Bergamo: An Unmissable Destination in Italy

Bergamo - The Charm of an Ancient City

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Bergamo is gradually stepping out of Milan's shadow to shine as one of Northern Italy's most charming destinations. Unlike other bustling tourist hotspots, this city offers winding streets, fresh air, and a rich history that is simply fascinating.

Just an hour's drive from Milan Bergamo Airport, reaching this gem is a breeze. If you have a car, you can also easily visit nearby attractions such as Lake Como, Lake Iseo, or Lake Garda, all within a short distance.

The Two Faces of the City

Bergamo is distinctly divided into two parts: Città Alta (Upper Town), recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, and Città Bassa (Lower Town), which is youthful and vibrant. Città Alta sits high above with its 19th-century Venetian defensive walls, while Città Bassa sprawls below with a modern pace of life.

I spent a few hours wandering the cobbled streets of Città Alta, admiring the sunlight reflecting off the red-tiled roofs, and strolling around the Rocca di Bergamo, where the sound of church bells echoed gently in the breeze.

Views from Rocca di Bergamo

The Rocca di Bergamo, a defensive system built in the 16th century, offers one of the most beautiful walking routes in Italy. From here, you can gaze at the Alps to the north and the Lombardy plains stretching south toward Milan.

As I passed through Piazza Vecchia, a lovely square adorned with Renaissance architecture, I arrived at Piazza Duomo, the religious heart of the city. Here, the Duomo di Bergamo (Cathedral of Saint Alexander), along with the 14th-century Baptistery and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, stands out beautifully.

Visiting the Churches and Art Spaces

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore lacks a main facade, so visitors enter through two side doors known as the “Red Lion” and “White Lion.” The vast interior of the church is intricately decorated, leaving you unsure where to look first.

Nearby is the Cappella Colleoni, the private chapel of the famous military leader Bartolomeo Colleoni. His tomb is a Renaissance masterpiece featuring a bright pink and white marble facade.

Next, I visited the grave of Gaetano Donizetti, the city's renowned composer. Interestingly, both the Basilica and Cappella Colleoni are free to explore!

Exploring Contemporary Art

As an art enthusiast, I made sure to visit the Accademia Carrara, an art museum housed in a neoclassical building. Here, you can find 28 galleries showcasing 300 artworks, including significant pieces by artists like Pisanello, Titian, and Canaletto.

For those who love modern art, don't miss the GAMEC museum, which displays contemporary art in various forms.

Local Cuisine

This region boasts its own specialties, such as polenta with slow-cooked meat and seasonal risotto. You can savor these dishes alongside a glass of sparkling wine from Franciacorta, one of Italy's most famous wine regions.

My favorite dish in Lombardy is casoncelli alla bergamasca, commonly served in many restaurants. I even took a cooking class at Nonna Aldo, where I learned to make this dish from scratch.

Lastly, I couldn't resist the Stracciatella gelato, developed right in Bergamo. It's a delightful combination of hot chocolate and gelato, creating crunchy chocolate bits within the creamy treat.

Essential Information

You can fly into Orio al Serio Airport (Milan Bergamo Airport), just 5 km from the city. If you need accommodation, the Palazzo Santo Spirito hotel is a fantastic choice with modern spa services and a central location in Città Bassa.

My experiences in Bergamo left me truly satisfied. The city offers the perfect blend of history and modernity, along with a rich culinary scene that is unlike anywhere else.