Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore image

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Tourist attraction Catholic church Church Basilica

One of the Best Places To Visits in Bergamo


Address

Piazza Duomo, 5, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy

Website

www.fondazionemia.it

Contact

+39 035 223327

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (5.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 12:30 pm, 2:30 to 6 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 12:30 pm, 2:30 to 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 12:30 pm, 2:30 to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 12:30 pm, 2:30 to 6 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 12:30 pm, 2:30 to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beautiful (33) church (25) Bergamo (22) visit (16) basilica (14) Basilica (13) worth (11) interior (11) Santa (10) Alta (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 renato b. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The center of Bergamo Alta. Always with people. Lovely place both day and night. Romantic and full of tourists and young university students. Definitely worth visiting like all the rest of the historic center (Original) Il centro di Bergamo Alta. Sempre con gente. Posto incantevole sia di giorno che di notte. Romantico e pieno di turisti e giovani universitari. Da visitare sicuramente come tutto il resto del centro storico
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Goran A. 2 months ago on Google • 462 reviews New
    Grandiose, amazing architectural marvel in the middle of Città Alta, which is very captivating.

  • 5/5 Viorel C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is built in Baroque style and is one of the most beautifully decorated churches in Italy. The church was built in Alta Cita of the city of Bergamo around 1100 as a point of prayer due to the plague epidemic of that time. (Original) Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore este construita in stil baroc si reprezita una dintre cele mai frumos impodobite biserici din Italia. Biserica a fost construita in Alta Cita a orasului Bergamo prin anul 1100 ca punct de rugaciune ca urmare a epidemiei de ciuma de la acea vreme.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vincent A. 5 months ago on Google • 177 reviews
    It's a historical place of interest with religious atmosphere, very well maintained. Visitors are well informed of the cathedral decorations and it's history. I was totally inspired.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J “the c. 10 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Probably one of the most beautiful churches in the world. It's outside already beautiful, does not prepare you for the collection of medieval tapestries, renaissance wall- and ceiling-paintings, gorgeous wood carvings, or detailed marble sculptures awaiting you within. Truly a must see to anyone visiting the region.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andreea J. 2 years ago on Google
    An incredible place. You must visit it! The price is lower than i expected. (3€ for adults and 1€ for 14-25 years old and 70+ persons. The architecture is amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Col D. 9 months ago on Google
    Very impressive. You have to pay to enter but if its too expensive you can still glance in from next to the ticket office. Once inside you can read about the history and observe the work being undertaken to renew and restore the building and it's ornate interior.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carlo G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Happy Easter. In other words, a good transition towards positive things, towards life, towards gestures of love and peace. (Original) Buona Pasqua. Ovvero buon passaggio verso cose positive, verso la vita, verso gesti d'amore e di pace.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ella A. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Class .. want to enjoy what you see here (Original) Класс ..хотите получить удовольствие от увиденного вам сюда
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex I. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church, a must see when you are walking in the old town of Bergamo. The entrance is just 3€ for adults and 1€ for people under 25 years, but even if it cost more, it would still be worth it. The shades of green that they used on the ceiling really stood out for me, gorgeous colors.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandrine P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a 12th century building. It is characterized by the absence of a central entrance. Its north and south Lombard style porches were made in the 14th century. The interior has been redesigned in the Baroque style and has stucco and gold decorations, tapestries and wooden inlays. (Original) La basilique de Santa Maria Maggiore est un édifice qui date du 12e siècle. Elle est caractérisée par l’absence d’une entrée centrale. Ses porches Nord et Sud de style lombard ont été réalisés au 14e siècle. L’intérieur a été remanié dans le style baroque et possède des décorations de stucs et d’or, des tapisseries et des marqueteries en bois.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali K. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing cathedral with a rich interior what is full of frescoes, tapestry, beautiful old icons, modelings and carved wooden furniture. It is the most beautiful church where u have ever been! Also you can listen a history of that place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Minh L. 4 years ago on Google
    I have visited many Basilica around Europe but none is quite on par with this one. The interior is extravagant beyond words. Every meters is condensed with arts and history. Visiting this is one of the most breathtaking moments of our trip.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marbella Suzanne G. 5 months ago on Google • 202 reviews
    Had to wait until all the masses finish on a sumday so earliest time was 1.30pm. very nice decor with lots of information. Entry cost €5

  • 5/5 Apostolis H. 5 months ago on Google • 192 reviews
    I never review churches but this one is something extraordinary! If you’re ever in Bergamo visit this Basilica! It’s very beautiful from the outside but for a small fee you can enter and enjoy this piece of art. Every corner is so detailed, colorful and unique🫶🏽🫶🏽

  • 5/5 Legends l. 3 months ago on Google • 125 reviews New
    This church must not be confused with Colleoni Chapel which is attracts an entry fee and is literally next door. More so you are not allowed to take photographs inside of Colleoni Chapel. The Basilica is very beautiful inside as you would expect in Italy. Great architecture which is well preserved.

  • 5/5 Cuisine of P. 6 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    A worth visiting basilica in Bergamo where you can find the complete history of Santa Maria Maggiore. This basilica has beautiful paintings from 1200-1500AD and it's beautifully done. It's a 1km short hike to Basilica and you can also opt for a mini train which costs around 2-3€ per person. We visited during the weekend and it was not overcrowded instead we explored the whole place very peacefully. During the trek, you will come across the whole city view and it's beautiful. Entry ticket price:- 5€ for regular visitor and 2€ for students with valid ID card. Overall it was a great experience studying the history of this place along with seeing the paintings and old artifacts.

  • 5/5 Nora 2 months ago on Google • 89 reviews New
    Get ready to feel lost… the beauty of this church amazed me, like the majority of those vowed to the Virgin Mary. There is no centimetre of the church that has not been decorated, embellished or have and intarsia. Breathtaking!

  • 5/5 Nataliya K. 2 months ago on Google • 74 reviews New
    It's one of the most beautiful Basiliva I've ever seen!😍

  • 5/5 Poet Nitin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very beautiful church ♥️ a must visit

  • 5/5 Sarah Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Really beautiful, I spent a lot of time inside just looking at the ceiling and tapestries. So many details, a masterpiece. Worth the visit, believe me.

  • 5/5 FR 2 years ago on Google
    This basilica is truly different from other similar places. Not a single cm2 is empty - literally everything is covered with amazing art! The details are incredible, people probably spent lives preparing that.

  • 5/5 niki s. 2 years ago on Google
    You must go to Bergamo only to visit this church. One of the most beautiful churches I have ever visited.

  • 5/5 Bruno C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful (Original) Meravigliosa

  • 5/5 Tanja S. 4 years ago on Google
    Impressive Church to visit. You get stunned by all the gold and the hand embroided wall carpets. Taking pictures inside is only allowed without flash. The front of the Basilika is stunning as well

  • 5/5 C L. 7 months ago on Google
    €5 entry fee worth every cent! Gorgeous detail at every turn.

  • 5/5 Giulia 2 years ago on Google
    Magnificent church building, outside and inside, from far and from near. It's also free to enter and visit. The different rich decorations, the details and materials, to include massive tapestries, are just stunning.

  • 5/5 Chris B. 2 years ago on Google
    A breathtaking collection of sculptures, frescoes, tapestries, paintings and more. It seems every inch has been used in praise of the Lord. The level of devotion invested in creating this beautiful place if worship us mind boggling. Stunning.

  • 5/5 Mandy F. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely one of the most beautiful and grandly decorated cathedrals I have seen! Entrance price is not expensive.

  • 4/5 Igor C. 5 months ago on Google
    Really nice. Lot of luxury on the walls and celling. Beautiful tapestries.

  • 5/5 Rumen H. 1 year ago on Google
    Breathtaking interior. This is a must-see of Bergamo. I'd recommend visiting in the evening. The basilica closes quite late, so you can visit after dinner when there are fewer people. They also play gorgeous baroque music to enhance the atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Willy D. 9 months ago on Google
    The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo is a true architectural marvel. The intricate details, stunning frescoes, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination. Step inside and be transported to a world of beauty and spirituality.

  • 5/5 Julia S. 6 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Didn’t search for any photos before going and I can say that I was not ready for that. Absolutely stunning Basilica! So many details to see and also so well preserved, simply amazing. It’s a MUST when in Bergamo!

  • 5/5 Mária M. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful church, beautiful architecture, we didn't pay any entrance fee.

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a major church with more than 800 years of history. From architecture to interior design are quite unique and special. I believe it's the first time I saw a church with such large proportion of tapestries and intarsia decoration. You can see different periods interior design along the past 800 years, very astonishing. The exquisite intarsia, which is a form of wood inlaying, is definitely a testimony to the Italian wood craftsmanship! I was really amazed by this basilica.

  • 5/5 Ingrid A. 1 year ago on Google
    You can't visit Bergamo without visiting this extraordinary church. To admire inside apart the fantastic baroque decoration, the tomb of composer Donizetti, incredible wooden reliefs by Lorenzo Lotto and some fresco paintings from 14th century including a Last supper.

  • 4/5 Luu L. 7 months ago on Google
    I didn’t know i would have to pay to enter but anyway it’s worth it. I’m an art lover and i could believe how beautiful this was. A must if you come to Bergamo. Every centimeter is covered by art. There was also a man restoring some or the pieces of the basilica and you could see him working.

  • 5/5 Traveler 1 year ago on Google
    Magnificent church, one of the nicest buildings in Bergamo and the interior is astonishing!

  • 5/5 Halina M. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely breathtaking inside. Well worth the entrance fee. There’s a great audio guide in multiple languages throughout the church, accessed via QR codes.

  • 5/5 gianni r. 1 year ago on Google
    "This is a striking example of Romanesque architecture, with subsequent additions that have enriched it in every corner. On the outside, it has a simple and essential design with Romanesque portals and apses. However, the interior is a stunning display of decoration, with remnants of ancient paintings, tapestries, choir inlays, stuccos, and more that take your breath away. It's also worth noting that the treasure is also visitable and adds to the overall beauty of the site." orari:Lunedì - venerdì 10:30 - 12.30 | 14.30 – 18:00 Sabato10:30 - 18:00Domenica 13:30 - 18.00 (giannired)

  • 5/5 Martin A. 8 months ago on Google
    Entry fee is €5 which is quite unusual if you want to see a church / cathedral. Very beautiful and worth while seeing. If you don’t want to spend money on the entrance you can get a glimpse of the church just inside the entrance. All other churches - right next to Santa Maria Maggiore are free of charge and are also worth seeing.

  • 5/5 Draga M. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful basilicas that I have ever seen. Entrance is 3e. There are discounts for some categories.

  • 5/5 Alessio D. 8 months ago on Google
    The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a church located in Bergamo Alta, in Piazza del Duomo. Built in the second half of the 12th century, the exterior retains the original Romanesque-Lombard architectural lines, while the interior is decorated in Baroque style (between 1600 and 1700). It was originally the baptismal church of the cathedral of San Vincenzo, built next to the complex of the episcopal curia of Bergamo.

  • 5/5 Vladimír K. 3 years ago on Google
    Veľmi krásne miesto. Bazilika je krásna ako aj z vonku tak aj z vnútra

  • 4/5 Luca V. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) To visit internally !!! Nothing to envy to many basilicas in Italy, the 5 stars are missing only because it is not at the levels of the cathedral or of san marco. (Original) Da visitare internamente!!! Niente da invidiare a molte basiliche d'Italia, le 5 stelle mancano solo perché non è ai livelli del duomo o di san marco.

  • 4/5 Max 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful religious building, to visit, if only for refreshment! (Original) Très bel édifice religieux, à visiter, ne serait-ce que pour le rafraîchissement !

  • 5/5 giacinto p. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Always wonderful !! (Original) Sempre meravigliosa!!

  • 5/5 Your B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Breathtaking (Original) Mozzafiato

  • 5/5 Modesto B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A suggestive, beautiful place, full of preciousness ... not visiting it would be a real shame (Original) Un luogo suggestivo, bellissimo, ricco di preziosità... non visitarlo sarebbe un vero peccato

  • 5/5 Antoine D. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) magnificent and atypical (Original) magnifique et atypique

  • 5/5 Mychel S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful church, both outside and inside, but it is not allowed to take pictures inside it (Original) Igreja muito bonita, tanto por fora como por dentro, porém não é permitido tirar fotos no interior da mesma

  • 5/5 Lucrezia C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Really very beautiful, a pastiche between Gothic and Baroque of great beauty. (Original) Davvero molto bella, un pastiche tra gotico e barocco di grande bellezza.

  • 5/5 Franco L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Lombard Romanesque 12th century basilica. The tourist should see it (Original) Basilica del Xii secolo di impronta romanico lombarda. Il turista dovrebbe vederla

  • 5/5 hall 6. 4 years ago on Google
    The most stunning detailed ceiling I've ever seen

  • 5/5 J F. 4 years ago on Google
    An important historical piece. Fascinating to try and imagine what it was like to be so skilled to create such incredible works of art. Well worth a visit. There is a reason there are so many tourists

  • 3/5 Mayara M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful cathedral, with some music playing in the background (which was different but an interesting experience).

  • 5/5 Vincenzo P. 4 years ago on Google
    The church was founded in 1137 on the site of another church from the 8th century dedicated to St Mary, which had been in turn erected over a Roman temple of the Clemence. The high altar was consecrated in 1185 and in 1187 the presbytery and the transept wings were completed. Due to financial troubles, the works dragged for the whole 13th–14th centuries. The bell tower was built from 1436 (being completed around the end of the century), while in 1481–1491 a new sacristy added after the old one had been destroyed by Colleoni to erect his personal mausoleum, the Colleoni Chapel. In 1521, Pietro Isabello finished the south-western portal, also known as Porta della Fontana. The edifice was restored and modified in the 17th century.

  • 5/5 Ana M. 4 years ago on Google
    One beautiful church. In very interesting place. Citá Alta of Bergamo is a place to visit

  • 5/5 Paul J. 4 years ago on Google
    Incredibly beautiful inside. Even if it does represent a fairytale and is built on lies, greed and child abuse

  • 5/5 C G E. 4 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful building, so much to look at and take in. If you arei n the area it's a must see place. Not sure I have ever seen anything quite as ornate and beautiful, certainly not in the UK that's for sure. Plan the time to visit, you will be amazed.

  • 5/5 Miro D. 4 years ago on Google
    Really beautiful. The art on the ceiling is just beyond realistic! It is definitely worth a visit!

  • 4/5 beniamino t. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful (Original) Meravigliosa

  • 5/5 Estefania G. 2 years ago on Google
    Free entrance Basilica. The inside is stunning. All walls and ceiling are covered with beautiful tapestry and paints. To get you mood along they have nice classic music in the background.

  • 5/5 Nata 2 years ago on Google
    Spectacular cathedral. Free to enter. Located right next to many cafeterias and restaurants. Easy to get from Bergamo airport by bus or taxi.

  • 5/5 Ermanno P. 4 years ago on Google
    Must see in Bergano Old town. Make also a tour inside to enjoy the Barocco environment.

  • 5/5 vanessa I. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful (Original) Stupenda

  • 5/5 Александр �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Masterpiece (Original) Шедевр

  • 5/5 Leonardo A. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Gorgeous (Original) Bellissima

  • 5/5 Cinzia B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Really beautiful and suggestive. (Original) Veramente bella e suggestiva.

  • 5/5 Bryan S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A truly wonderful place (Original) Un posto veramente meraviglioso

  • 5/5 Javier R. 2 years ago on Google
    Impressive outside and inside. Don't forget the back door and the apse. Just beside the Colleoni Chapel is great. The frescoes on the ceiling were painted by Tiépolo.

  • 4/5 Sam A. 4 years ago on Google
    Too crowded

  • 5/5 Adam K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) unmissable (Original) Kihagyhatatlan

  • 5/5 Patricia N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Basilica It was founded in 1137 on the site of another ancient church from the 8th century dedicated to Santa María; This church had been built on a Roman temple dedicated to clemency. The tower began its construction in 1436. In my opinion this basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. (Original) La Basilica Fue fundada en 1137 en el lugar en el que se encontraba otra antigua iglesia del siglo VIII dedicada a Santa María; esta iglesia se había construido sobre un templo romano dedicado a la clemencia. La torre inició su construccion en 1436. En mi opinión esta basilica es una de las iglesias mas bonitas de Italia.

  • 5/5 J P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Even an atheist, one can only be struck by the singular beauty of the place. I will absolutely return because it is unique and wonderful. (Original) Meme athée on ne peut qu'etre saisi par la beauté singulière du lieu. J'y retournerai absolument car elle est unique et merveilleuse.

  • 5/5 Il R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful basilica. To visit if you are already in Bergamo: one of the symbolic places. (Original) Bellissima basilica. Da visitare se si è già a Bergamo: uno dei luoghi simbolo.

  • 5/5 Simone L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Despite the weather we went to see Bergamo Alta (all beautiful). Once in the square, we went to the museum, to the tower to see the bell and of course to see the basilica. Note the contamination Venetian style. Inside a marvel for the eyes, completely different and devoid of decorations, it will keep you upturned for a long time. Really beautiful. (Original) Nonostante il tempo siamo andati a vedere Bergamo Alta ( tutta bella ) Arrivati in piazza , siamo andati al museo , sulla torre a vedere il campanone e naturalmente a veder la basilica. Si nota la contaminazione veneziana nello stile. Dentro una meraviglia per gli occhi, tutt'altro spoglia e priva di decori, vi terrà con naso all'insù per un bel po' . Bellissima veramente.

  • 5/5 Maria M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) As for me, I prefer to enjoy the churches in almost solitude ... I listen to my heart and enjoy the wonders that the eyes see ... And it's always a new emotion. (Original) Per quanto mi riguarda preferisco godermi le chiese in quasi solitudine... Ascolto il mio cuore e godo delle meraviglie che gli occhi vedono... Ed è sempre una nuova emozione.

  • 5/5 Marek K. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen. Free entrance and photography is allowed.


Call +39 035 223327 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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