Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore is a Romanesque basilica in Città Alta with four side portals guarded by marble lions. Its cross-shaped layout contains red and white marble columns, wooden inlays, frescoes, stuccowork, and tapestries.

Construction began in 1137 on the site of an eighth-century church that had replaced a Roman temple. Over the centuries, the interior received additions in the Baroque style.

Local residents named this church in gratitude after a twelfth-century plague epidemic ended, and this devotion remains visible in its design. Worshippers enter through the side portals and experience a space still used for services and concerts today.

Visitors can enter from Monday through Friday between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM, then from 2:30 PM until 6:00 PM. Comfortable shoes help when exploring the inlaid floors and elevated sections.

Instead of a main entrance, four side portals lead inside, guarded by stone lions. Between the northern gates, medieval measurement standards lie embedded in the pavement, once used by merchants for their trades.

Location: Bergamo

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Address: Piazza Rosate

Website: https://fondazionemia.it/it/basilica/storia

GPS coordinates: 45.70322,9.66213

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26