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Clusone, between ingenuity and mystery: discover the Planetary Clock and the Dance of Death
In the heart of Val Seriana, Clusone is one of those villages capable of surprising you with unexpected details. Here, time flows to the rhythm of a unique clock in the world, and the walls tell ancient stories with images that still make you reflect today. If you are looking for an unusual cultural trip, the Planetary Clock Fanzago and the Dance of Death are two unmissable stops.
Curiosity: It is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Dance of Death in Italy (dating back to the late 15th century).
In summary: why visit Clusone?
Where is Clusone and why visit it?
Clusone is located in Alta Val Seriana, about 40 km from Bergamo, easily reachable by car. It is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and offers a perfect mix of art, history, nature, and good cuisine.The Planetary Clock Fanzago: a masterpiece that has been working since 1583
What is the Planetary Clock?
On the facade of the Town Hall of Clusone, there is a astronomical and planetary clock designed in 1583 by Pietro Fanzago, which still works today with the original mechanism.What does it indicate?
Unlike a normal clock, this one indicates simultaneously:- hours, days, months, and lunar phases
- position of the Sun and the Moon
- zodiac signs
- duration of day and night
Curiosity: It is one of the few clocks in the world that indicates so much astronomical information on a single mechanical dial!
Why is it special?
It is a work that combines science, art, and Renaissance engineering. Watching it in action, as the hands rotate following the motion of the planets, is a hypnotic experience. And the beauty is that it is not just a historical artifact: it really works, every day.The Dance of Death of Clusone: a fresco that still speaks today
Where is it located?
The fresco of the Dance of Death is located on the external facade of the Oratory of the Disciples, right above the historical cemetery of the village.What does it represent?
The scene shows a parade of characters from every social class — from the pope to the king, from the rich merchant to the poor peasant — led by Death, represented as a dancing skeleton. The message? Death makes no distinctions.Curiosity: It is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Dance of Death in Italy (dating back to the late 15th century).
Why see it?
Because it is a work that speaks to the present: it reminds us that life is ephemeral, and invites us to live it with awareness. Moreover, it is visible for free from the outside and is one of the most photographed frescoes in Lombardy.What else to see in Clusone
In addition to the clock and the Dance of Death, it is worth stopping for:- The Museum of Art Time (MAT)
- The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
- A walk in the woods of Monte Cimiero
- A break in local restaurants with typical Bergamasque dishes
In summary: why visit Clusone?
- To admire one of the most incredible clocks in Europe
- To be struck by a fresco that speaks to the soul
- To experience the authentic atmosphere of a historic village
- For a trip among culture, art, and nature just a few kilometers from Bergamo