A Guide to Bergamo

Bergamo, located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, is a charming city that offers a rich blend of history, art, and culture.

Nestled at the foothills of the Alps, Bergamo is often overshadowed by nearby Milan, but it’s a gem in its own right with a unique medieval charm and stunning landscapes. The city is divided into two main areas: the upper city (Città Alta) and the lower city (Città Bassa), each offering distinct experiences for travellers.

The city’s favourite football team is Atalanta BC, famous for winning the 2024 Europa League Final. Atalanta became the first team to beat Xabi Alonso’s ‘invincible’ Bayer Leverkusen side earlier this year. Having contested the Champions League match against Arsenal, their next Serie A challenge will be the Lombardian Derby with Como 1907.

Città Alta: The Medieval Heart of Bergamo

Città Alta, or the Upper Town, is Bergamo’s historic core, perched on a hill and surrounded by well-preserved Venetian walls. It’s a haven for history buffs, art lovers, and those looking to experience the city’s medieval past.

Piazza Vecchia: The heart of the Upper Town is Piazza Vecchia where all the medieval streets of the upper city join together. Flanked by the Palazzo della Ragione, (at noon – solar time – the ray of sun filtering through the hole in the shield hanging from the arches marks the date and zodiac sign), the Torre del Campanone, and the elegant Contarini Fountain, the square is a perfect starting point to explore Bergamo’s history.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Just off Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is adorned with pink and white marble statues, columns, pillars and rose windows that make the Basilica one of the best examples of religious architecture in Lombardy. With its Romanesque architecture, ornate interior, and Baroque elements, it’s a mesmerising place to spend an hour or so.

Venetian Walls: The impressive 16th-century walls encircling Città Alta are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along these walls offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bergamo plains and the distant Alps. The four entrance gates, especially Porta San Giacomo, are scenic spots that provide a great photo opportunity.

Museo di Scienze Naturali: For those interested in natural history, Bergamo’s Museo di Scienze Naturali in Città Alta is home to collections of fossils, minerals, and animal specimens, making it a great stop for families.

Città Bassa: Modern Bergamo

Città Bassa, or the Lower Town, is the modern part of Bergamo, offering wide boulevards, upscale shopping, and elegant architecture. While it may lack the medieval charm of Città Alta, it’s still worth exploring for its lively atmosphere and cultural experiences.

Accademia Carrara: One of Italy’s most important art galleries, the Accademia Carrara, houses a collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Food and Drink

Bergamo offers a rich culinary tradition, with a focus on hearty, rustic dishes. Be sure to try the local speciality, Casoncelli, a type of stuffed pasta, as well as Polenta e Osèi, a sweet polenta cake. The city is also known for its fine wines from the nearby Valcalepio region.

How to Get Around

Bergamo’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, especially in Città Alta, where the narrow, cobbled streets are best experienced by walking. However, the city also has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and a funicular that connects the upper and lower towns. Renting a bike is another popular option, especially for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas.

Getting from the Orio al Serio International Airport to the city centre is a breeze with the airport bus number 1.

You’ll find the bus stop outside the arrivals terminal, and you can buy your ticket from a ticket machine, the ATB mobile app, or on board. The buses run to Bergamo train station and stop at Porta Nuova, the lower funicular station, and the Città Alta. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes to reach the city centre. Not all buses stop at every stop so always check you’re getting on the right one!

If you’re going to spend less than 24 hours in Bergamo, It’s also worth looking into the 24-hour ticket. It costs €8.50 (£7) and is valid on all modes of transport in Bergamo, including the airport bus and the funicular.

The beautiful game in Bergamo

Bergamo’s main stadium is the Gewiss Stadium, formerly known as Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, is located in the Città Bassa area. Read our stadium guide here.

Bergamo’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Lombardy region. The nearby Bergamasque Alps are perfect for hiking, while Lake Iseo, located just a short drive away, is a serene spot for a day trip. For those with more time, the larger and more famous Lake Como is also within easy reach.

Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Città Alta, admiring Renaissance art in Città Bassa, or enjoying the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the city, Bergamo is a captivating destination.

A perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, it’s a must-visit on any trip to northern Italy.

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