In this post I’d like to give you useful tips & ideas for a visit to Bergamo. A charming city nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps. A place which captivates every visitor through its medieval past & authentic beauty.
Before reading on:
This blog post is written with the help of my daughter Lisa, who shared her own experiences with me touring Northern Italy.
- IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Throughout this post you’ll find affiliated links & ads provided by the travel platforms like TravelPayOuts & GetYourGuide. Links & ads that may help you plan & fill in your next trip to Italy.
- If you click on them & buy a ticket for a museum or a tour a small commission of your purchase will go to me (Paid by the provider, without any extra cost to you!).
- If you first want to learn a little bit more about me, the blog writer, please click on: Better call me Art.
Main reasons to visit Bergamo
Bergamo’s main attraction is its old city center. The so-called Città Alta, the Upper city. A beautifully preserved medieval part of town with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient squares, monumental buildings & stunning architecture.
This inner city until today is still completely enclosed by ancient walls. The so-called Venetian Walls. An attraction in itself, providing you with unforgettable panoramic views of the city & surrounding area.
Within the protective walls you’ll find many unique monuments. Several beautiful churches, palaces & others.
Besides these historical attractions, Bergamo is also famous for its culinary delights, which I will present to you in one of the post’s segments.
In a few words, whether you’re a history buff, love good food or simply want an inspiring, relaxing getaway, Bergamo is the place to visit.
Visit Bergamo: A perfect base
Besides a lovely city in itself, Bergamo is also a perfect base to explore the surrounding area. To name a few places of interest nearby:
- Just north of the city, you can visit the The Bergamo Hills Park/ Parco dei Colli di Bergamo. A natural area belonging to the southern Alps, providing the city with the necessary green longs. Ideal for the hiking visitor who wants to get an idea of an authentic Italian rural area.
- The surrounding area of Bergamo is also known for its wine production. Most wineries are open to visitors. Further on, I will present to you a Popular tour for the true wine lover.
A little distant from Bergamo, but still easily reachable, you can pay a visit to:
- Milan – the Italian capital of fashion & the world famous Cathedral (Duomo) – is only 60 km/37 mi away. A 50 minute drive westwards!
- A little over an hour to the east of Bergamo you can visit Verona (116km/72mi). While further on – an hour more – you can visit Venice on a Day Trip (226km/140mi).
- When talking about nature’s gifts near Bergamo, I’d like to mention some bigger lakes located not too far away. Like the Como Lake (60km/37mi) & the largest one in Italy, the Garda Lake (95km/59mi).
Short history of Bergamo
To be able to enjoy the beautiful inner city of Bergamo, it’s necessary to know something about its past.
Earliest traces
The city’s origins trace back to a local tribe, the Ligurians, who settled in this area during the Iron Age. Soon however the place was conquered by the Celts who invaded Italy from the north around 500 BC. Leaving marks that are barely visible today, but surely present deeply underneath the city.
It’s another story with the Roman occupation (49 BC). Converting the city of Bergomum in an important commercial & military center along the road to Milan (Mediolanum). The Romans left the old city with its typical layout & architecture, like arches & columns, partially visible until today.
- Many Roman artefacts were found during excavations in & around the city, and are exhibited in the interesting Archeological museum of Bergamo.
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages saw Bergamo rise to prominence as an independent city-state. It was also the moment the city got divided more clearly into two parts. The older Upper town/Città Alta, perched on a hilltop, and the expanding Lower town – Città Bassa – at its feet.
During this period, the city again experienced invasions of outside tribes, like the Lombards & the Franks.
- Bergamo is still located in the Italian state of Lombardy, with Milan as its capital.
Venetian period
Then in 1428 Bergamo became part of the Republic of Venice. This Venetian era – which would last for centuries – brought prosperity & cultural flourishing to the city.
- During the 16th century, the Venetians – recognizing Bergamo’s strategic importance – initiated a massive fortification project to strengthen the city’s defenses. Leaving the city with the imposing Venetian Walls, which nowadays are one of Bergamo’s main attractions – besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
The Venetian rule would end abruptly when the French conquered Northern Italy at the end of the 18th century.
The new rulers wouldn’t stay too long though. After Napoleon Bonaparte’s final defeat at Waterloo (1815), the Allied victors decided Lombardy-Venetia – including the city of Bergamo – would become part of the Austrian Empire.
Italian independence
In 1859, during the War of Independence, Bergamo finally became part of a Unified Italy. Personally liberated by Giuseppe Garibaldi, the war’s greatest hero.
- Bergamo played a crucial role in the Italian unification movement, earning the title “City of a Thousand” for its contribution of a thousand volunteers to Garibaldi’s expedition.
Today, Bergamo stands as a captivating blend of history & modernity in the northern part of Italy.
- The Upper town/Città Alta, offering a glimpse into the past with its medieval charm, winding cobblestone streets & ancient fortifications.
- While the Lower town/ Città Bassa houses a modern,lively & dynamic city center. Ideal for shopping, or to find a bar, cafeteria or restaurant to your liking.
Things to do/visit in Bergamo
As stated above, Bergamo’s main attraction is the Città Alta, the Upper city. A perfect place to stroll around & lose yourself in the past. The past of a small, but beautiful, authentic Italian city.
TravelTip: To get from the Lower town to the Upper town you can either walk. Or else, take the Funicular/Cable Car, which starts its journey at the trainstation & costs only a few euros. A fun ride uptown.
The main monuments in Bergamo’s city center are:
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Within the medieval city center of Bergamo you’ll find dozens of churches to visit. However, in this post I’ll only present two of them.
First of all, the mesmerizingly beautiful Romanesque Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
A 12th century church which captures your full attention the minute you lay eyes on its unique architectural features. Something which repeats itself when you enter its solemn, Baroque interior. Breathtaking to say the least.
TravelTip: In short, a MUST SEE when visiting Bergamo (paying a small entrance fee). Independently, with your own guide or joining the: Highlight tour of the Historical center of Bergamo.
Impressions of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo. Beautiful, inside & out.
Cappella Colleoni
To the right of the main entrance of the Basilica – attached to it actually – you’ll find the eye-catching Cappella Colleoni, a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
This amazingly beautiful 15th century chapel – dedicated to the Saints Bartholomew, Mark & John the Baptist – was built as the personal shrine for the condottiere/military leader Bartolomeo Colleoni & his daughter Medea.
TravelTip: It’s possible to visit this beautiful chapel (paying a small entrance fee), but be aware it’s not allowed to take pictures inside.
Duomo di Bergamo
To the left of the basilica you’ll find the Duomo di Bergamo or Cattedrale di Sant’Alessandro.
The city’s cathedral – dedicated to Saint Alexander, patron saint of the city. Although built in a completely different style than the mesmerizing basilica, it’s also a very impressive building. Not least, because of its enormity. A shining facade of white marble reaching to the heavens & and an imposing copper-green dome to top it of.
When you enter the cathedral’s interior, the first thing that stands out is the sky-high central nave. In reality it represents the longest beam or crux of Christ’s Cross, which leads up to the churches’ beautiful Baroque-style altar & adjoining wooden choir.
- Behind the altar, a silver urn contains the remains of Saint Alexander.
On either side of the nave you’ll find several eye-catching side chapels. The one more artistic than the other, all viding for your attention & admiration.
TravelTip: All in all, a beautiful church to explore during your visit to the city center of Bergamo. Entrance is FREE.
The Venetian Walls
As mentioned above, the Venetian Walls are one of the main characteristics of Bergamo. A historic wall, still standing. Mainly because the city in the 70s of the last century decided to restore its remains. Preserving a construction that for centuries protected the city against its enemies.
You can easily follow its outlines when strolling around & encounter the four gates of the wall. Like the Porta San Giacomo – the southern gate, which still connects the Upper & Lower city of Bergamo.
Piazza Vecchia & Campanone
The Piazza Vecchia is the main square of the Upper town. In the past the Roman Forum was located at this spot.
In one corner of this lively square you’ll find the Civic tower or Campanone – the highest point of the city – which is open to the public (paying a small fee).
Visit Bergamo: Other attractions
Other attractions in the inner city of Bergamo worth mentioning are:
Click on its name, to learn more:
Rocca di Bergamo: This is a 14th-century castle/fortress, which offers unforgettable panoramic views of the city & the surrounding area. It also houses a museum, dedicated to Bergamo’s long history.
Palazzo Moroni: A palace, built in the 17th century, with a beautiful collection of Baroque art & furniture. As well as a beautiful garden with stunning views of Bergamo.
Castello di San Vigilio: This castle was built on a strategic point above the Upper town of Bergamo, on the Hill of San Vigilio. Its first traces lead back to at least the 6th century. Although never fully restored, its ruins are absolutely worth a visit. Also because the spot anew provides breathtaking views of the city & around.
- To get there you can walk from the Upper town, but also take a second funicular/cable car. Besides the castle ruins & view, you can also enjoy a good meal at one of the two (upscale) restaurants on the hill.
Palazzo della Ragione: This unique building – inside & out – was once the seat of the city government. It’s located very near the Piazza Vecchia & home to the city’s Museo Civico di Bergamo.
The Accademia Carrara: This is the most visited Art museum of Bergamo. It’s housed in a beautiful 16th-century monumental building & features a collection of contemporary art from around the world.
- Although located in the lower part of town, the Accademia Carrara is not far from the old center. About a 15 minute walk.
Visit Bergamo: Walking Tour
To get a real inside look at the fascinating history of Bergamo’s city center, I’d like to recommend the following Walking tour. A tour, led by a professional, local guide, which you can customize to your personal wishes:
Click on its name & the picture below to get all the details of the tour: Bergamo Upper town Walking Tour
Alternatively you can get a Digital Tour of the city for your smartphone, self-guiding yourself through the city at your own pace.
To learn more about this self-guided tour, go to: Digital Guided walking tour of Bergamo’s Upper city
Visit Bergamo: Where to Stay?
There are hundreds of hotels in Bergamo. Your choice logically will always depend on your personal wishes, as well as your budget. Which doesn’t mean I can give you some useful tips concerning your stay in Bergamo.
First of all, I’d highly recommend you to Book a hotel in the Upper town. As this gives you the chance to explore the city even more. From early morning, until late at night, if you like.
Secondly, my favorite place in the center is the Casa Mario Lupo. A small, but clean & friendly hotel – with backyard garden – at a great location & an honest price (which includes a hearty breakfast).
A place with an authentic Italian, somewhat old-fashioned feel – is it because of the colorfull paintings on the walls & ceilings? – which will not disappoint you.
To learn more, click on the following link, or the picture below: Casa Mario Lupo, Bergamo
Visit Bergamo: What & where to eat?
Bergamo is known for several typical Italian dishes. To name a few hearty local treats:
- Casoncelli: a type of ravioli filled with meat, cheese & spices.
- Polenta Taragna: a mix of boiled cornmeal & buckwheat flour, served with melted cheese, stews or sausages.
- Ossobuco alla Milanese: Slow-cooked veal braised in a rich tomato sauce. (Although officially a Milanese invention, this dish is also very popular in Bergamo).
When it comes to dessert, you may fancy a:
- Sweet Polenta e osei: a polenta cake, generally finished with almonds & raisins.
- Stracciatella Gelato: A world famous ice cream with chocolate flakes. A MUST buy in Bergamo because it was created there in the early 1960s at the Ristorante La Marianna.
TravelTip: We savoured this delicacy on our way to the San Vigilio Castle, as La Marianna restaurant is located very near the funicular station mentioned earlier. In other words, a perfect stop up or down the Hill of San Vigilio.
Favorite restaurants
There are many restaurants to choose from and, of course, your choice will depend on your own preferences & budget. However, in accordance with the information about the local dishes, I’ve selected 3 restaurants you may choose from for that reason.
Click on their names, if you like to learn more:
- Circolino Città Alta
- Mimì, La casa dei Sapori
- Il Fornaio (restaurante, cafeteria & bakery)
Visit Bergamo: Food Tour
Besides visiting one of the mentioned restaurants – or any other – there’s the option to explore the city on a Food Tour of Bergamo. Guided by a professional expert who will lead you from one local delicacy to another in the city center.
TravelTip: If interested, I’d recommend you to take this tour as soon as possible, as it gives you useful tips on where to eat for the rest of your stay in the city.
To get more details of this tour, click on: Bergamo Food Tour
Alternatively you can go for a culinary experience at a local’s home.
To learn more in detail about this last option, go to: Local Dining Experience, Bergamo
Things to do/visit around Bergamo
From Bergamo you can make some unforgettable day trips. I’ll present you the most popular ones:
Winery tour
Around Bergamo you’ll find several world-famous wineries. A MUST visit for every wine lover.
The following half-a day Winery Tour includes several tastings & a lunch stop at the beautiful Lago d’Iseo.
To learn more, click on: Popular winery tour from Bergamo
A day trip to Verona & Garda Lake
If you haven’t included a few days in Verona – like we did – there’s the possibility to visit this Shakespearian gem on a Day trip to Verona from Bergamo.
A 10 hour tour, which not only includes a guided tour on the lookout for Romeo & Juliet, but also a visit to Sirmione – an old Roman city on the shore of Lake Garda.
To get more details about this day trip, click on: Tour to Verona & Sirmione, from Bergamo
A day trip to Venice
If you haven’t planned to stay in Venice either – understandable because of the high hotel prices – you can consider making a unique day trip to this magical city from Bergamo.
A 12 hour tour, which includes bus transport, a boat ride on the Venice lagoon & a walking tour along the city’s world famous canals.
To learn more, go to: Day Trip to Venice, from Bergamo
In conclusion:
Bergamo will surprise you. Not only because of its friendly authenticity, fascinating history & culinary highlights, but also as a relaxing base to explore the surrounding area. Other famous cities nearby, the local wineries & several beautiful lakes.
Godetevi il vostro soggiorno. Enjoy your stay.
For an overview of all my travel posts of my blog, go to: My Home Page
Leave a Reply