Porta San Giacomo: The White Marble Gateway
Read the following statements and decide whether they are True (T) or False (F).
Vocabulary Focus
- Greenery: Green foliage, growing plants, or vegetation.
- Ties: Connections or links between people, groups, or states.
- Drawbridge: A bridge that can be raised or lowered to prevent or allow passage.
- Fixed: Fastened securely in position; not moving.
- Glows: To produce a steady, soft light.
Porta San Giacomo: The White Marble Gateway
If you have ever seen a postcard of Bergamo, chances are it featured the Porta San Giacomo. This majestic white gateway is the most famous entrance to the Città Alta and serves as a grand symbol of the city's Venetian history.
An Architectural Highlight
Unlike the other three gates of the Venetian Walls, which are built from grey local stone, Porta San Giacomo is constructed from Zandobbio marble. This brilliant white stone makes the gate stand out beautifully against the surrounding greenery. It was built in 1592 and is decorated with the Lion of Saint Mark, the official symbol of the Republic of Venice, reminding every visitor of the city's ancient political ties.
From Defense to Tourism
In the past, the gate was a critical part of the city's fortifications. For centuries, the massive wooden doors were locked every night at 10:00 PM (signaled by the 100 bell strikes of the Campanone) to protect the citizens. Until the late 18th century, the gate was only accessible via a wooden drawbridge, which was later replaced by the fixed stone bridge we walk on today.
The Best View in the City
Today, Porta San Giacomo is a favorite spot for both locals and travelers. Because it faces south, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Lower Town (Città Bassa) and the plains of Lombardy. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the skyscrapers of Milan. It is particularly popular at sunset, when the white marble glows with golden light.