Piazza Pontida is the hub of the San Leonardo neighbourhood, where five streets converge.
For several centuries, this space represented the main commercial area of Bergamo: it was in fact also known as "Piazza della Legna", legna meaning wood, precisely because it was the main place of exchange of this precious material, mostly coming from the Brembana Valley. Over time, the numerous shops were then joined by trattorias and cafés, which occupied many of the existing premises especially between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Today the square is the perfect place to enjoy a fantastic aperitif, surrounded by a picturesque and characteristic setting of coloured buildings, on whose facades time is rendered poetry. The day can end in the best possible way by trying the cuisine of the many restaurants in the area!
Another curiosity? From its porticoes, the famous Duchy of Piazza Pontida watches over the city, the ancient goliardic association that preserves the traditions, art and folklore of the city of Bergamo. The Duchy is also the organiser of the unmissable mid-Lent parade that takes place every year, to be joyfully celebrated amid costumed groups and competitions for the election of the "most beautiful old woman".
The Smiciatöt, the Duke of Piazza Pontida, always opens the parade!
Piazza Pontida is the hub of the San Leonardo neighbourhood, where five streets converge.
For several centuries, this space represented the main commercial area of Bergamo: it was in fact also known as "Piazza della Legna", legna meaning wood, precisely because it was the main place of exchange of this precious material, mostly coming from the Brembana Valley. Over time, the numerous shops were then joined by trattorias and cafés, which occupied many of the existing premises especially between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Today the square is the perfect place to enjoy a fantastic aperitif, surrounded by a picturesque and characteristic setting of coloured buildings, on whose facades time is rendered poetry. The day can end in the best possible way by trying the cuisine of the many restaurants in the area!
Another curiosity? From its porticoes, the famous Duchy of Piazza Pontida watches over the city, the ancient goliardic association that preserves the traditions, art and folklore of the city of Bergamo. The Duchy is also the organiser of the unmissable mid-Lent parade that takes place every year, to be joyfully celebrated amid costumed groups and competitions for the election of the "most beautiful old woman".
The Smiciatöt, the Duke of Piazza Pontida, always opens the parade!
