Fighting both for Venice and Milan, this outstanding “condottiero” is one of the most famous figures of the Renaissance in Bergamo: he is Bartolomeo Colleoni, a courageous XV Century mercenary captain who fought for the Sforza’s, the Visconti’s and the Republic of Venice (also called the “Serenissima”).
It is necessary to introduce this man, indeed, because the Luogo Pio della Pietà (the “Piety Pious Place”) used to be his home here in town: in fact, Colleoni used to stay right here when he was in Bergamo.
As he had no male heir, in 1476 the Captain decided to turn the building into a charity institution intended to host poor and marginalised women, a role that it is still playing today.
This building, located in Città Alta - the heart of Bergamo – holds a very interesting artistic heritage and represents the evidence of Bartolomeo Colleoni’s passion for art patronage.
Following his testamentary will, the Luogo Pio was adorned with beautiful frescoes and decorations, which can be now admired by everyone.
On the entry façade you can spot some very peculiar elements, such as the elegant portal in sandstone and red marble where the Colleoni emblems are.
Just over the entrance, you can also admire a beautiful fresco representing the Piety, a very popular theme during the XV Century, demonstrating the religious identity of this institution.
Once you crossed the small courtyard, we recommend you to enter the museum and the historical archive.
Five halls constitute the building: don’t miss the first two, where you will find some outstanding elements. The First Hall was used as the Luogo Pio’s board seat: it features a beautiful fresco representing The Virgin with Child, Saint Rocco and Saint Sebastian, painted for gratitude after the end of the 1529 plague.
On the wall next to it, you can also be personally acquainted with Bartolomeo Colleoni, who is portrayed at the foot of the crucifix with Saint Francis.
On the other hand, the Second Hall hosts the most fascinating artworks. In this room, decorated with a beautiful lunette ceiling, the Luogo Pio’s Council Meetings were held: you can admire the Colleoni emblems, the Apostoles, other renowned figures and the ten Virtues, which were aimed to inspire the decisions of the Council’s members.
The first floor hosts the Luogo Pio’s historical archive, guarding all the ancient documents belonging both to the Council and the Institution, from 1476 to the present days.
Fighting both for Venice and Milan, this outstanding “condottiero” is one of the most famous figures of the Renaissance in Bergamo: he is Bartolomeo Colleoni, a courageous XV Century mercenary captain who fought for the Sforza’s, the Visconti’s and the Republic of Venice (also called the “Serenissima”).
It is necessary to introduce this man, indeed, because the Luogo Pio della Pietà (the “Piety Pious Place”) used to be his home here in town: in fact, Colleoni used to stay right here when he was in Bergamo.
As he had no male heir, in 1476 the Captain decided to turn the building into a charity institution intended to host poor and marginalised women, a role that it is still playing today.
This building, located in Città Alta - the heart of Bergamo – holds a very interesting artistic heritage and represents the evidence of Bartolomeo Colleoni’s passion for art patronage.
Following his testamentary will, the Luogo Pio was adorned with beautiful frescoes and decorations, which can be now admired by everyone.
On the entry façade you can spot some very peculiar elements, such as the elegant portal in sandstone and red marble where the Colleoni emblems are.
Just over the entrance, you can also admire a beautiful fresco representing the Piety, a very popular theme during the XV Century, demonstrating the religious identity of this institution.
Once you crossed the small courtyard, we recommend you to enter the museum and the historical archive.
Five halls constitute the building: don’t miss the first two, where you will find some outstanding elements. The First Hall was used as the Luogo Pio’s board seat: it features a beautiful fresco representing The Virgin with Child, Saint Rocco and Saint Sebastian, painted for gratitude after the end of the 1529 plague.
On the wall next to it, you can also be personally acquainted with Bartolomeo Colleoni, who is portrayed at the foot of the crucifix with Saint Francis.
On the other hand, the Second Hall hosts the most fascinating artworks. In this room, decorated with a beautiful lunette ceiling, the Luogo Pio’s Council Meetings were held: you can admire the Colleoni emblems, the Apostoles, other renowned figures and the ten Virtues, which were aimed to inspire the decisions of the Council’s members.
The first floor hosts the Luogo Pio’s historical archive, guarding all the ancient documents belonging both to the Council and the Institution, from 1476 to the present days.
