vecchia square.
Entry ticket of 7 Euros includes climbing the top with an elevator, as well a small archaeological museum down.
Views from up (there're two platforms) are stunning, with both upper and lower Bergamo, as well half Lombardy on a clear day"
Dejan Braki
"Hearing the bell ring while soaking in those amazing views of Bergamo—that’s a cool moment!"
Zongle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Campanone Torre Civica is located in the heart of Bergamo Alta (Upper Town), specifically in Piazza Vecchia. You can reach Bergamo Alta by taking the historic funicular from the lower town or by bus. Once in Piazza Vecchia, the tower is easily visible.
Bergamo Alta is a charming, pedestrian-friendly area. While there are some inclines, walking around to find the tower is part of the experience. The tower itself is well-signposted within the piazza.
Bergamo is accessible by air via Il Caravaggio International Airport (BGY). From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center and then proceed to Bergamo Alta.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but typically range around 5-7 Euros. Often, the ticket includes access to the tower and a small archaeological museum. Some combination tickets might also be available for multiple sites.
Opening hours generally vary by season and day of the week. Weekdays might be from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours on weekends (e.g., until 7 PM). It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current times.
While not always explicitly stated, it's advisable to check for online booking options, especially during peak season, to save time. However, purchasing tickets on-site is also common.
Yes, many visitors report that their Campanone ticket also grants access to nearby museums or historical sites, offering excellent value for exploring Bergamo Alta.
The 'Campanone' bell still rings daily at 10 PM, commemorating the ancient closing of the city gates. Hearing it while at the top is a unique experience. 
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunity is the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view from the top platforms. You can capture the entire Piazza Vecchia, the terracotta rooftops of Bergamo Alta, and the rolling hills of Lombardy.
Yes, there are viewing platforms that offer unobstructed views, making it easy to take photos. The presence of helpful maps at the top can also aid in identifying landmarks for your shots.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful warm light for photography. Weekday mornings can also be great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Generally, photography is allowed from the viewing platforms. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in enclosed historical areas if not permitted.
From Piazza Vecchia, you can capture the imposing structure of the Torre Civica. Look for interesting angles that highlight its historical significance and its prominent position in the square.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the historical structure of the 12th-century tower. There's also a small archaeological museum at the base, and the main attraction is the ascent to the viewing platforms and the bell chamber.
A visit usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you spend enjoying the views and exploring the museum. If you have a combined ticket, factor in additional time for other sites.
The tower has an elevator that takes you most of the way up. You'll only need to climb a few final steps to reach the very top viewing area, making it accessible for most visitors.
Beneath the clock, an inscription reads 'UBI IUSTITIA PAX CARITAS ET AMOR IBI DEUS EST,' meaning 'Where there is justice, peace, charity, and love, there is God.' It's a powerful message reflecting the tower's historical context.
Restrooms are typically available in the vicinity of Piazza Vecchia, often near the ticket office or within the museum complex. Dedicated shops within the tower itself are less common, but souvenirs might be available at the ticket counter.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a combined ticket that includes other nearby attractions, which can help keep kids entertained and provide good value. The historical context of the tower as a former family home and its large bell can also spark curiosity. Pack snacks and water, as exploring Bergamo Alta can involve a fair amount of walking.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the charming streets of Bergamo Alta on foot, which is free. Pack your own lunch and snacks to save on dining costs, and take advantage of the free activity of simply wandering through the historic piazzas. The funicular to Bergamo Alta also offers an affordable and scenic way to reach the area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon for the most dramatic lighting, or visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture softer light. Don't forget to photograph the tower itself from Piazza Vecchia, looking for interesting angles and details. The bell chamber also offers unique photographic perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Campanone
Today, the Campanone is most renowned for its panoramic views and its significant bell. The largest bell in Lombardy, it still rings daily at 10 PM, a tradition that harks back to its historical function of signaling the closing of the city gates. This daily chime serves as a constant reminder of the tower's enduring connection to Bergamo's heritage and daily life. The inscription 'UBI IUSTITIA PAX CARITAS ET AMOR IBI DEUS EST' (Where there is justice, peace, charity, and love, there is God) further imbues the tower with a sense of historical and spiritual significance.
Visitors can ascend the tower via a combination of an elevator and a short flight of stairs, leading to platforms that offer unparalleled vistas. These views encompass not only the intricate beauty of Bergamo Alta but also the sprawling lower town and the distant Alps on clear days. The experience of standing atop this ancient structure, hearing the bell, and gazing out at the landscape provides a profound connection to Bergamo's history and its stunning geographical setting.
Experiencing the Views from the Top
What makes the view particularly special is the context provided by the tower's location. Situated in the heart of Piazza Vecchia, one of Italy's most beautiful squares, the tower offers a unique perspective on this historic hub. Helpful maps are often available at the top, pointing out significant landmarks and helping visitors orient themselves within the expansive landscape. This makes the viewing experience both visually stunning and informative, allowing you to appreciate the historical layout and geographical context of Bergamo.
Many visitors describe the view as the highlight of their Bergamo trip. The combination of the tower's historical significance, the impressive bell, and the sheer beauty of the vista makes it a must-do activity. Whether you visit in the morning light or during the soft glow of the late afternoon, the views from the Campanone are consistently described as spectacular and well worth the modest entry fee.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit