FREE: Bergamo-UNESCO city
Bergamo is a historic city located in northern Italy, about 40 km northeast of Milan, in the Lombardy region. It's often known for its picturesque old town, perched on a hill, and its proximity to Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY), which serves as a popular gateway to Milan and the surrounding areas.
How to Get to Bergamo:
✈️ From BGY (Orio al Serio Airport):
The airport is just 6 km away from Bergamo. You can take a quick shuttle bus, which operates regularly and will get you to the city center in about 15-20 minutes.
🚆 From Milan:
Bergamo is easily accessible from Milan by train (from Milano Centrale) in about an hour, or by bus/car in under an hour.
Quick Stop Between Flights at BGY: Totally Worth It!
If you have a layover or some spare time between flights, Bergamo is a fantastic destination for a quick visit. The city is divided into two main parts:
1. Città Alta (Upper Town):
This is the historic old town on the hill, with its cobbled streets and medieval charm.
2. Città Bassa (Lower Town):
The more modern part of Bergamo, with shopping streets, restaurants, and cafés.
Even with just a few hours, you can take the funicular up to Città Alta and explore its ancient architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. If you're crunched for time, you can spend as little as 2-3 hours exploring the highlights.
🚌 Just take the bus 1, tickets can be purchased at the bus stop and cost 3 euros.
What to See in Bergamo❓
Piazza Vecchia:
The heart of Città Alta, this square is home to the stunning Palazzo della Ragione, the Civic Tower (Torre Civica), and the beautiful fountain.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore:
A Romanesque church famous for its intricate interior and the Tomb of composer Gaetano Donizetti.
Rocca di Bergamo:
This old fortress offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Venetian Walls:
These massive fortifications, built by the Venetian Republic in the 16th century, are part of Bergamo’s UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Torre Castello di San Vigilio:
It is a medieval tower located at Castello di San Vigilio, a hilltop fortress in Bergamo. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Città Alta, the lower part of Bergamo, and the nearby Alps. The castle itself dates back to the 6th century and was later fortified by the Venetians.
WHAT TO EAT IN BERGAMO?
Most important thing: food. Bergamo has some delicious traditional desserts that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Here are a few typical ones:
1. Polenta e Osei
This dessert is one of Bergamo’s most famous and unique treats. Despite its name, it’s not actual polenta but a sweet cake that mimics the appearance of the savory dish. It's made of sponge cake, covered in yellow marzipan, and decorated with chocolate "birds" (osei). It’s a symbol of Bergamo’s culinary culture.
2. Torta Donizetti
Named after the famous Bergamasque composer Gaetano Donizetti, this cake is a soft and fragrant ring-shaped dessert made with apricot and pineapple pieces, butter, sugar, and vanilla. It’s delicate yet flavorful, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
3. Miascia
This rustic dessert is a traditional Lombard cake, made with stale bread, milk, apples, raisins, and pine nuts. It’s often seasoned with cinnamon and lemon zest, giving it a cozy, autumnal flavor. Miascia is especially common in the Bergamo and Como areas.
UNESCO Heritage in Bergamo
Bergamo’s Venetian Walls are recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the "Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries." These impressive fortifications were built when Bergamo was under Venetian rule and helped defend the city from invasions. Today, they stand as a testament to the city's rich history and offer visitors an opportunity to walk along the walls and enjoy breathtaking views of both Città Alta and the surrounding region.
Bergamo’s History
Bergamo’s history spans over two millennia, from its origins as a Celtic settlement to its development under Roman rule. During the Middle Ages, Bergamo became an important center of trade and culture. In the 15th century, the city fell under the rule of the Venetian Republic, which left a lasting legacy, including the famous fortifications. After the Napoleonic Wars, Bergamo became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Today, Bergamo retains its medieval charm and Venetian influence, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts. Its rich cultural and architectural heritage is complemented by its vibrant contemporary life, with many restaurants, shops, and museums to explore.
If you're considering a quick stopover, Bergamo is definitely worth it, even for a few hours!
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