As Stanislavsky said, "theater begins at the cloakroom". But every city definitely begins at a square. As a rule, travelers gather in the central square of the city, tours start from it, and the main tourist attractions are also located in it. The heart and pulse of the ancient Italian city of Bergamo beat in Old Square (Piazza Vecchia), which is surrounded by architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance.

Located in the Upper City, Bergamo Old Square with the almost perfect rectangle shape has always been a political center and a venue for rallies. Only a few years ago, all the administrative offices of the state were transferred to the Lower City, and Old Square became a tourist attraction with museums and galleries.

The main building of the square's south side is the Old Town Hall with wide arches and the symbol of St. Mark, the Venetian winged lion. To the right of it stands the medieval tower "Torre Civica", the construction of which began in the 12th century and lasted three centuries. 52 meters high, the tower has an excellent observation deck, which can be reached both by stairs and by elevator. It is definitely worth climbing the tower, as it offers the best view of the Upper and Lower City. Besides, the tower is still adorned with old bells. Do not forget to make a wish while the bells are ringing.

Next door is the former palace of the Venetian governor. Today, the palace halls house the Department of Foreign Languages ​​of the University of Bergamo. The "Palazzo della Ragione", the so-called Palace of the Mind, hosts temporary exhibitions, and the nearby "Palazzo del Podestà" houses the city's history museum. Opposite the majestic palazzo, there is the library building, a magnificent architectural monument of the 16th century. With cafes, bars, and restaurants, a charming mini-park with benches, Old Square seems to be created for travelers to enjoy the heritage of the past, the rich history of Bergamo.