The Secret City of Bergamo Explore Italy

If you love Romanesque and Renaissance structures, old intertwined with new, then you will absolutely adore Bergamo! This is an underrated gem that Italians have and while most tourists use it for transit, they are missing out on a fabulous escape form everyday life.

Consider it a romantic city, situated in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. A small place, with a population of 120 000 people, Bergamo is a wonderful combination of historical architecture and high-fashion streets.

Once you’re in Bergamo, you’ll get to the center of the town in less than 15 minutes via bus. Tickets are inexpensive and you can get a 24h pass with only 5EUR or a 72h pass with 7EUR. That means you can travel by bus, funicular or trams using only that ticket. As a personal note – take your time to explore its narrow streets with your own two feet. It would be a remorse not to see all the spectacular views that this place has to offer!

With winding roads and imposing walls, the Old Citadel is easily spotted behind the monumental gates that defend its beauty.

Stylish small restaurants and cafes are present throughout the narrow streets and surround the squares. The food is generally good and serving is ok. We found that the bars usually open after 10 am, so if you are a morning person and desperate for breakfast, then you’ll be pleased to know there’s a McDonalds near the train station! Oh, the train station you ask? It’s 2 bus stops from the funicular, basically dividing the old town from the new town.

Italians here don’t speak English so well – some don’t speak at all, so it can be quite difficult sometimes. Lucky for us, there are lots of local teens gathering in Piazza Matteotti, exactly in the center of Bergamo’s Lower Town (Città Bassa) that you can communicate with. If you are a smoker, be sure to bring your packs! Cigarettes are hard to find in shops and are only available non-stop at vending machines – which require an ID scan or finger print and they only work for locals.

Take the Funicular – Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride

The funicular connects both the old and the newer part of Bergamo. A slow cruise to the top allows you to witness the splendor in which the city dives in. Medieval like buildings, narrow roads and an overall peaceful sentiment hogs the atmosphere. While it’s a steep ride to the top, you can also effortlessly walk down the stone road at night and appreciate the view – and oh, what a view that is!

Piazza Vecchia

Entering the Old Town, you are greeted by a charming square framed by patrician houses, Gothic arches, astonishing architectural buildings and the smell of fresh brewed espresso. The municipal library is housed by the late-Renaissance Palazzo Nuovo, just to your lower right and the flavor of the place urges you to take a seat and enjoy the scenery.

Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of St. Mary Major)

Right behind Piazza Vecchia, trailing the Gothinc arches, stands an impressive arhitectural tresure in Piazza del Duomo. Santa Maria Maggiore church, built in 1137, is a remarkable edifice with lavish embelishments, overwhelimg statues and intricate frescos.

Colleoni Chapel

Located right next to the Santa Maria Maggiore church is the Colleoni Chapel, constructed in early Lombard Renaissance style. With its luxuriant façade of inlaid marble, it stands to prove that less is not always more.

The City Gates and Walls

Surrounded by fascinating Venitial walls, the Old City is guarded still today by massive gates that are in unreal condition, despite their age. Rosewood marble, imposing columns and dazzling architecture, stand witness to the historical influence that Bergamo has experience throughout time.

Museum of Natural Science and Archaeology

For those of you who love ancient history, this place is a real treat! Within its walls you will find collections of artefacts and relics that will excite you.

Take a day trip!

• Go to Milan. It’s a 50 minutes trip by train and you have trains leaving every hour. The best way to find a cheap fare is to book your ticket as far in advance as you can and to avoid traveling at rush hour. Milan (Milano) has a fantastic culture, nightlife and it’s a place of historical significance. It would be a shame not to visit it!

• San Pellegrino Terme. This spa town lies at the foothills of Bergamo Alps. It is most commonly known for its natural alkaline watter springs, superb sorroundings and the once-fashionable array of  Art Nouveau villas

• Faunistic Park Le Cornelle. It’s basically focused on animals but it also has some amusement areas.  So, it you’re an animal lover, then you can save a day to visit this sanctuary.

• Lake Como. The average ticket from Bergamo to Como will cost around € 10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only € 6. The lake is no stranger to tourists that have grown to like it there. Some have even favoured it to their hometown and settled in nicely. The view is breathtaking, with mountains guarding  both fronts of the lake and the Alps nesting on the North side. You can also take a tour on a boat and see the scenery. Once you discover the magic of lake Como, you will find it quite hard to leave it!

Where to Stay in Bergamo – Accommodation

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Already thinking you should be travelling to Bergamo? Let me know!