Bergamo, Italy from a local tourist guide
Bergamo is situated in the foothills of the Italian Alps, which means it boasts a stunning natural backdrop of rolling hills and mountains. The city itself is divided into two distinct parts: the historic Upper Town (Città Alta) and the more modern Lower Town (Città Bassa).
The first thing I am asked when I declare to be from Bergamo? «But from Lower Town or Upper Town?» Most people do not know that the probability of knowing an inhabitant of Bergamo Alta is really minimal. Imagine, it’s even less than 2%!
Bergamo Alta is the oldest part of the city, as well as the most interesting from a tourist point of view. The core of Città Alta, as we call it from Bergamo, has medieval origins. The Venetian walls and the Rocca, instead, were made afterwards.
The two Towns are also connected by a funicular, making it easy to explore both.
Back in 1880, people in Bergamo had this cool idea of building a funicular. The reason behind it was that all the action was shifting down to the lower part of the city, and they didn't want the upper part to feel left out. Fast forward to 1918, and this idea had really taken off, with more than a whopping 1.7 million people riding the funicular. These days, on a regular Saturday, you'll find around 5,300 smart folks choosing this fun way to get around instead of driving or hoofing it. It's just that awesome!
What to do in:
→Lower Town (Città Bassa)
🛍🍝Shopping and Dining: The Lower Town is where you'll find modern amenities, including a wide range of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Bergamo is the perfect spot for a leisurely passeggiata (stroll) through the heart of the city. Start your walk at the iconic Propilei entrance, also known as Porta Nuova, and meander along the charming XX September Street, affectionately called Via Venti by the locals. As you make your way to Piazza Pontida, take a moment to savor a delightful spritz or a coffee while soaking in the picturesque views.
(Propilei, or Porta Nuova, the entrance to the city)
🎭Donizzetti's Theatre: Named after the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti, this theater hosts various cultural events and performances throughout the year.
🎨Accademia Carrara: Art enthusiasts should not miss this art gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Italian paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to the 19th century.
🌳 Chill in a Park: Bergamo boasts several parks, offering residents and visitors ample green spaces to enjoy. While the exact number may vary, some of the notable parks in Bergamo include Parco dei Colli, Parco della Trucca, Parco del Castello di San Vigilio, and Parco Caprotti, among others. Each park has its own unique charm and features, ranging from scenic walking trails to recreational facilities, making Bergamo a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
→ Upper Town (Città Alta):
⏳️Historical Charm: The Upper Town is the heart of Bergamo and is known for its historic charm. It is surrounded by well-preserved Venetian walls and offers a glimpse into Italy's rich medieval and Renaissance history.
- Piazza Vecchia: This central square is the heart of the Upper Town and is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, including the Palazzo della Ragione and the Civic Tower (Campanone). It's a perfect spot for people-watching.
• The Campanone and Podestà's Palace: The Campanone is the name of the quadrangular Civic Tower, the emblem of Bergamo. It can be visited on the tour of the Museo del Cinquecento in the Palazzo del Podestà, which reconstructs the history of Bergamo in the 12th-century building. But the most fascinating thing is to climb the Campanone for the best view of Bergamo. Additionally, the name come from the Tower housing the largest bell in Lombardy (bell = campana that becomes campanone because is big).
• Ragione's Palace: Once the seat of the municipal government and later the Venetian court; hence the effigy of St. Mark's lion in white marble, framed by the centuries-old gray stones.
• Colleoni Chapel: Passing the Ragione's Palace, you come to the Duomo's Square. In front you admire the Colleoni Chapel, which you can photograph framed by the arch. It is the outstanding funeral monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a renaissance warrior.
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: This stunning church is a prime example of Lombard Romanesque architecture and is known for its intricate frescoes and ornate interiors.
- Corsarola: The Bergamaschi call it La Corsarola and it is the vital artery of Città Alta, with its stores and main monuments; paved in stone-as are the walls of all the buildings-it seems to recapture the Middle Ages: it gives unique glimpses.
- Rocca: Military citadel that always defended the city from 1331 until the Unification of Italy; it can be reached by climbing up from Shoe Market Square (where the Funicolare arrives). It is an oasis of quiet greenery, beloved by inhabitants; you can relax and it gives a wonderful view above the roofs of Città Alta, with domes and bell towers popping up: if you're good you can take a picture taking them all! You have to go in the morning to avoid being backlit.
- Botanical Garden: Located next to Porta Sant'Alessandro, it can be visited free of charge from March 1 to November 30. The great thing is it looks like a balcony: you have a super panorama of Bergamo Alta and the Bergamo foothills! In fact, it has the motto, "A Window to the Landscape."
- San Vigilio: The best way to end a day in Bergamo Alta on a high note is to ride up to San Vigilio Hill on the funicular of the same name; take it just outside Porta Sant'Alessandro (alternatively, there is a walking path). There is a church and the old San Vigilio Castle snoozing and giving a beautiful view, but the best is from the small parking lot just outside the funicular; under the tree canopies you can admire a unique skyline of the Upper City with spires and bell towers standing out side by side. At sunset it is unique magic!
What's more, this is a very romantic place: if there is time, I recommend a stroll among the houses nestled in the greenery of the Parco dei Colli; it is also worth stopping for dinner at one of the restaurants: the Baretto is charming and the Ristorante San Vigilio has a window with a super view.
(View of Bergamo Alta from San Vigilio)
🧱 The Venetian Walls: All around Bergamo Alta, there is the emblem of the place, Le Mura, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Clearly visible from the Lower Town, they are a mighty 16th-century fortification built by the Venetian Republic between 1561 and 1588 to defend the border of its "state from the land"; they are 6.2 km long and encompass the whole of Bergamo Alta, with 14 bastions and many gunboats. But they were never attacked; by the 1600s they had already lost their military importance. So now greenery embraces the walls and they are the most prized area of Bergamo Alta. Additionally, to access the place, there are 4 big doors (Porta) built in the 16th Century:
Porta San Giacomo
Porta Sant'Agostino
Porta Sant'Alessandro
Porta San Lorenzo or Garibaldi
☕️ Cafes and Restaurants: The Upper Town is dotted with charming cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine while savoring panoramic views of the city.
The Perfect Itinerary
The itinerary I propose is inspired by my favorite walk in the hills of Città Alta.
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