Why visit Bergamo
Bergamo is one of northern Italy's most captivating cities, split into two distinct parts: Citta Alta (Upper Town), a perfectly preserved medieval borough perched on a hilltop and enclosed by UNESCO Venetian Walls, and Citta Bassa (Lower Town), the modern center with world-class museums, shopping, and nightlife.
Just 50km from Milan and 5km from Orio al Serio Airport (Italy's 3rd busiest), Bergamo is perfect both as a main destination and as a stop on a Lombardy trip. The city is the birthplace of opera composer Gaetano Donizetti, of stracciatella gelato (invented here in 1961), and of casoncelli, northern Italy's most beloved stuffed pasta.
Upper Town — The medieval heart
Upper Town is Bergamo's crown jewel: a perfectly preserved medieval borough reached by the historic funicular (every 7 minutes, 2-minute ride, ticket EUR 1.70 included in urban transport).
Must-see attractions:
- Piazza Vecchia: called by Le Corbusier "the most beautiful square in Italy"
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Romanesque masterpiece from 1137
- Cappella Colleoni: Renaissance jewel by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo
- Torre Civica (Campanone): 100 bell strikes every night at 10pm
- Venetian Walls: 6km UNESCO panoramic walkway
- San Vigilio funicular: the best panoramic viewpoint in the city
What to eat in Bergamo
Bergamo's cuisine is one of the richest in northern Italy:
- Casoncelli alla bergamasca: stuffed pasta with meat, dressed with melted butter, sage and crispy pancetta
- Polenta taragna: buckwheat polenta with melted Branzi cheese
- Stracciatella gelato: invented in Bergamo at La Marianna in 1961
- Cheeses: Taleggio DOP, Branzi, Strachitunt DOP, Formai de Mut DOP
- Moscato di Scanzo DOCG: Italy's rarest DOCG wine, from Scanzorosciate
- Valcalepio DOC: red and white wines from Bergamo's hills
Practical information
Getting there:
- By plane: Orio al Serio (BGY), then ATB Bus Line 1 to center (20 min, EUR 1.70)
- By train: from Milan Central 50 minutes with Trenord (~EUR 6)
- By car: A4 Milan-Venice motorway, Bergamo exit
How long to stay: minimum 1 day for Upper Town. 2-3 days for a complete visit. A week to include valleys and lakes.
Transport tickets: single EUR 1.70 | 24h tourist EUR 4.90 | 72h full network EUR 14.50
Useful numbers: Emergency 112 | Tourist Office 035 210204 | Taxi 035 451 9090