Initially, it was dedicated to San Vincenzo, but then changed its title when the church of Sant'Alessandro, the oldest church in the city, was demolished in 1561 by the Venetians for the construction of the Venetian walls... #tuttitaly
The Cathedral of San Alessandro Martire is located on the homonymous square in the Upper City of Bergamo. This place of worship has ancient origins, dating back to the 5th century AD, as evidenced by the underground archaeological layers.
Inside the church, you can admire numerous artistic treasures. Among the most important paintings are those created by Giovan Battista Moroni and Andrea Previtali. Furthermore, you will find the Martyrdom of Saint John the Bishop, a work by Giambattista Tiepolo, and an altarpiece by Carlo Ceresa. Another unique feature of the church is the wood inlaid in marble works created by Andrea Fantoni.
However, the most precious testimony you can see is the tiara of Pope John XXIII, now a Saint. The tiara is a sparkling headdress made of gold and decorated with pearls, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds. This precious object was created by the embosser Attilio Nani.
Finally, inside the main altar, there is an urn containing the remains of Saint Alessandro Martire, the patron saint of Bergamo to whom the church is dedicated.
Trivia
The Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro, dedicated initially to San Vincenzo, became the Cathedral of Bergamo after the destruction of the previous cathedral in 1561 by the Venetians for the construction of the Venetian walls. The famous Walls of Bergamo Alta, built by the Venetians in 1561, still surround the Cathedral today.
Colleoni Chapel
In addition to the Cathedral of San Alessandro Martire, another must-see attraction in Bergamo is the Colleoni Chapel.
This majestic building features a facade decorated with red and white marble, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance.
Inside the chapel, you will find the equestrian statue of the Bergamo condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni, sarcophagi entirely inlaid with marble, the delicate tomb of his daughter Medea, and carved wooden benches.
Bartolomeo Colleoni was one of the most famous condottieri of Italy, in the service of the Republic of Venice.
Trivia
It is said that touching the heraldic symbol placed on the gate of the Colleoni Chapel at midnight brings good luck. This curiosity can be an excellent excuse for a walk in the charming Upper City at night.
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