Its origins seem to date back to the 5th century B.C. For certain, the most important period for its development dates back to the Roman conquest around 200 B.C. which was followed by centuries of prosperity. In 290 A.D., the first Christians appeared along with the Theban Legion soldier that was martyred in Bergamo becoming its patron: Saint Alexander. One of the fundamental moments of the town was the Venetian domination which is still recalled by the city walls (whose construction began in 1561). Bergamo marks the boundary with the Duchy of Milan and was consequently in a strategic position for Venice on the trading routes which connected it with Graubünden via the Brembana Valley.
The last, but by no means the least important historical period for the town, is the title of “Città Dei Mille” which it was awarded because it was the province which contributed the highest number of men for the Italian unification campaign. In 1859, Giuseppe Garibaldi came through the Saint Laurence City Gate promising the end of the Austrian domination.
