Piazza del Duomo, Square in the upper town of Bergamo, Italy
Piazza del Duomo is a small square in the heart of Bergamo's upper town, enclosed by stone buildings from different centuries. The ground is paved with old stone, and the surrounding facades rise closely on each side, giving the space a contained, enclosed feel.
Archaeologists found traces of the Roman forum beneath the square, including old roads and foundations, showing the area has been a public center since ancient times. The buildings visible today were added gradually through the Middle Ages, with the basilica built in the 12th century and the Cappella Colleoni added in the late 15th century.
On Piazza del Duomo, four religious buildings stand side by side within a few steps of each other: the cathedral, the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cappella Colleoni, and the baptistery. This concentration of sacred architecture in such a small space is rare and gives the square a character unlike most Italian piazzas.
The square sits in the middle of Bergamo's upper town and is easy to reach on foot by walking through the narrow streets of the old city. It works well as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area, since several lanes and passages lead out from it in different directions.
The baptistery now standing in the square was originally placed inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and only moved to its current outdoor position in the 19th century. It dates from the 14th century and was restored after its move, so it looks newer than it is.
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