Fontana del Lantro
Discover Fontana del Lantro, a hidden historical water cistern in Bergamo's Città Alta, offering a cool, atmospheric glimpse into the past.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rare access for public viewing
Fontana del Lantro
Best Time
Rare access for public viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Fontana del Lantro, a hidden historical water cistern in Bergamo's Città Alta, offering a cool, atmospheric glimpse into the past.
"Small but very cute place, one of the places I appreciated most in Bergamo for its atmosphere."
🎯 Verify Access Beforehand
Fontana del Lantro has irregular openings. Check local listings or ask for current status to avoid disappointment .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The interior is humid and cool. Rubber-soled shoes are recommended for better grip and comfort .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Underground Cistern
Via della Boccola
Discover a magnificent, ancient water cistern fed by the underground Lantro stream. A unique glimpse into Bergamo's past.

Historical Significance
Città Alta
Explore a vital historical site that once supplied water to Bergamo's upper city. Appreciated for its atmosphere and history .

Hidden Gem Charm
Near San Lorenzo Church
A small but very cute place, offering a unique and atmospheric experience often missed by tourists .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Times
Embrace the Cool
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Access Beforehand
Fontana del Lantro has irregular openings. Check local listings or ask for current status to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The interior is humid and cool. Rubber-soled shoes are recommended for better grip and comfort.
💧 Embrace the Chill
It's surprisingly cold inside, even in summer! A unique feature of this historical cistern.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
This small but magnificent place offers a unique photographic opportunity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Access Beforehand
Fontana del Lantro has irregular openings. Check local listings or ask for current status to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The interior is humid and cool. Rubber-soled shoes are recommended for better grip and comfort.
💧 Embrace the Chill
It's surprisingly cold inside, even in summer! A unique feature of this historical cistern.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
This small but magnificent place offers a unique photographic opportunity.
🚶♀️ Explore Città Alta
Located in the upper city, it's a perfect stop while exploring Bergamo's historic streets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fontana del Lantro is a unique and atmospheric historical site in Bergamo's Città Alta, praised for its magnificent cistern and glimpse into the past. Visitors appreciate its charm and historical significance, though many note its cold interior and irregular opening hours, which can lead to disappointment. It's a quick, free stop that offers a memorable experience for those who manage to visit during its limited open times.
"Worth a visit if you're nearby. The interior is very cold especially in summer. I never seen anything like this, it's quite small but magnificent."
Desmond Cheah
"Close temporarily since 2021!!! This place is still advertised on the touristic website of Bergamo! Disappointing!"
Emiliano Marin
"I visited it during a Sunday opening.
Congratulations to the Le Nottole Speleological Group for the restoration work and the explanation."
Ernesto Belotti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fontana del Lantro is located in Bergamo's Città Alta (Upper City), near the church of San Lorenzo. You can reach Città Alta by funicular from Città Bassa or by walking. Once in Città Alta, it's a short walk through the charming streets to find the Fontana del Lantro on Via della Boccola.
Yes, you can take public transport to Bergamo's Città Bassa and then use the funicular to reach Città Alta. From there, it's a walkable distance to the Fontana del Lantro. The area is well-served by local buses within Città Alta.
Driving directly to Fontana del Lantro in Città Alta is restricted as it's a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). It's best to park in Città Bassa and take the funicular up, or use designated parking areas in Città Alta if available and permitted.
The best way to explore is on foot. Wander through the historic alleys of Città Alta, discover hidden passages like the one near Via Becarino,
and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Bergamo's upper town.The access to the basin itself is generally direct from the outside, without narrow tunnels.
However, navigating the cobblestone streets of Città Alta might present challenges. It's advisable to check for specific accessibility information on the day of your visit.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fontana del Lantro is often advertised as a free site to visit.
However, access is dependent on special opening days or guided tours, which may have a fee. Always check for current admission policies.The opening hours for Fontana del Lantro are irregular and it can be temporarily closed.
It's known to open exceptionally on certain Sundays or during special events like Water Week. It's crucial to check local event listings or official tourism sites for current access.For regular visits, booking is usually not required as it's often free. However, if visiting during special guided tours or events, advance booking might be necessary or recommended.
Check the organizer's website for details.No, Fontana del Lantro is not always open. It has limited access and is often only accessible during specific events or scheduled open days.
Many visitors report finding it closed.The most reliable way is to check the official tourism website for Bergamo, local event calendars, or inquire with local information points in Città Alta. Social media accounts like @lombardiasegreta
or @uniacquebg sometimes announce openings.📸 📸 Photography
The main attraction is the cistern itself, with its unique architecture and water features. Capture the atmospheric lighting and the sense of history within the basin.
The surrounding narrow streets of Città Alta also offer picturesque photo opportunities.Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Fontana del Lantro. However, be mindful of other visitors and the delicate historical environment. Flash photography might be discouraged in certain areas to preserve the atmosphere.
Due to the potentially low light conditions inside the cistern, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial. Experiment with wider apertures to capture the depth and atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and around sensitive historical sites like Fontana del Lantro. Always check local regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Its historical architecture, the underground setting, and the cool, humid atmosphere create a unique and mysterious ambiance that is highly photogenic.
The contrast between the ancient structure and modern visitors is also compelling.🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a magnificent and ancient water cistern, surprisingly cold even in summer.
It's a small but very atmospheric space that offers a unique glimpse into Bergamo's past water management systems.A visit to Fontana del Lantro is quite brief, often taking only about 5 minutes to see.
It's a quick stop that can be easily incorporated into a walk through Città Alta.Yes, there is a lot of humidity inside the cistern due to its underground nature and water source.
This contributes to the cool temperature and the unique atmosphere.The 'Lantro' is an underground stream that historically fed the Fontana del Lantro, providing water for the inhabitants of Città Alta. The fountain is named after this vital water source.
Restoration work has been carried out by groups like the Le Nottole Speleological Group, preserving the site and making it explorable for visitors.
This work helps maintain its historical integrity and atmosphere.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Function of Fontana del Lantro
Today, the Fontana del Lantro stands as a testament to Bergamo's ingenious historical infrastructure. Its discovery and restoration have brought to light a significant piece of the city's heritage. Visitors often express surprise and admiration for this hidden gem, appreciating its unique atmosphere and historical importance. The site's preservation allows a tangible connection to the past, offering a glimpse into how urban life was sustained in earlier times.
Recent efforts, including those by Uniacque and local speleological groups, have focused on restoring and opening the Fontana del Lantro to the public for special occasions. These initiatives highlight the ongoing commitment to valuing and showcasing Bergamo's lesser-known historical treasures, making them accessible for educational and cultural purposes.
Visiting Fontana del Lantro: Practicalities and Experience
The site itself is compact, with many visitors noting that a thorough exploration takes around 5 minutes. Despite its small size, the atmosphere is often described as magnificent and deeply appreciated for its unique charm. The direct access from the outside means there are no narrow tunnels to navigate, making it accessible for those who might be uncomfortable in confined spaces.
However, a major challenge for potential visitors is the Fontana del Lantro's irregular opening schedule. It is frequently advertised but can be temporarily closed, leading to disappointment for those who arrive expecting it to be open. Special opening days, often on Sundays or during specific events like the #WaterWeek2023, are the primary times it's accessible to the public. Therefore, diligent planning and checking for confirmed opening times are essential for a successful visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit