Cavernago
Malpaga Castle: a Renaissance gem
Are you looking for an excursion that allows you to discover a Renaissance masterpiece without moving too far from Bergamo? Don't miss the opportunity to visit Malpaga Castle in Cavernago, just a few kilometers from the city.
The castle was built in the fifteenth century by Bartolomeo Colleoni, a general captain in the service of the Republic of Venice, who wanted to make it his center of power. Visiting the castle, you can admire the Renaissance court, the structure that Colleoni commissioned to transform the castle into an impregnable fortress, an accommodation camp for his soldiers, and a magnificent residence.
The frescoes of Malpaga Castle
Not only that, you can admire the work of art that makes Malpaga Castle one of the jewels of Italian Renaissance: the frescoes that decorate the castle's interior rooms. The walls of the castle are almost completely frescoed, constituting a testimony not only to the artistic greatness of the era but also to the customs and "modus vivendi" of the time.
The Banquet Hall
In the fresco of the Banquet Hall, you can admire the remains of some celebratory scenes of the visit of King Christian I of Denmark, which illustrate the royal procession, guests, and hunting scenes.
The Inner Courtyard
In the Inner Courtyard, instead, there is a splendid representation of the battle of Riccardina, the battle fought by Colleoni for his own interest in the search for the "glorious enterprise." Despite the external nature of the fresco, the deterioration caused by exposure to the open air, the painting is still partially readable.
The Rooms on the Upper Floor
The rooms on the upper floor of the castle have seventeenth-century frescoes of lesser workmanship, but still vivid and colorful. Here we find allegories that testify to the sensitivity of the leader who wanted to give himself an image of humanity, in contrast to his reputation as a rough warrior.
Conclusions
Malpaga Castle awaits you for an unforgettable visit that will allow you to touch with your own hands the prestige and power of one of the most important captains and patrons of Italian Renaissance. The beauty of the structure and the magnificence of the frescoes will leave you speechless, and if you wish, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards and fields. An experience you can't miss if you are passionate about Italian art and history.
