Porta San Giacomo (San Giacomo Gate), Bergamo

San Giacomo Gate was built in 1592 and is a remarkable feature of the Venetian walls. Made of distinctive pinkish white marble from the Zandobbio quarry, it served as a protective fortification against the influence of the Spanish-ruled Milanese territories. Along with three other gates, it provided access to the upper part of the city until the mid-20th century when the curfew rang at 10 in the evening.

In 2017, the Venetian walls, including San Giacomo Gate, gained UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the "Venetian defense works between the 16th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra-Stato da Mar Occidental" transnational site. The gate takes its name from the nearby San Giacomo church, which and the Santo Stefano monastery were unfortunately demolished for the construction of the walls.

The gate's façade showcases the grandeur of the city with its pinkish white marble, Tuscan-style arches, and columns. Designed by Buonaiuto Lorini, it features two pinnacles on each side and prominently displays the symbol of San Marco, the winged lion. The gate's relocation closer to the shoe market necessitated the construction of a viaduct with 16 pillars.

Although an earlier, smaller gate existed in 1565, it was inadequate for guarding soldiers. The historical significance of San Giacomo Gate includes witnessing a fierce battle in 1405 between rival factions vying for control over the city—the Guelphs and Ghibellines representing the Visconti, Duke of Milan, along with the Suardi and the Malatesta.

Opposite the gate lies the Campo di Sant'Alessandro, which served as a bustling trade hub during the city's grand fair. Its origins date back to the tenth century when the Lombards divided the city into distinct sections called "corte civitas" and "curtis Murgula."