Castello di San Vigilio (San Vigilio Castle), Bergamo
San Vigilio Castle in Bergamo has been a symbol of power for centuries. Situated on a hill 496 meters above sea level, it provided a strategic vantage point for defense. The castle offers stunning views of Mount Bastia, Valbrembo, Paladina, the Almenno plain, and the pre-Alps.
With a circular, star-shaped design and four towers, the castle's basement includes a partially accessible tunnel connecting it to the San Marco Fortress. Its origins trace back to the 6th century, and subsequent expansions were undertaken by the Duchy of Milan and the Republic of Venice.
The castle faced sieges in the 16th century and underwent further defensive enhancements. In the late 19th century, it became a tourist attraction, and today it houses two renowned restaurants. The San Vigilio funicular adds to its charm. Purchased by the Municipality of Bergamo, the castle opened to the public in 1962, and the funicular was restored in 1991.
Visitors can also explore the secret passage between San Marco Fortress and the castle through guided tours arranged by "Le Nottole," a speleological group.
With a circular, star-shaped design and four towers, the castle's basement includes a partially accessible tunnel connecting it to the San Marco Fortress. Its origins trace back to the 6th century, and subsequent expansions were undertaken by the Duchy of Milan and the Republic of Venice.
The castle faced sieges in the 16th century and underwent further defensive enhancements. In the late 19th century, it became a tourist attraction, and today it houses two renowned restaurants. The San Vigilio funicular adds to its charm. Purchased by the Municipality of Bergamo, the castle opened to the public in 1962, and the funicular was restored in 1991.
Visitors can also explore the secret passage between San Marco Fortress and the castle through guided tours arranged by "Le Nottole," a speleological group.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergamo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Castello di San Vigilio (San Vigilio Castle) on Map
Sight Name: Castello di San Vigilio (San Vigilio Castle)
Sight Location: Bergamo, Italy (See walking tours in Bergamo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Bergamo, Italy (See walking tours in Bergamo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Bergamo, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Bergamo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergamo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergamo Introduction Walking Tour
The first thing you notice about Bergamo is topography. Situated at the foothills of the Italian Alps, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Bergamo has been divided into two parts, the Upper Town and the Lower Town (Città Alta and Città Bassa), since the 15th century. The flat Lower Town rises steeply to the Upper Town, perched on a picturesque hill's crest.
Historically, Lower... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Historically, Lower... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles