"Via Sant Alessandro" Top 5 Page for this destination Città Bassa Tip by suvanki

Leaving Via XX Settembre, and turning Right, brings you onto Via Sant Alessandro, another shopping street.

Named after Saint Alexander (Sant'Alessandro) of Bergamo - the patron saint of Bergamo, whom the Cathedral of Bergamo is dedicated to. There are other Churches around the city also dedicated to him

Along this street is a stone column, in front of the church (pic 2)- S. Alessandro in Colonna (column)
The column was constructed in 1618, from pieces of various Roman ruins, though their original origins and purpose aren't clear. A bit of 17th Century re-cycling!
The column is believed to be on the exact site where Alessandro was finally executed/martyred on August 26th 303 (or 298) by Romans. According to Wikipedia, he'd escaped execution at least 3 times, before his luck ran out. He was persecuted for his refusal to renounce his religion.
26th August is The Festival day of the Saint. In 2010, for the first time, the Festivities included a costumed re-enactment of the martyrdom at this site.

The church, which was closed at the time of my visit, was re-built on the site of an older church, in the 18th Century. The campanile was added in the early 20th Century. Outside is a water fountain
Inside are some paintings that are reported to be worth seeing;
"The Martyrdom of St Alexander" and "The Transfiguration" by Enea Talpino dating to 1629
"Deposition from the Cross" by Lorenzo Lotto -1517
"Transportation of the corpse of S. Alessandra" by Gian Paolo Cavagna.

Another good 'People Watching' spot, either from the steps of the church, or at one of the outside tables of the nearby Varadero bar.

Address: Via Sant Alessandro
Directions: San Leonardo Borgo, Citta Bassa

From Porta Nuova, head through Piazza G Matteotti, to Via XX Settembre, continue to the end and turn Right onto Via San Alessandro.
Phone: N/A