CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA, Bergamo, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Chiesa di Santa Maria stands on Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII in the lower part of Bergamo, Italy. It is worth a pause for the outlook from this stretch of the avenue, which looks across to the Upper City and the Venetian walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The story behind it

What gives this spot its context is the skyline in front of it. The Venetian walls that wrap around Bergamo's Upper City were built when Bergamo was the western edge of Venice's territory on the Italian mainland. Despite their size, they were never besieged, which is part of why they survive in such good shape today.

That Venetian chapter also explains a local curiosity. Arlecchino, or Harlequin, the cunning servant of the Commedia dell'arte, is tied to Bergamo, yet he is traditionally linked with a Venetian way of speaking. He is known for his multicoloured checkered costume and his acrobatics, and he remains a favourite carnival costume for children.

What to look for

• Look across toward the Upper City and take in how the long line of the Venetian walls encloses the hilltop.
• Notice the contrast between the busy lower city around you and the compact, historic skyline above it.
• Take a moment to look at the church itself and its setting along Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, a main avenue of the lower city.
• Think of Arlecchino's checkered costume as you look at the colours of the rooftops and carnival-style decorations you may spot around town.

Tips for your visit

• Plan a short stop of around 10 to 15 minutes, longer if you want photos of the view.
• Clear daylight gives the best look at the walls and the Upper City, and late afternoon light is especially flattering.
• Whether you can go inside depends on services and the day, so check current opening hours and be respectful if a service is under way.
• The Upper City and its walls are the natural next stop, so wear comfortable shoes for a longer walk.

See it on a quest

The church is one stop on Atalanta’s Golden Challenge in Bergamo. You reach it on foot as part of a longer route through the area, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle right where you stand. It is a more lively way to take in the view than a quick photo, and you can start whenever you like with no guide and no group to join. One ticket covers the whole group.