Clock towers in Bergamo, Medieval clock tower in Cittadella viscontea, Bergamo, Italy.
The Torre della Campanella rises within the fortress walls of the Cittadella and displays Gothic features including stone detailing and an operational mechanical clock. The structure reaches considerable height and provides views across the medieval city from its upper levels.
Bernabò Visconti commissioned this tower in the late 14th century as a defensive component of the Cittadella fortress. From the beginning it included a mechanical clock designed to broadcast time signals across the city and surrounding territories.
The clock tower serves as a familiar landmark that has connected residents to the passing of time for generations. Its bells mark the hours and create a sense of continuity with the medieval past that still surrounds it.
The tower is best reached on foot from Bergamo's upper city by following signs to the Cittadella complex. The visit can be made anytime, though sturdy shoes are advisable since medieval passageways and stairs can be uneven.
For centuries this tower has functioned as both a timekeeper and a watchtower, with sentries observing the surroundings from its heights. This dual purpose made it one of the most actively used structures within the fortified complex.
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