Cappella Colleoni is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic and majestic buildings in Bergamo. Located in the heart of Città Alta (Upper Town), this funerary chapel is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, an explosion of art and history that enchants every visitor.
Its façade, a riot of finely crafted white and red marbles, immediately captures attention. Every detail, from the sculptures to the bas-reliefs, tells a story of power, ambition, and artistic patronage. The Colleoni Chapel is a superb example of how art can celebrate the life and memory of a man.
What to See Inside the Colleoni Chapel
Stepping inside, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty. The interior is a treasure trove of artistic wonders. The funeral monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, with its imposing equestrian statue, dominates the space. The sarcophagi, finely inlaid in marble, are an example of sculptural mastery.
No less fascinating is the tomb of Medea, Colleoni’s daughter, a delicate and moving work. The wooden carvings of the benches, with their intricate decorations, add a further touch of elegance. Every corner of the chapel deserves to be explored carefully, to discover the richness and variety of the works of art housed within.
The Legend of the Heraldic Symbol: Fortune at Midnight
The Colleoni Chapel is also shrouded in an aura of mystery and legend. It is said that touching the heraldic symbol on the entrance gate at midnight brings good luck. Whether true or not, this popular belief adds a touch of charm to the visiting experience.
Moreover, it offers an excellent excuse for a night walk in the charming Città Alta, a magical place that seems suspended in time. Admiring the Colleoni Chapel illuminated by the moon is an unforgettable experience.
Bartolomeo Colleoni: Condottiero and Lord of Bergamo
Bartolomeo Colleoni was one of the most famous mercenary captains of the 15th century. Born and raised in Bergamo, he spent his life fighting for various Italian lordships, distinguishing himself for his courage and strategic skill. In the service of the Republic of Venice, Colleoni accumulated wealth and power, becoming one of the most influential figures of his time.
Despite his military successes, Colleoni always remained attached to his hometown. In Bergamo, he built castles, promoted the development of agriculture, and commissioned works of art, including the Colleoni Chapel, his funerary monument.
Colleoni Chapel: A Story of Art and Power
The construction of the Colleoni Chapel was an act of defiance and affirmation of Bartolomeo Colleoni’s power. It is said that the canons of the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore were reluctant to cede the space for the construction of the chapel. Colleoni, with his usual determination, ordered his soldiers to demolish the old sacristy, thus creating the necessary space.
This anecdote, true or not, illustrates well the personality of Colleoni: a strong, ambitious man determined to leave an indelible mark on history. Cappella Colleoni is the tangible symbol of this ambition, a work of art that continues to amaze and fascinate visitors from all over the world.