Convent of San Francesco

Located in the heart of Bergamo Alta, the Convent of San Francesco is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in the city, built around its cloisters.

The building features amazing views and charming atmospheres, from the Well Cloister’s panoramic view, to the unmissable landscape of the Bergamo valleys. Immerse yourself in the wonderful frescoes embellishing the cloisters and the Capitol Hall, to discover the city’s history.
Inside the Convent, it houses two multimedia and interactive museums: the Museo della Fotografia Sestini and Bergamo 900. The Museo della Fotografia Sestini will provide an all-round experience in the world of photography, to discover its origins, techniques and protagonists of this amazing invention. While Bergamo 900 tells the story of the city and its territory in the 20th century. Immersive installations and new technologies will give you an insight into the great topics of the century, in a local dimension.

A secret panoramic balcony

If you are visiting Bergamo Alta, the Convent of San Francesco - open every day - prompts you to rediscover one of the ancient, best-kept secrets in the city, built in the 14th century on Colle Sant’Eufemia, and overlooking a spectacular panorama of the Seriana Valley and the Brembana Valley meeting each other.  

A short stroll among the poetic cloisters that make up the building will let you enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of an old sacred venue, suspended over nature. At the end of the path, the panoramic terrace will gift you with unbeatable views, which have remained unaltered and precious over time, despite the Convent’s changing appearance, being home first to the Franciscan monks, then to prisoners and guards during Neapolitan times, and lastly students and teachers in the 1930s.