And quite uninteresting interior. But it should definitely be on your Bergamo itenerary. Architectural treasure from 15h century built in marble (I suppose) and sticked to the basilica. Nice rose window over the entrance but I must say the whole facade is beautiful. Advisable to read a bit about Bartolomeo Colleoni, a famous condottiero who was buried there. There's a small stand inside selling books, postcards, magnets etc. Please follow the rules and do not take pictures inside the chapel.
To quote a historicist: "Colleoni himself erected a monument which transcends his personality in an ideal sphere". A Christian mausoleum inspired by paganism.
Superb Venetian influenced art and tapestries - make sure you go inside! Free entrance to an ornate, gilt lined, lovely little find for unintentional tourists like we were
This is the extravagant resting place of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a mercenary from Bergamo who lived at the time when the city was under Venetian control.The entrance is to the right of the main entrance of Santa Maria Maggiore. The gates outside are a feature in itelf - If you look closlely there are certain bits that are shinier than others. This is because he apparantly had three testicles - a statement of his virility and strength. The gates testicles are rubbed for good luck!The building is free to get in and is worth doing so as it is elaborate and an example of early renaissance. Photography is stricty not allowed
.. the ornamentation on Cappella Colleoni is so busy that it detracts from other architectural attractions in Piazza Vecchia and Piazza Duomo.Take it in slowly and visit the other structures too. The interior of this chapel is worth the visit too -- the tapestries and artwork are noteworthy.
If you see nothing else, see this! This chapel was built in the 1470's by Bartolomeo Colleone as his mausoleum. Colleone was a mercenary captain in Venice (who controlled Bergamo), whose equestrian statue by Andrea del Verrocchio, can be seen outside SS Zanipolo in Venice.he outside of the chapel is lavishly decorated with different colored marble in intricate arcades and twisted columns; one can spend a long time looking at the various harmonious patterns. The inside has a frescoed ceiling and contains Collione's intricately carved sarcophagus, surmounted by a gilded equestrian statue; it also contains the more modest tomb of his fifteen year old daughter, Medina.
Nothing special compare the the neighbour next door. So you can give it a miss. However the take few minutes to admire the entrance which is the best part of the Chapel
It is quite small church, you can see it in 5 minutes. It is interesting because the paintings look from different eras. Colleoni was the big man from Bergamo and built this chapel for him. The big Bergamo's church is just next door, so it is easy to find this one.
I am not a fan of Baroque but this family chapel has to be seen to be believed, As a precursor to visiting the Duomo is it worth visiting but don't try and get in during the lunch period.
This is a room next to the Basilica where a famous nobleman and commander in chief of Venice decided to be buried. He seized and destroyed part of the sacristy of the church in order to make room for him and his daughter's burial site. No photography allowed inside.