The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a striking church that is the standout religious structure in the Upper Town district of Bergamo. Dating back to the 12th century, the vast church has been modified and restored over the centuries to its current splendor. Learn about the history of the church, which was built in dedication to the Virgin Mary to stop a plague.
Stand in the historic Piazza Duomo and gaze up at the intricate church façade, which has no entrance. Admire the Lombard Romanesque elements of the front exterior. The main apse has a gallery topped by arcades and columns.
Enter the church via one of the side portals and notice the 17th-century Baroque décor in the nave. Examine the tapestries from Florence and Belgium that run along the interior walls. Other notable works of art in the church include the Passage of the Red Sea by Luca Giordano and Alessandro Allori’s Life of Mary. Marvel at the elaborate wooden patterns by artist Lorenzo Lotto around the choir.
Delve into the eerie sepulcher of Cardinal Guglielmo Longhi and see the tombs of 19th-century composer Gaetano Donizetti and his teacher Simone Mayr. Attend a Sunday Mass for a sense of the acoustics and spirituality in this religious site.
Go on a guided tour of the church with a docent for a more comprehensive understanding of its design and history. A devastating plague broke out in the early 12th century that led to the construction of the church.
Note that the church is free to enter. It opens to the public daily from morning until late afternoon, with a break at noon.
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is in the Citta Alta district of Bergamo. Ride the city’s funicular up to the station and walk west along the narrow alleys for a few minutes until you arrive at the church. Visit nearby attractions, such as the Bell Tower, the Ragione Palace and the Santa Grata Church.
