Accademia Carrara
One of the most popular repositories of masterpieces in Italy, the Accademia Carrara is home to medieval and Renaissance canvases by Raphael, Botticelli, Titian, Canaletto, and Mantegna. A highlight of Bergamo, the gallery is a must for art aficionados visiting this northern Italian city.
The Basics
Founded in 1796, the gallery was originally home to works amassed by local collector Count Giacomo Carrara; today it displays more than 600 paintings in 28 rooms. Book your ticket in advance, and spend less time waiting in line and more time admiring works dating from the 15th through 19th centuries by some of the most important painters in Italian art history.
Consider pairing a visit to the gallery with a walking tour of Bergamo’s old town, and take in medieval, Renaissance, and baroque architecture such as Piazza Vecchia, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Cappella Colleoni.
Things to Know Before You Go
Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the Accademia Carrara.
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs.
The interiors are kept quite cool to preserve the artwork, so take a light jacket or sweater.
The museum has a small café and bag check.
How to Get There
A popular day trip, Bergamo is less than an hour from Milan by train or bus. The Accademia Carrara is located just outside Bergamo’s historic city walls, and can be reached via a number of bus lines from the city’s train station.
When to Get There
For fewer crowds, go on a weekday morning, then spend the afternoon exploring the Città Alta. The gallery is closed on Tuesday.
Highlights of the Accademia Carrara
Don’t miss these masterpieces:Saint Sebastian by Raphael,Madonna con Bambino by Mantegna,Storia di Virginia Romana by Botticelli,Madonna con Bambino by Titian, andIl Gran Canale by Canaletto.