Top 20 Castles in Bergamo
Castles in Bergamo offer a rich historical experience across the city and its province. The region features a diverse landscape, from the plains to the hills, providing varied settings for these historical castles. Many of these structures, including fortified residences and defensive strongholds, reflect centuries of local history. Exploring these sites provides insight into the area's past.
Best castles in Bergamo
- The most popular castles is Malpaga Castle, a castle that served as the headquarters of Bartolomeo Colleoni. It is a well-preserved historical site located in the Cavernago countryside.
- Another must-see spot is Castello di Pagazzano, a castle known as a gem of the Bergamo plain. This Visconti castle is perfectly preserved and surrounded by a defensive moat fed by water.
- Visitors also love San Vigilio Castle, a castle offering panoramic views over the city and the Bergamo hills. It is the fortification located at the highest point on the Bergamo Hills, dominating the entire territory.
- Bergamo is known for its historical castles, fortified residences, and defensive strongholds. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from those in the city to those scattered across the province.
- The castles in Bergamo are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features 27 highlights with 171 photos and has received 266 upvotes.
Last updated: June 2, 2026
View of the Citta' Alta of Bergamo from the Church of San Vigilio
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Malpaga Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
San Vigilio Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Trebecco Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Suardi Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Terzi Castle, Monasterolo del Castello
Highlight • Castle
According to some historians, the monastery was destroyed during the wars between Charlemagne, king of the Franks, and Desiderio, the last Lombard king, and was never rebuilt.
The castle of Monasterolo, together with Bianzano and Mologno, was part of a medieval defensive system, even if it probably stood on the ruins of a previous fortification. However, the first reliable news of its existence dates back to 990.
In the second half of the 13th century the castle belonged to the powerful Ghibelline Suardi family who made it only for military use.
In the 16th century, with the updating to the new Renaissance style, the building was used as a residence and therefore refined.
Towards the end of 1700 the castle lost its importance as a fortress-residence and rapidly declined. The building, transformed into a rustic house, became a ruined ruin in the best possible way and fell into oblivion.
Only in the years 1937-1939 was the fortress completely renovated by a new owner: Countess Winifred Terni de 'Gregorj Taylor.
Currently the castle of Monasterolo would be owned by the heirs of the countess Ginevra Terni.
Intended use: location for weddings and receptions.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Castello di Pagazzano
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Ruins of the Tasso Palace in Cornello
Highlight • Historical Site
The palace that stands in the square in front of the museum, frescoed on the main wall with the noble coat of arms, was also a residence of the Tasso.
The construction of the ruined castle dates back to the feudal era and may have hosted the first exponents of the Tasso family, sent to the Brembana Valley as vassals of the feudal lords of Almenno.
Of this fortified building only the foundations remain, part of the retaining walls and an arch.
Originally the castle must have been imposing, as depicted in a seventeenth-century drawing that shows it without a roof, but articulated on different floors.
In other drawings, from the nineteenth century, the building is designed on five levels of windows, with the adjacent terracing structures and roofs still present.
The collapse of the palace is believed to have occurred quite recently.
Between 1986 and 1989 the Province of Bergamo made a recovery of the site and, during the works, ceramic fragments of the fifteenth and subsequent centuries were found.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Castello Camozzi Vertova
Highlight • Castle
It was erected by Emperor Otto I (962) but after the final defeat of Barbarossa in the battle of Legnano (1176), the properties were assigned by the Municipality of Bergamo, to the most faithful families of the captains, the Albertoni de Vertua (Vertova), the Rogerio de Scalve and the noble Del Zoppo family of Bergamo.
Around 1160 Albertus Albertoni de Vertua defended Bergamo in the war against the Barbarossa (league of Pontida) on the site of the ancient fortress.
Alberto de Vertua, who also participated in the peace of Constance (1183), was awarded, and with him the descendants, the domain of the castle, becoming the progenitor of the Vertova Counts, then Camozzi Vertova, who inherited the property.
In the period of the Lordships, the castle fulfilled its role of defense of the places and the inhabitants and found itself at the center of military events during the wars between Milan and Venice.
After the peace of Lodi (1454), the castle lost its military function and became a Renaissance residence.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Visconti Fortress of Romano di Lombardia
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles in Bergamo.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bergamo
Road to BAM! 2026 – Condividi la strada
Cycling routes to discover authentic Lombardy
Lombardy by bike – discover historic villages and natural beauty
From the lake to the peaks - hiking on Lake Iseo
Hills and shores in Northern Italy – exploring Lake Iseo
Ride across the Italian Alps – Pedemontana cycle route
Path of the Iron Woods in Northern Italy – Via Decia
Antonio Curò nature route – two days in the Bergmanesque Alps
In Val di Scalve – CamminaForeste in Lombardia part 4
Trekking in val di Scalve – among the Piccoli Dolomiti Bergamasche
Other adventures in Bergamo
Tips from the Community
In the center of the village of Bianzano stands an ancient castle whose history is still partly shrouded in mystery: a square-plan building whose corners are aligned with the four cardinal points. Two defensive walls, of which remains are found today, surround the structure in the center of which stands an imposing keep. What saved this castle from destruction during the period of the Republic of Venice was the intuition of the Suardi family, who decided to remove the battlements from the walls to make it resemble a dwelling as much as possible and not a fortress. Their coat of arms is still found today on the entrance portal to the castle.
0
0
Fortress, stately home, granary, farmhouse, monument. How many other buildings can boast of having survived the centuries, adapting to the passage of time? This is the story of the Visconti Castle of Pagazzano; indeed, different uses and needs make up its history. There are still those who remember how, as a child, they accompanied their grandfather to buy seeds inside the castle and even in its very rooms. Here, within its walls, the poet Petrarch stayed as a guest several times. And within its walls, a very young Francesco Bernardino Visconti, known to all as "the Unnamed," grew up, entrusted to his uncle, the archpriest Galeazzo Visconti, in 1595. Today, it hosts conferences, theater and music festivals, sculpture symposia, and educational workshops.
0
0
It's a steep climb up here, no matter which direction you come from. Unfortunately, the gate is still locked early in the morning, and you can't get in.
4
0
beautiful, worth stopping and visiting
0
0
Beautiful castle, very well preserved and enriched by a beautiful drawbridge and its moat
0
0
The current Terzi Castle has very ancient origins, dating back to the Early Middle Ages. It was originally a fortified Benedictine monastery, destroyed by Charlemagne's Frankish army in the 8th century. Rebuilt as a castle in the 9th/10th century, it belonged to the Mozzo family and then to the Suardo family, who extended their dominion over the entire valley, also owners of the Bianzano Castle. In the 15th century, following the imposition by the Venetian Republic of the demolition of every stronghold present in the territory of the Serenissima, the Suardo family, in order to avoid its destruction, made it a stately home. Finally, the property passed to the Terzi family, who sold it in 1930, by then completely abandoned and in ruins, to the British countess Winifred Terni de Gregory. From 1937 to 1945, she renovated the property as it appears today, including the gardens. Currently the entire complex is temporarily rented for important events or weddings.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in Bergamo?
Yes, several castles in Bergamo are considered family-friendly. Malpaga Castle, for example, is noted for its well-preserved historical site and is easily reachable. Castello di Pagazzano is another excellent option, known as a gem of the Bergamo plain with its defensive moat.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views in Bergamo?
For breathtaking panoramic views, visit San Vigilio Castle. It is the fortification located at the highest point on the Bergamo Hills, offering expansive views over the city, valleys, and the plain. You can even enter its tower for an elevated perspective.
What kind of historical significance do Bergamo's castles hold?
Bergamo's castles are rich in history, reflecting centuries of local power struggles and noble residences. Many, like the Terzi Castle in Monasterolo del Castello, have origins dating back to the Early Middle Ages, serving as fortified monasteries or defensive strongholds before being transformed into stately homes. They tell stories of families like the Suardi and Visconti.
Are there any castles in Bergamo that are less known or 'hidden gems'?
While not explicitly 'hidden,' some castles offer a more secluded experience. Trebecco Castle is a historical site that provides a glimpse into the region's past away from the more frequented spots. Exploring the province often reveals such less-traveled historical sites.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Bergamo?
The Bergamo region offers diverse outdoor activities. Near many castles, you can find excellent routes for hiking and cycling. For example, you can explore easy hikes like the 'From Bergamo to the Città Alta - Ring tour' or more challenging mountain hikes. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Cycling through green cycle paths and the upper city of Bergamo'. You can find more details on these activities in the Mountain Hikes in Bergamo, Easy hikes in Bergamo, and Cycling in Bergamo guides.
Are there cafes or refreshment options near Bergamo's castles?
Some castles offer refreshment options. For instance, Malpaga Castle has a small bar for refreshment and rest. For other castles, especially those in more rural settings, it's advisable to check local amenities in nearby villages or bring your own provisions.
What is the best time of year to visit castles in Bergamo?
The best time to visit castles in Bergamo is generally during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) months. The weather is pleasant for exploring, and the natural scenery around the castles is particularly beautiful. Summer can be warm, while winter visits are possible but some attractions might have reduced hours or closures.
Can I visit castles in Bergamo during the winter months?
Many castles in Bergamo remain open during winter, though it's always recommended to check their specific opening hours and days in advance, as some may have reduced schedules or temporary closures. The cooler weather can offer a unique, less crowded experience, especially for indoor historical tours.
Are there castles in Bergamo that are suitable for historical tours?
Yes, many castles are ideal for historical tours. The Visconti Fortress of Romano di Lombardia is a significant historical site. Similarly, the Castello Camozzi Vertova and Castel Liteggio Fortress offer deep dives into the region's past. Many provide insights into medieval architecture and the lives of noble families.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Bergamo?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and well-preserved architecture of Bergamo's castles. The panoramic views from sites like San Vigilio Castle are often highlighted. The unique defensive features, such as the water-fed moat at Castello di Pagazzano, also draw significant interest, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Are there castles in the city of Bergamo itself, or are they mostly in the province?
While the city of Bergamo boasts the impressive San Vigilio Castle with its commanding views, many other significant castles are scattered across the wider Bergamo province. The region offers a diverse range of structures, from fortified residences in the plains to defensive strongholds in the hills, providing varied settings for these historical sites.
Is it possible to find castles that are used for events or weddings in Bergamo?
Yes, some castles in the Bergamo province are utilized as venues for events and weddings. For example, the Terzi Castle in Monasterolo del Castello is currently rented for important events or weddings, offering a historic and picturesque setting for special occasions.
Most popular routes in Bergamo
Most popular attractions in Bergamo
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Explore Bergamo’s best castles region by region:
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides in Bergamo:
