Situated in the North of Italy, in the Lombardy region, is Bergamo. The city is essentially split into two parts. At the bottom, is the newer modern part of the city (known as La Citta Bassa) whilst the older, historic part of the city (known as La Citta Alta) sits above. Boasting an airport less than 5 km from the heart of the city, Bergamo is the perfect option for a city break in Italy but it’s also a popular stopping point for a night en route to an Italian Lakes villa holiday. So, for those planning a brief stop in Bergamo, here’s our guide to the city’s top 10 sights.
1) Visit the Venetian walls
The old Venetian walls of Bergamo are approximately 5 km long and stretch all the way round the upper part of the town. The walls were built between the 15th and 16th century and were originally built to defend the city from enemy attack. The good news is that the lack of any serious attack meant they are still in excellent condition today. These days, they offer the perfect setting for romantic walks at sunset.
2) Ride on the funicolare
The Funicolare Bergamo Alta connects the two parts of the city. The funicular is over 100 years old but just like the Venetian walls it is well kept and in good condition. It is only a 3 minute journey from Bergamo Bassa to Bergamo Alta but we can highly recommend catching a ride at least once, even if you can also walk up from the lower to the upper part of Bergamo. At the top, you will find some beautiful historic buildings and some incredible views over the city.
3) Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
If you want to learn more about the history of the city through its frescoes, sculptures and tapestries then this is the place to go. Since the basilica took nearly four centuries to build, there are a number of different styles within the basilica including the Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque. Construction began back in the 12th century, supposedly to protect the citizens of Bergamo from the plague and on the site of an earlier 8th century church. The basilica is found in the Piazza Duomo.
4) Take a Segway or e-bike tour of the city
This is a lovely way to see the city in the evening or during the day especially as a family. There are lots of different types of tours available in Bergamo but a Segway or e-bike tour ensures you see all the historic sites if you have a limited amount of time.
5) Visit the San Giacomo gate
This is the most impressive out of the four gates which lead to the upper town. The gate, built in 1593, used to be the entrance for people coming from Milan. The incredible structure is built from white marble replacing a wooden structure dating back to the 16th century. It is definitely worth a visit and you can also visit the Venetian walls at the same time.
6) Walk up the Rocca di Bergamo
You can ride the funicular to the upper town then walk up the hill of Sant’ Eufemia to reach the Rocca di Bergamo. At the top of this 14th century fortress, you can see the most amazing panoramic views of the upper town, Orobie Alps and the skyline of Milan. There is also a small museum here, church and gardens to explore.
7) Visit the Natural Science Museum
Perfect if you’re travelling with kids, the Museo di Scienze Naturali is home to a variety of creatures from tiny insects to a huge woolly mammoth. The museum is also free for kids so a very cheap way to spend at least 2 hours learning about natural history including a number of creatures that came before us. Costing just a few euros to enter and free for children, it is also a great break from seeing the historic sights of the city especially in the Summer heat.
8) Taste Bergamo’s historic cuisine
Tour the city on foot whilst stopping to try the local delicacies of the city. You will learn about how the dishes have evolved in the area and how they originated. You will be able to try a whole range of dishes and wines as you stop off at multiple restaurants and bars. We recommend you take this tour during the day for lunch or in the evening for an early dinner.
9) Visit the Piazza Vecchia
This picturesque 15th century square is one of the main attractions of the city of Bergamo. To travel to the square you can take the funicular to the upper part of the town. Once it would have been the heart of the political powerhouse of Bergamo. These days, there are a whole range of historic buildings surrounding the square (including the Palazzo Nuovo, Palazzo della Ragione and Il Campanone) along with multiple bars and restaurants to try, making it a popular meeting place for locals and holidaymakers alike. In its centre is the 18th century Contarini fountain. Regular events are also held in the square all year round if you a lucky enough to have timed your trip right.
10) Go shopping on the Via XX Settembre
The Via XX Settembre is Bergamo’s central street and it is well known for its high quality high street shops. If you need a break from visiting the historic sights and fancy some retail therapy then this is the place to go. However if you want a souvenir to take home then we would recommend you take the furnicular up to Bergamo Alta where you will find smaller handmade gifts.
11) Enjoy the views from the Campanone (Torre Civica)
Whilst you will enjoy great views over La Citta Bassa from La Citta Alta, if you want to enjoy views over the old part of town, then there is no better option than taking the ride in the glass elevator to the top of the Torre Civica. The tower was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and originally belonged to the powerful Suardi family and measured 37 metres high. Since then it has been constantly expanded and now stands at 56 metre high. At the top of the views are stunning over all parts of the cit. Handy maps will help you to navigate whats what! Just be prepared for the bells striking!
12) Visit the art in the Accademia Carrara
Widely considered to be one of Italy’s finest art museums, this museum in Bergamo is home to over 600 incredible works of art across 28 separate rooms and two floors. You’ll find works by artists such as Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Pisanello and many others covering over four hundred years from the 15th to the end of the 19th century.
13) Admire the Duomo di Bergamo and Baptistery
Bergamo’s Duomo dates back to the 17th century and is dedicated to Saint Alexander of Bergamo, the city’s patron saint. It is well worth a visit to admire the beautiful interior.
14) Visit the modern art at the Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
This contemporary art gallery (GAMeC-) is a refreshing change from the more traditional art and architecture found elsewhere in Bergamo. Opened in 1991, it is located in a former convent Piazza Carrara.
15) Visit the Botanic Gardens
The Orto Botanico di Bergamo Lorenzo Rota are small botanic gardens situated above the upper part of town. Entry is free and it is a pleasant space to enjoy a stroll and sit surrounded by nature. We’ve never known it to be busy and you will be able to spend a very pleasant hour here to escape the bustling city of Bergamo below as well as to admire the wonderful views.