Bergamo Travel Guide: Tourist Places & Activities
Located in Lombardy, this city is known for its Venetian walls encircling the historic upper district, which offers cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and sweeping views of the surrounding plains.
- Population
- 120,000
- Size
- 40 square km
- Airport
- Orio al Serio – Int'l.
- Train Station
- Bergamo Station
- Est. Visit Days
- 2 days
Overview
Bergamo, a city in northern Italy, is renowned for its rich history and beautiful medieval architecture, notably the old town (Città Alta) surrounded by Venetian walls. The city also boasts the Accademia Carrara art gallery and the Teatro Donizetti, a renowned opera house. However, Bergamo is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Milan, which can lead to it being somewhat underrated as a tourist destination. The city's dual nature, with the historic upper town and the more modern lower town, offers a diverse experience. One potential downside is that Bergamo can be quite crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons.
Traffic & Transport
The city's compact size and well-preserved historic center make it ideal for exploring on foot, especially for tourists interested in the cultural and architectural highlights. For longer distances or to reach the upper town, a funicular railway is available, offering both a convenient mode of transport and scenic views. Buses are also a practical option for navigating the wider area, with a network that covers most major attractions. However, it's important to note that traffic can be congested during peak tourist seasons, particularly in the central areas. For those preferring taxi services, several reliable companies operate in the city, including Radio Taxi and Taxi Bergamo. Additionally, the use of taxi-booking apps like Uber provides an efficient way to secure rides and estimate fares, offering an alternative to hailing cabs on the street.
History
Historically, the city was founded as a Celtic settlement before becoming a Roman municipality in 49 BC. It thrived in the Middle Ages as a free commune, later coming under the control of the Republic of Venice in 1428, which significantly influenced its architecture and art. The city was also a prominent center for the production of textiles and metalworking during the Renaissance. In terms of warfare, it was heavily fortified and was the site of significant battles, including during the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. Today, it is celebrated for its well-preserved historic architecture and its annual music and performing arts festivals.
Itinerary Sample
Explore Bergamo in two days, focusing on its rich history and lovely architecture.
– First day: Visit the Città Alta (Upper City), including Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica Di Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Rocca museum. Enjoy panoramic views from the Venetian Walls.
– Second day: Explore the Città Bassa (Lower City), visit the Accademia Carrara, stroll along Via XX Settembre, and relax in the Giardino dell'Arena.
Near Excursion
This city is a great starting point for several exciting day trips. Here are some suggestions:
– Lake Como at 50 km: A charming lake surrounded by mountains and charming villages.
– Milan at 50 km: Italy's fashion and financial hub, known for its cathedral and shopping.
– Franciacorta at 40 km: A renowned wine region famous for its sparkling wines and vineyards.
– Brescia at 55 km: A city with Roman ruins, medieval castles, and Renaissance architecture.
– Lake Iseo at 35 km: A carefree lake offering boat trips and the scenic Monte Isola island.
Attraction
Known for its rich history and fascinating architecture, this city offers a variety of attractions for tourists.
– Città Alta: Explore the medieval old town with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares.
– Piazza Vecchia: Visit the heart of the old town, featuring the Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre del Campanone.
– Basilica Di Santa Maria Maggiore: Admire the Romanesque architecture and intricate interior of this 12th-century church.
– Accademia Carrara: Discover an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art in this renowned art gallery.
– Rocca di Bergamo: Enjoy panoramic views and learn about local history at this ancient fortress.
– Orto Botanico di Bergamo: Relax in this beautiful botanical garden with a variety of plant species and scenic views.
Activity
In Bergamo, travelers can enjoy a mix of historical, architectural, and natural experiences.
– Citta Alta Walk: Explore medieval streets, historic buildings, and panoramic views.
– Funicular Ride: Take a scenic ride on the funicular connecting Citta Alta and Citta Bassa.
– Parco dei Colli: Hike or bike in this park offering nature trails and city views.
– San Vigilio Hill: Climb to the top for views of the city and surrounding landscape.
– Thermal Baths: Relax in the thermal waters of San Pellegrino Terme.
Cuisine
The city offers a rich culinary tradition with a focus on hearty, rustic dishes and local ingredients. Some of the city's most famous dishes include:
– Casoncelli: Stuffed pasta with a filling of meat, breadcrumbs, and cheese, typically served with butter and sage.
– Polenta Taragna: A mix of cornmeal and buckwheat flour, often served with melted cheese and butter.
– Scarpinocc: A type of stuffed pasta similar to ravioli, filled with cheese and herbs.
– Stracciatella Soup: A light broth with beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy texture.
– Donizetti Cake: A ring-shaped cake flavored with apricots and pineapple, named after the composer Gaetano Donizetti.
– Polenta e Osei: A dessert made to look like polenta, but actually a cake filled with chocolate and hazelnut cream.
Shopping
In the city, the best shopping experience can be found in the upper town, where quaint boutiques and artisan shops offer unique local crafts. A recommended gift to purchase is the locally produced Stracciatella gelato, originating from this area. Additionally, consider buying Bergamasco cheese or a bottle of Valcalepio wine, both of which are regional specialties. The Accademia Carrara area also offers art prints and books for those interested in art and culture.
Arts & Culture
The city hosts the annual Bergamo Film Meeting, an international film festival that celebrates and promotes cinema with a special focus on independent filmmaking. It is also home to the Accademia Carrara, an art gallery boasting a vast collection of Renaissance paintings. The Teatro Donizetti is a historic venue that offers a rich program of opera, reflecting the city's musical heritage linked to composer Gaetano Donizetti. Additionally, the city comes alive during the "I Maestri del Paesaggio," an international landscape architecture festival attracting designers and enthusiasts from around the world.