Sant' Alessandro in Colonna, Baroque Catholic basilica in Lower Bergamo, Italy
Sant' Alessandro in Colonna is a baroque basilica in Lower Bergamo with a Latin cross layout, a single central nave, and four side chapels holding religious artworks. Its Botticino marble facade shows neoclassical details, and a bell tower completed in 1905 rises above with twelve bells inside and space to climb to an upper statue.
The original building collapsed in 1447, leading to a reconstruction that was consecrated in 1474 by Bishop Lodovico Donà of Bergamo. This rebuilding defined the structure as it stands today through the centuries that followed.
Inside you find paintings by Renaissance masters like Lorenzo Lotto and Romanino, depicting religious stories and figures that visitors can see in the chapels. These artworks show the artistic wealth the region valued during its most productive period.
You can climb the bell tower using 126 steps to reach a statue of Madonna del Patrocinio at the top, though the narrow staircase requires some effort. Allow extra time for the ascent and wear comfortable shoes for this experience.
In the churchyard stands the Column of Crotacio, assembled in 1618 from Roman stone fragments, which marks the traditional site where Saint Alexander is said to have met his end. This ancient column shows how local stories intertwine with pieces from Rome's past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
