Italy is filled with ancient towns and bustling cities and, of course, the “big 5” – Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan – often get all the attention. But, exploring beyond these can give visitors a different viewpoint and pace of life, while still delivering culture and history. One of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, is the beautiful city of Bergamo. Visiting Bergamo is easy by train, bus or car from Milan and it sits just three miles away from the Orio al Serio Airport.
Bergamo offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty and is a charming northern Italian city. Read on to find out more about what to see and do during a visit.
All you need to know about visiting Bergamo
A tale of two cities: Città Alta and Città Bassa
The city of Bergamo’s uniqueness lies in its dual identity. This is where two distinct areas – Città Alta (Upper Town) and Città Bassa (Lower Town) – meet to create a city of remarkable contrast.
Città Alta
A journey through time
Città Alta, the city center, perches atop of the hill and creates the Bergamo skyline. With its buildings and towers rising above the city’s imposing surrounding walls, it is the historic heart of Bergamo. It´s history as a medieval stronghold and the four great gates to Città Alta are still visible today.
Not only will you be immersed in history as you wander the winding narrow streets, but also, you can shop in artisan boutiques, relax in fun eateries and take in the great views.
Another thing that keeps the medieval feel is that Città Alta is car-free. You can access it by walking up the winding streets of the Venetian walls from the trails in the surrounding Parco dei Colli. Or you can take a short funicular ride up the hillside. In fact, the funicular is a firm favorite and has connected the two parts of the city for more than 120 years.
Traveler’s tip: If Bergamo isn’t on your radar yet, it definitely should be. And one of the best things about Bergamo is its close proximity to another Italian gem – Milan. And why should you go to Milan as well? Well, let’s talk about Why You Shouldn’t Skip Milan During Your Trip to Italy.
Piazza Vecchia
One of the most iconic spots in Città Alta is Piazza Vecchia, which is nicknamed “Bergamo’s living room.” It is surrounded by historic buildings, such as Palazzo della Ragione and Palazzo Nuovo, and marked by the 17th-century Contarini Fountain in the middle. Rising above it all is the Campanone, or Civic Belltower, which has signalled 10 pm with 100 tolls for more than 360 years. Visitors can climb the 230 steps or simply take a lift to the top for panoramic views across Bergamo.
Palazzo Nuovo
Directly across from Piazza Vecchia is the Palazzo Nuovo, or “new building”. It stands up to its name with modern architectural elements, especially by its bright white marble. This building is the home of the 18th-century Angelo Mai Civic Library, and houses approximately 600,000 volumes and more than 16,000 manuscripts among its stacks.
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
Pass through the arches of Palazzo della Ragione in Piazza Vecchia to visit Piazza del Duomo, Bergamo Alta’s religious center and home of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. Construction on the Basilica began as a votive to the Virgin Mary from the citizens of Bergamo in the hopes that a long period of drought would end. Nestled among a maze of streets and a jumble of buildings, the Basilica is unique in that it doesn’t have a central entrance, but rather multiple entrances split between its two separate façades.
Cattedrale di Sant’Alessandro
The Bergamo Cathedral is another architectural marvel in Città Alta. Attached to Palazzo della Ragione and located in Piazza Duomo, this massive church is not only a place of worship but an art gallery in its own right. It houses beautiful frescoes and artwork that tell stories of centuries gone by.
Civic Museum and Donizetti Museum
Bergamo Alta doesn’t end here. History enthusiasts can visit the Civic Museum of Bergamo to learn about the city’s past. Pay homage to the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti in his birthplace with a visit to the Donizetti Museum. Catch the viewpoints from the city’s Venetian-era walls that are still perfectly preserved today.
Città Bassa:
Modern elegance
The historic charm of Città Alta gives way to a more modern elegance in Città Bassa. This is Bergamo proper, where most people live and work and the contemporary pulse of Bergamo beats. Walk through the different boroughs to explore the restaurants, workshops, and shopping the city has to offer.
Donizetti Theater
For culture enthusiasts, the Donizetti Theater is a cultural hub in Città Bassa. Named after the renowned composer Gaetano Donizetti, this theater hosts opera, ballet, and classical music performances throughout the year, offering a glimpse into Bergamo’s thriving arts scene.
Accademia Carrara
Art lovers should not miss the Accademia Carrara, an art gallery housing works by famous Italian painters such as Raphael, Bellini, and Mantegna. The gallery has recently added a new piece to its collection by Mantegna, titled “The Resurrection of Christ.” The painting sat in storage for nearly a century, overlooked as a copy. Tour the gallery for an insight into the artistic heritage that Bergamo has long hosted.
Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art
Those looking for something more contemporary can visit GAMEC. Bergamo’s Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art sits directly across from the Accademia Carrara in a restored 15th-century monastery. Apart from its regular and rotating exhibitions, GAMEC also hosts workshops and events for adults and children and happy hours with music and art in the courtyard, so be sure to check out their website for specific dates and times.
Sant’Alessandro in Colonna
Take part in Bergamo lore with a visit to Sant’Alessandro in Colonna, a church dedicated to Bergamo’s patron saint. The church, located on a road of the same name, is believed to have been built on the site of the saint’s execution by the Romans. A column in front of the church marks the exact spot where the saint was martyred, after refusing to renounce his Christianity.
Via Sentierone
Sentierone, a tree-lined promenade, is a focal point for both locals and visitors. Here, people gather to socialize, shop, and enjoy the daily passeggiata, a leisurely walk before dinner to see and be seen. Go for the luxury boutiques and local coffee shops or simply stroll the beautiful street to get a true sense of community in the heart of Città Bassa.
What to eat while visiting Bergamo
When visiting Bergamo, turn to traditional favorites for a taste of the local life.
Stracciatella gelato
One thing is sure: a visit to Bergamo Alta is hardly complete without a stop at La Marianna, a restaurant and gelateria which is famous for being the birthplace of stracciatella gelato.
Local dishes and culinary favorites
- Bergamo-style pizza. A local variation featuring a thicker, fluffy crust and topped with ingredients like stracchino cheese, is perfect for a quick bite.
- The traditional Milan aperitivo or aperaceni – a charcuterie board or cheese and meat plate with local favorites like: Taleggio, a soft cheese with a kick, branzi, a semi-soft cheese made in the mountains north of Bergamo, or a local salame, perhaps one made of sheep or goat.
- The crown jewel of Bergamo’s culinary offerings is the Casoncelli, a sort of ravioli made with fresh egg pasta filled with meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and spices and served with melted butter, bacon, and sage.
- For something heartier, go for the polenta: Polenta taragna, made from buckwheat and typically mixed with butter and cheese, is the ultimate comfort food dish. Or, try something unique for dessert with polenta e osei, or polenta and birds. In this sweet treat, polenta covered in almond paste form small nests and chocolate shaped into small birds sit on top.
They say Bergamo is a city with two hearts and one soul. The perfect combination of characteristic Italian charm and modern elegance, a visit to Bergamo is incomplete without touring both Città Alta and Bassa and experiencing both sides of this unique city.
FAQ´s – Visiting Bergamo
What’s the best time of year to visit Bergamo?
Bergamo is beautiful year-round, but the most pleasant months are April–June and September–October, when temperatures are mild and the city is less crowded. Summer can be hot and busy, while winter is quieter and atmospheric—especially around Christmas, when Bergamo’s squares and streets light up with festive markets.
How long should I plan to spend visiting Bergamo?
You can explore the highlights of both Città Alta and Città Bassa in one full day, but most visitors prefer two days to enjoy museums, viewpoints, and local food at a relaxed pace. Bergamo also makes an excellent base for day trips to Lake Iseo, Brescia, and the Val Brembana hiking areas.
Does Bergamo actually produce its own wine?
Absolutely. The hills around Bergamo are covered in vineyards like they’ve been purpose-built for a postcard. The region is part of the Valcalepio wine region and it’s known for it´s excellent Valcalepio DOC wines as well as the famous Moscato di Scanzo. Many local vineyards offer tours and tastings, especially around the Valcalepio area and the hills of Scanzorosciate.
Doesn’t Bergamo look amazing? Well, if you’d love to enjoy some more amazing Italian art, cuisine and history, why not combine your trip to Bergamo with a Milan visit? Our Milan walking tours will take you to see Last Supper, the Duomo, and the city’s top landmarks. We’ll see you there!