Bergamo in Northern Italy is neither big or particularly famous and is not a usual destination for tourists. Bergamo is less than 1 hour northeast of Milan and has been living quietly at the edge of the Alps for more than 2,000 years. Bergamo is a town that consists of 2 distinct parts. The Citta Bassa or the lower city and the Citta Alta, the old upper city and historic centre which is full of beautiful medieval and Renaissance buildings.

Originally known as Barra, Bergamo is said to have been founded by Cydno, the son of the founder of the Liguri family. The Etruscans turned the city into a fortress in the sixth century BC as its hilltop location made it ideal to spot any advancing enemy right over the plains below. And for nearly 400 years, starting in the early 15th century to the late 18th century, Bergamo was under the influence of Venice, and it was the Venetians who rebuilt the stone walls around Citta Alta.

Narrow and winding cobblestone streets are to be found everywhere inside the city walls. Once inside the Porta San Alessandro, one of the 4 gates around the ancient wall, a walk along Via Colleoni is highly recommended as it leads to the magnificent Piazza Vecchia.

This plaza is surrounded by impressive buildings with the Fontana di Alvise Contarini fountain positioned at its centre. The Palazzo Della Ragione, or municipal palace is also located here with a magnificent bell tower to its right. Between these two buildings is an archway which leads to Piazza Duomo, home to the gorgeous Santa Maria Maggiore and Bergamo’s Cathedral, as well as the Colleoni Chapel and baptistery.

The 12th century church of Santa Maria houses traces of the original frescoes depicting the tree of life. The dome has frescoes by Giovanbattista Tiepolo and the walls are covered with Florentine tapestries, the wooden confessional was designed and made by Andrea Fontani in 1705. The Santa Maria church also contains the tomb of famous composer Bergamo Gaetano Donizetti who wrote 71 operas, 18 symphonies and many other important works.

Bergamo’s Via Gombito is lined with bars, restaurants, cafes and small groceries where fine food includes the best polenta in Italy and Taleggio cheese, there are also many confectionery shops displaying the yellow cakes known as polenta e osei. Magnificent window displays and aromas will make you want to try everything.

If your looking for a bite to eat in Bergamo, a trip to the former prison building just off Via Colleoni, which is now called Il Circolino di Citta Alta is well worth a visit and is highly recommended. The budget priced restaurant is operated and owned by Bergamo’s senior citizens and students which serve great local food from home-made ravioli-like Cosoncelli alla Bergamasca to various polenta dishes.

However, Bergamo’s food and architecture is not limited to the old town. The lower part of the city, Citta Bassa also has much to offer, especially Accademia Carrara. Located at Piazza Giacomo Carrara, the academy is one of Italy’s most important art spaces and houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Raffaello, Bellini and Donatello.

How to get to Bergamo

Bergamo is just 53 km from Milan along the Milan-Venice A4 motorway. Car rental in Bergamo is not expensive and is definitely worth considering.

The train from Stazione Centrale Milano to Bergamo leave frequently with a journey time of around 50 minutes.

Tourists arriving in Bergamo by bus or train can take Atb (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo) bus number 1 to Citta Alta or the funicular, which runs from 7.00am to midnight.

The nearest airport is Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport and flights to bergamo are operated from many locations.