Former Monastery of St Augustine - Great Hall - Bergamo

The Ex Monastery of Saint Augustine, located in the heart of Bergamo at Via Bartolomeo Colleoni, represents a pillar of the history and art of the city, dating back to the 13th century. Famous for its Aula Magna, this place is recognized not only for its architectural beauty but also for its contribution to the cultural and spiritual life of Bergamo. Under the supervision of the Augustinian community, the monastery has undergone a series of transformations and restorations that have adapted it to the needs of society over the centuries, making it a symbol of resilience and beauty.Origins and HistoryThe Ex Monastery of Saint Augustine was founded in 1261 when Giovanni da Cologno, an Augustinian, brought the rule of the Order of Saint Augustine to the city of Bergamo. The original architecture of the monastery is distinguished by a Gothic style that reflects the cultural influences of the time. Over the years, the monastery became an important center of spirituality and culture, hosting significant religious and intellectual figures.In the 15th century, the complex underwent extensive expansion and renovation, promoted by the monks themselves, who wished to adapt the spaces to the growing needs of the monastic community. During this period, the splendid Aula Magna was created, a large room decorated with frescoes and artworks that enhance its sacredness.The decline of the Order of Saint Augustine in the 18th century led to the abandonment of the monastery. With the suppression of religious orders in 1797, the monastery was closed and its properties were sold. In the following years, the complex was subjected to various uses, which caused it to lose some of its original splendor.However, thanks to significant restoration work carried out in the 1990s, the Ex Monastery of Saint Augustine has regained its importance and beauty. Today, the Aula Magna is used for cultural events and conferences, continuing the tradition of being a center of meeting and culture that has characterized its history.What to ObserveEntering the Ex Monastery of Saint Augustine, you will immediately find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of serenity and reflection. The first thing that catches the eye is undoubtedly the façade of the monastery. It presents itself with an elegant simplicity, typical of Gothic architecture, harmonized with pointed windows that enhance its vertical proportions. The entrance, topped by a portal flanked by columns, is a perfect example of medieval art.As you proceed into the Aula Magna, note the frescoes that cover the walls. These frescoes, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, depict biblical scenes and are the work of local artists who collaborated to adorn this sacred space. Their chromatic intensity and the detail in the characters’ faces tell stories of faith and devotion.Another element of great interest is the vaulted ceiling of the Aula, decorated with architectural elements that reflect the craftsmanship of the time. This ceiling is an example of how the artisans of the era managed to combine functionality and beauty in a work of great visual impact.Moving to the right side, you can observe the monastic library, an area that preserves ancient texts and precious manuscripts. Here, the importance of knowledge and learning was central to monastic life, and today these texts continue to represent a connection to the city’s cultural past.We must also mention the chapel within the monastery. Although smaller than the Aula Magna, it is a place of great intimacy, with decorations that speak of Augustinian spirituality and the ceremonies that took place there. The atmosphere here is particularly evocative, perfect for personal reflection or a moment of quiet.Finally, a view that you cannot miss is that which opens from the monastery’s windows. If you look out, you can admire a magnificent panorama of the city of Bergamo, with its walls and architectural symbols. This scenery offers a clear idea of how the monastery was integrated into the urban fabric of the city, merging history and contemporary life in a single space.Context and ConnectionsThe Ex Monastery of Saint Augustine is located in the historic center of Bergamo, an area rich in history and culture. Nearby, you can visit Piazza Vecchia, the pulsating heart of the city, which hosts historic buildings such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre Civica. Another place not to be missed is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, famous for its Baroque interiors and precious mosaics, not far from the monastery.Additionally, just a few steps from the Ex Monastery stands the Accademia Carrara, one of the most important art galleries in Italy, featuring works by masters of the Renaissance and Baroque. The synergy between these places makes the area a true treasure of artistic and cultural experiences.CuriositiesDuring the restorations carried out in the 1990s, interesting archaeological finds were discovered that attest to the use of the monastery even in periods prior to its foundation. These findings have helped to reveal the layered history of the area.The library of the monastery, despite its limited size, has housed a series of rare volumes and incunabula over the centuries, which testify to the importance of written culture in Augustinian thought.Finally, the Augustinian tradition, which encourages a life of community and study, continues to influence the cultural life of Bergamo, making the Ex Monastery a current symbol of connection between the past and the present.