Borgo Pignolo stands as one of the most charming and historically rich areas of Bergamo, a medieval district straddling both Upper and Lower Bergamo. Every building, every stone and every corner tells of centuries of human, artistic and cultural events that have helped shape the city’s identity.
How to visit Borgo Pignolo
As you ascend the Borgo from below you will be led gradually toward Porta Sant’Agostino, along an incredibly evocative itinerary: the sequence of Renaissance and neoclassical mansions is joined by craft workshops, including that of an internationally renowned luthier and numerous restorers. Among the historic mansions is also one of the city’s most prestigious locations, the marvelous Palazzo Agliardi.
The uniqueness of Borgo Pignolo is that it allows ancient art to meet contemporary art, accomplishing this little magic in the harmonious succession of art galleries and antique stores.
Finally, the route is enriched by the many small establishments that dot the main street, Via Pignolo in fact. All of a sudden the marvelous sequence of stately palaces gives way to an equally spectacular sight: the Porta di Sant’Agostino, which opens a gap in the Venetian Walls, the Fara Park and the incredible panorama of the surrounding landscape.
Noble Palaces and Historic Residences
Visiting this ancient village, you cannot fail to notice the alternation of splendid 16th-century aristocratic dwellings, which enclose beautiful courtyards within them, while your gaze wanders to the majesty of the Venetian walls that mark its borders.
Borgo Pignolo by the locals is also nicknamed “Borgo del Sapere” (Village of Knowledge): in fact, the upper part today houses the headquarters of the Department of Letters and Philosophy of the University of Bergamo, right along the streets formerly traveled by illustrious personalities from Venice—eminent rectors or city authorities, who passed through the village on their way to Città Alta.
Of the stately palaces that showcase a perfect sequence of Renaissance and neoclassical art, one was later owned by the Tasso family, within which the distinguished poet Torquato Tasso was a guest! Others house incredible frescoes in their spacious halls.
Churches and Museums
Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the Borgo, don’t miss the opportunity to enter the Church of S.Bernardino, where a wonderful altarpiece by Lorenzo Lotto, dating back to 1521, is located.
Finally, in Via Pignolo is the interesting Bernareggi Museum, 20 rooms dedicated to sacred art that hold, among others, works by L . Lotto, G. B. Moroni and C. Ceresa.