Bergamo City

by Marta Pin (subscribe)

If you come to the North of Italy, you must not miss Bergamo city, the second most visited place in the Lombardy region. It is easy to reach, as it is not far from Milan, just one hour by public services (train and buses).

What is spectacular about this 120,000 residents' city is the elegance, the classy and chic atmosphere you can feel around. Beyond the fact it's clean and tidy, Bergamo is best-known for the famous Città Alta – the medieval hamlet still protected by the original defensive walls. Here, you'll plunge into a totally different lifestyle. Far from traffic and loud voices, anyone may discover the deepest and spiritual sense of the past centuries.

At first sight, Città Alta looks like Venice with cobblestone pavements and total quietness, but cars still fit the narrow spaces and they are moving too. Moreover, access to this highest peak of the city is facilitated by the funicular railway. When you reach Piazza Vecchia, just pass it over and admire the splendid cathedrals in front of the old civic tower, called Campanone, which sounds 100 rings every day at 10 pm, to recall the closing of the walls doors.







The churches are of different ages, but they are splendid. Indeed, Santa Maria Maggiore presents an elaborate façade with red lions, whilst the interior's Baroque tapestries of Florentine and Flemish productions predominate. The other church presents a neo-classical structure on the outside while brilliant paintings, marble and wooden structures are inside.









Walking straight towards Piazza Nuova, the tourist can observe the characteristic buildings' architecture and original spots depicting the longstanding symbols of Italian culture. For example, have a look at the public clothes washtub.







Then, returning to the modern and chaotic city centre downhill, remind yourself to look at the romantic and historical elements that give Bergamo a different perspective of beauty.

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Why? Romance and history

Where: Bergamo, Italy