Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of Reason) is a must-see on your itinerary to discover Bergamo Alta!
By going under the old City Hall you can enjoy a view of the best that medieval architecture has created: buildings steeped in history and beauty that combine functionality with a refined sense of aesthetics.
Over the course of its long life, Palazzo della Ragione was damaged and rebuilt several times, being put to different uses (it even became a theater and library!).
Now, 800 years after its construction, it exhibits the city’s culture and history: both in itself, with its architecture, and as a venue for major art exhibitions.
History of Palazzo della Ragione: From City Hall to Courthouse
Have you ever wondered where the name of this extraordinary building comes from? Bergamo’s Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of Reason) has ancient origins: it was built nearly a thousand years ago, becoming one of the first municipal buildings in Italy. Its initial function was to house the city’s public assemblies, serving as the administrative and decision-making heart of medieval Bergamo.
The present name is due to the period of Venetian rule, when the palace became the seat of the city court. Here judges heard disputes between citizens and, through a process based on “reason,” decided who was legally “right.” This judicial function gave the palace a unique historical importance. Even today, the magnificent frescoes preserved inside testify to the elegance and solemnity of this place of justice.
Venetian Frescoes and Gothic Architecture
The Palazzo della Ragione is distinguished by its imposing loggia with ogival arches and white stone facade, elements that embody Lombardy’s refined medieval aesthetic. The building, located in the striking Piazza Vecchia, offers an architectural spectacle that tells centuries of history.
Inside, the Upper Hall holds frescoes dating from the 14th-15th centuries, including works attributed to the school of Giotto. Particularly fascinating is the radiant Sun, a symbol of justice and authority, which continues to capture the attention of visitors.
The 1798 Sundial: A Solar Wonder
But surprises also await you outside the hall and more specifically in the loggia below. For here you will find the Gnomone, an ancient sundial. Built in 1798, this astronomical instrument uses a ray of sunlight to mark local noon and the date with extreme precision, thanks to a sundial engraved in the marble of the flooring. An extraordinary detail that combines science, art, and history in one meeting point.
Art Exhibitions and Cultural Events
In addition to its outstanding architecture and historical value, the Palazzo della Ragione today is also an important cultural center. The building periodically hosts temporary art and photography exhibitions, attracting visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world. This makes it a living place, where history is intertwined with the contemporary, always offering new insights for discovery.