Visiting Bergamo
Bergamo is the fourth-largest city in Lombardy, located in Northern Italy. This charming town is famous for its Città Alta, a historic center enclosed by ancient defensive walls. It makes for an ideal Italian city break, offering a change of pace from Milan.
Strolling and sampling
Visitors are drawn to Bergamo because it feels like stepping back in time. The medieval Città Alta is perfectly preserved, and the best way to soak up its atmosphere is on foot. You can walk the chemin de ronde de la Mura, a 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of Venetian-era fortifications that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Watching the sunset from these walls is a highlight of any trip. For a different perspective, head out of the city center and climb the stairs of the Parc des Collines for panoramic views.
After all that walking, you will have earned a taste of Bergamo's culinary specialties. Polenta is a staple here and appears on nearly every restaurant menu. This boiled cornmeal dish is a versatile base for many local recipes. Try some formai de mut (an Alpine cheese) and finish with the traditional pollenta e osei, a sponge cake stuffed with almond paste and chocolate. If you are craving something cold, note that stracciatella gelato was reportedly invented at the La Marianna shop on Colle Aperto.
Art and history
It is impossible to list every historic building in Bergamo. On the Piazza Vecchia, make sure to see the Palazzo Nuovo, a Renaissance structure built in white marble, and the Palazzo della Ragione, the city's oldest monument. Climb the Campanone bell tower that overlooks the square and listen for the one hundred chimes that have rung out every night at 10:00 PM for centuries. Afterward, explore the four monumental gates that lead into the Città Alta. The porte vénitienne San Giacomo is arguably the most impressive, featuring pristine stonework that contrasts with the nearby viaduct. Finally, do not miss the Piazza Duomo, which houses the city cathedral, the sublime basilique de Santa Maria Maggiore, and the intricate Colleoni Chapel. Art lovers should round out their trip at the Académie Carrara, which holds a significant collection of 16th-century Italian masters.
When to go
Bergamo is a year-round destination, as the city offers plenty of walking routes and cultural sites regardless of the season. Just be prepared to bundle up during the winter months, as the weather gets quite cold, much like the rest of Northern Italy.
How to get there
Getting to Bergamo is straightforward. If you are flying, the city has its own international airport, Il Caravaggio, located just 3 miles (5 kilometers) away. Bergamo is also close to Milan, about 31 miles (50 kilometers) away, making it easy to reach by train or car (a 1-hour drive via the A4 and E64 highways).
For my part, I really liked my visit to the city of Bergamo. It is true that the center is smaller than in Rome for example, but there is a great sense of ease to life there. The medieval alleys, the ramparts, and the buildings are very well preserved and worth the trip. I suggest you spend one or two days there before discovering the rest of the region.