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Torre del Gombito Tower, Bergamo

12th-century watch tower in Bergamo's Città Alta

featured in Sights & sites

This 52-metre tower rises up in Bergamo's old town offering a strategic view across the town and the surrounding area. Apparently, it was originally 64 metres high but the top few metres were removed in the 19th century due to the risk of collapse.

The name 'Gombito' derives from the location of the tower 'compitum' (crossing), on the intersection of the two main roads in any Roman settlement, the cardo and decumano (nowadays the Vian San Lorenzo and Via Gombito). Built in the 12th century, it still retains its medieval defensive style.

The tower had an important role in the fights between the guelfi and ghibellini in Bergamo during the 12th and 13th centuries, the former in favour of the Pope and owners of the tower, while the latter were on the emperor's side.

It still boasts a distinctive Romanesque style, although in the 16th century it was turned into a commercial establishment and two shops were added on each side. In 1877, it was bequeathed to the town of Bergamo and extensively renovated. From its terrace, you have a 360 degrees view of the city, its surrounding plains and hills and, on clear days, you can even see Milan and the Alps.

Visitor comments

  • "The tourist office in "citta alta" offers free tours up Gombito tower. You will be rewarded with an amazing view of historic Bergamo. As we were there it was raining and even then it was a great activity even if we could only see the immediate vicinity. We'll be back on a sunny day to come up there again. MUST do in Bergamo's citta alta." - Trip Advisor
  • "The Tower is only open to the public on Monday's and needs to be booked in advance at the tourist information office which is in the same building as the tower. You need to be reasonably fit as you have to climb 263 very narrow steps to reach the top. Once you reach the top the views over the city of Bergamo are spectacular. I should also mention that entrance is free so if you are in Bergamo you should go." - Trip Advisor
  • "It's a hard climb up all the steps to the top, but so worth it for the super views over Bergamo. You have to book a visit as a guide takes you up, and they only allow a certain number at a time. She also gave a running commentary about the history of the tower which was interesting. Well worth a visit if you can manage the climb." - Trip Advisor

When to come

Visits are only available if previously booked at Bergamo's tourist office in the Città Alta (in the same building as the tower) or by telephone, on Mondays at 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 14:30, 15:15 and 16:00. Maximum 10 persons.

How to get passes

Free entrance.

Location

Map of the surrounding area