Visiting Bergamo
Bergamo is the fourth-largest city in Lombardy, in northern Italy. This charming city is famous for its Città Alta, or its historic center enclosed by Venetian walls. It is an ideal stop for a city break in Italy that offers a nice change of pace from Milan!
Between strolls and local bites
Bergamo draws visitors from all over because it feels almost like stepping back in time. This medieval city features a remarkably well-preserved old town known as the Città Alta. Walking is the best way to take in its unique atmosphere. You can stroll along the Mura walkway, 3 miles of defensive walls recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catching the sunset from here is a must-do. For an expansive view across the area, you can also head slightly outside the center and tackle the numerous stone steps winding through the Parco dei Colli.
After all those steps, treat yourself to Bergamo's traditional culinary specialties. Polenta is a staple found on every restaurant menu, serving as the base for numerous hearty dishes. Sample some formai de mut (an Alpine cheese), and finish with a traditional dessert like polenta e osei, a sponge cake filled with almond paste and chocolate. Creamy stracciatella gelato was also supposedly invented right here at the La Marianna shop up on Colle Aperto.
A city of art and history
It is impossible to list every historic building in Bergamo. On Piazza Vecchia, check out the white marble Renaissance-style Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo della Ragione, the oldest civic building in the city. Climb to the top of the Campanone tower overlooking the square to hear its bell strike 100 times every evening at 10pm, a tradition kept alive for centuries. Four monumental stone gates grant entry into the Città Alta. The Venetian gate of San Giacomo is easily the most striking, with its pale stone contrasting against the adjacent viaduct. Piazza Duomo brings together several religious landmarks including the Bergamo Cathedral, the striking Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the ornate Colleoni Chapel. Art enthusiasts can round out their trip at the Accademia Carrara, which houses an extensive collection of Italian masters from the 15th through the 19th centuries.
When to go
Bergamo works as a year-round destination, offering rewarding walks and cultural outings in every season. Winters bring cold temperatures typical of northern Italy, so pack a heavy coat if you visit during the colder months.
Getting there
Reaching Bergamo is straightforward. If you are flying, the city is served by its own international airport, Il Caravaggio, located just 3 miles away. Bergamo is also situated about 30 miles from Milan, making it easy to access by train or car via a 1-hour drive on 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.