The Arab Baths are a striking example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, inspired by Roman and Islamic bathhouse traditions rather than built by them. Designed during a period of Christian rule, they served as public baths for Girona’s diverse medieval community, blending functional elements from Roman thermae, Muslim hammams, and Jewish purification rituals. The centrepiece is the apodyterium (changing room), a sublime octagonal space crowned by a dome and supported by slender columns, where a central pool reflects light from above. Other rooms — the frigidarium (cold bath), tepidarium (warm room) and furnace-heated caldarium (sauna) — showcase sophisticated hydraulic engineering. Despite damage during sieges and later use by Capuchin nuns, the baths were meticulously restored in the 20th century. Today, they offer a quiet glimpse into medieval daily life and the cross-cultural exchanges that defined the era.

A symbol of the medieval city, the 52-metre high Civic Tower offers splendid views over Upper and Lower Bergamo. The Civic Tower bell sounds over 100 times at 10 pm every evening to signal the old curfew when the gates of the city were closed. Originally the residence of the Suardi-Colleoni families, the Palazzo del Podestà was the seat of the Podestà (Chief magistrate or Governor) from the 12th to the 15th century. Today it hosts the History Museum of Veneto Age.

The Black Bear Film Festival has been a regional tradition since 2000. Not only are the movies engaging for all ages, but the parties are captivating with many free events and films, in addition to the ticketed main features. Come experience the majesty and excitement.