Church of All Saints - Bergamo

The Church of Ognissanti, a jewel of the artistic and religious heritage of Bergamo. This church, located in the heart of the Ognissanti district, plays a fundamental role in the cultural identity of the city. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it is famous for its captivating architecture and the artworks it houses. Here you can admire not only the beauty of the structure but also the richness of the history it has gone through. Ognissanti is indeed a place where centuries of faith, art, and culture intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on the social fabric of the city.Origins and HistoryThe Church of Ognissanti, dedicated to all saints, has its roots in the medieval period. Its construction dates back to around 1270 when it was founded by a group of friars from the Order of the Servants of Mary. The original architecture was heavily influenced by the Gothic style, which was in vogue at the time. However, over the centuries, the church underwent numerous alterations, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries, marked by the advent of the Renaissance.In 1515, the church was renovated and enlarged at the behest of the Municipality of Bergamo, which desired a larger place of worship to accommodate the growing population. This renovation led to the addition of several side chapels, many of which are decorated with frescoes and artworks by local artists.In the 17th century, the Church of Ognissanti experienced a new period of artistic splendor. The friars commissioned important works from the famous local painter Giovanni Battista Moroni, who created some of the most significant pieces inside. The church continued to be the subject of interventions until the 19th century, during which it was further embellished and renovated in a neoclassical style.It is interesting to note that between 1805 and 1815, during the Napoleonic occupation, the church was closed and used as a storage facility. It was only with the return of peace that the doors reopened, restoring this important place of worship to the community.Today, the Church of Ognissanti is an integral part of Bergamo’s cultural heritage and continues to be a point of reference for residents and visitors.What to ObserveWhen you enter the Church of Ognissanti, your attention will be immediately captivated by the main facade. This features Gothic and neoclassical elements, with architectural details that tell the long history of this church. Notice the high relief in the center depicting the Madonna with the Saints, a symbol of the church’s dedication to Ognissanti.As you cross the entrance, to your right, you will find the chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist, decorated with beautiful frescoes by an unknown artist from the 16th century. In this chapel, art merges with devotion, creating an atmosphere of great spirituality.Moving inside, the central nave is characterized by a beautifully decorated coffered ceiling, a typical expression of Renaissance style. Observe the details of the decorations, which make this space not only a place of worship but also a true work of art.On the left, just after the entrance, opens the chapel of St. Lucia, known for its baroque altar adorned with rich stuccos and gilding. This chapel is an excellent example of 17th-century sacred art and deserves close attention.Continuing your visit, you will come face to face with the fresco of the “Last Judgment,” created by Giovanni Battista Moroni. This is an imposing work that occupies one of the side walls and offers a valuable testimony of the religious vision of the time. Moroni, known for his portraits, manages to convey a strong emotional charge through the faces of the depicted characters.Another significant artistic relic is the marble baptismal font, located in a reserved area near the entrance. Dating back to the 15th century, the font is adorned with reliefs and sculptures representing the Holy Family and various saints, exemplifying the fusion of liturgical function and art.As you move towards the end of the nave, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the presbytery. Here lies the main altar, in baroque style, decorated with polychrome marbles and 17th-century frescoes. This central space is not only the liturgical heart of the church, but it is also an extraordinary example of how sacred art can inspire devotion.Finally, do not forget to look up at the ceiling during your visit. The frescoes, which depict biblical stories and the lives of the saints, were created by local artists and offer a detailed insight into the spirituality of the time.Context and ConnectionsThe Church of Ognissanti fits into a very rich historical and cultural context. The Ognissanti district is characterized by narrow, ancient streets where you can find other historical and artistic testimonies. Just a short walk from the church, you can visit the Convent of the Servants of Mary, another important example of Bergamo’s religious heritage.Another nearby attraction not to be missed is the Museum of Torture, which offers an interesting journey through the history of justice and punishment, allowing you to better understand the context in which works like those present in Ognissanti were created.If you wish to delve deeper, you can head towards the Città Alta, where the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is located. This basilica, rich in frescoes and artworks, is a perfect complement to your experience in Bergamo, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic and religious tradition of the area.CuriositiesA fascinating piece of information about the Church of Ognissanti is that within its walls one of the oldest processions in Bergamo is celebrated, dating back to the late Middle Ages. This procession, dedicated to the Madonna, draws numerous faithful and tourists every year.Another curiosity is related to the figure of Giovanni Battista Moroni, the famous painter who collaborated with the church. Although he was active in the 16th century, Moroni is now considered one of the greatest portraitists of the Lombard Renaissance. His works, present in Ognissanti, are studied and admired worldwide.Finally, an interesting aspect is that the Church of Ognissanti is frequently used for concerts and cultural events, demonstrating how this sacred place continues to play an active role in the community, not only as a space for worship but also as a center for cultural aggregation.We conclude by inviting you to discover these and other historic sites near the Church of Ognissanti. How about continuing towards the Convent of the Servants of Mary and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore? Every corner of Bergamo tells a story, and this is just the beginning of an enchanting adventure. Enjoy your visit!