Looking for deals in Bergamo? Shopping and shops. Districts. Where is the best place to live

This ancient town, located near Milan, is often overlooked by tourists. It's a pity, because the real treasure of Italy is famous for its amazing architectural monuments and a calm atmosphere, which large settlements of the country cannot boast of.

Excursion to the history of the city

The stunningly beautiful Bergamo, which has retained its unique spirit, is located in the Lombardy region and is divided into two parts - historical and modern. About 120 thousand people live in the administrative center of the province of the same name.

Located at the very foot of the Alps, Bergamo (Italy) was founded in 49 BC by the Celts, and it got its name from the name of the deity Bergimus. The settlement was owned by Roman soldiers who turned it into an economically developed city. The convenient geographical position made the settlement very attractive for the invaders. After the fall of the Roman Empire, he survived the invasions of barbarians, Franks, Spaniards, Austrians. This continued until the 15th century, when Bergamo became part of the Venetian Republic. This ensured prosperity and peace for the ancient city for many years.

A century later, the authorities erected a new ring of defensive structures that protected Bergamo from attacks. A powerful structure with watchtowers and bastions was not useful to the townspeople and was soon abolished. Now a road has been laid along it for walks of local residents.

And only in the XIX century the city became part of Italy.

Weather and climate

Due to the proximity of the Alps, the weather in Bergamo, located in the foothills, is extremely comfortable for tourists, although it can be hot in summer. The temperate continental climate means snowy winters and light frosts. And in spring and late autumn, there is too much precipitation, and during this period there are high rates of rainy days (from one to two weeks).

The hottest month is July, and January is the coldest. It is worth considering that the weather in Bergamo in autumn and winter can change dramatically in a few days, so you need to stock up on appropriate clothing in advance.

High and low seasons

For those who want to walk a lot fresh air and wander in search interesting monuments, you can advise to come here in spring or early autumn, when it is sunny and not very hot. The high season is traditionally from May to September, as well as Christmas and New Year holidays. It was then that there was an influx of guests and an increase in prices for hotel rooms.

The hospitable city of Bergamo welcomes tourists all year round, and to feel its amazing spirit, it is best to go here when there are no noisy crowds of foreigners. The low season starts in late autumn and continues until early spring. The fewer people in the Italian pearl, the cheaper the cost of living and eating in restaurants. And also there are no queues for visiting the main architectural objects.

What is there to see in Citta Alta?

Where to start acquaintance with the picturesque Bergamo? Italy is a unique, colorful country, ancient and very beautiful. upper town in Bergamo is an area where everything breathes history. Located on a hill, at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, it is the concentration of ancient monuments, and a lot of interesting sights for tourists are concentrated on a small piece of land. Citta Alta, founded by the Celts, is connected to the Lower City by a funicular. The historical center is a corner fortified during the Middle Ages, which is of great interest to vacationers.

The heart of the Citta Alta, which has survived almost unchanged, is the Old Square. This is the most visited place in Bergamo, so adored by tourists, it is not surprising that most of the beautiful photos for guidebooks were taken here. Protected by the stone wall Piazza Vecchia, which appeared during the reign of the Venetians, the territory is a marvelous ensemble of narrow cobbled streets, medieval cathedrals, majestic palaces, luxurious fountains and mansions. Here are the main attractions of this island of tranquility.

Two town halls

The town hall, erected in the 12th century, is located on the square. Palazzo della Ragion, in which the municipality was located, was destroyed several times by fires to the ground, and local architects even doubted whether to start building it again. The restored town hall, decorated with beautiful columns, exceeded all expectations of the residents. Its façade arouses keen interest of the guests of the city with the image of a lion leaning on an open book. This is a sign that at the time when the bas-relief was installed, peace reigned. During the war years, the predator, which is a symbol of the dominance of Venice, stepped on the closed tome.

Nearby is new town hall- Palazzo Nuovo, made of snow-white marble. Now it houses a huge library, the books of which can be called museum rarities: many priceless editions were published more than two centuries ago.

Religious sites

What else to see in Bergamo? Wandering through the streets of the Upper Town, you can admire the main cathedral of Sant'Alessandro and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the shape of a Greek cross. It was erected in the 12th century on the site of an old temple by residents who were afraid that due to the drought they would be left without a harvest. The townspeople wanted the gods to appreciate the majestic building and send down the long-awaited rain. The Romanesque temple was often reconstructed, and after the 16th century the basilica was completely rebuilt, and it acquired its present form. Opera composer Donizetti and his teacher Mayr found their last refuge in the religious building.

Later to historical monument completed the baptistery, where the sacrament of baptism was performed, erected a bell tower and sacristy. And the famous artist Tiepolo decorated the dome with his works. Tourists who dream of touching the beautiful are sure to keep their way here.

The single-nave Cathedral of Cattedrale di sant "Alessandro, dedicated to the patron saint of the administrative center - the holy martyr Alexander, can accommodate up to 1200 people. It was destroyed several times to the ground and rebuilt again, changing the facade and the bell tower. Through the efforts of the parishioners, the ancient altars of the 16th century, representing cultural value. After the reconstruction of the cathedral, which has the shape of a Latin cross, a crypt was added to it - an underground church, where, due to lack of lighting, it is very gloomy.

In the place of the old sacristy, a unique Renaissance building was built in the 15th century. Cappella Colleoni was originally the personal temple of one of the most respected and prosperous residents - the condottiere B. Colleoni. Architectural ensemble in the Lombard style, the chapel, decorated with medallions with images of Caesar, with a Gothic rose window and multi-colored marble in the facade, attracts the eye.

Here lies the valiant warrior Colleoni and his daughter, who died at the age of 15. The inside of the chapel is as charming as the outside, and all visitors are breathtaking at the sight of the magnificent frescoes of the master Tiepolo, the numerous sculptures of saints and the walls decorated with paintings.

Towers and Venetian Wall

Built of sandstone, the 51-meter Gombito Tower (Torre del Gombito) is another architectural landmark of the Lower City. Perfectly preserved from the 12th century, it previously served as a defensive structure, so it has almost no openings.

Another tower with interesting history located in the heart of the Old Square. The fact is that in the Middle Ages, wealthy families erected structures of this kind that were used for living. Wealthy people built tall towers to show your status. This is how the square Torre Civica appeared - a powerful structure owned by the Suardi family. A century later, in the tower of Torre Civica, whose bell notifies residents of the closure of the city gates, the residence of the mayor of Bergamo was located.

The sights that have been preserved since the reign of the Venetians delight impressionable tourists. The powerful fortress walls surrounding the city, six kilometers long and about 50 meters high, have survived unchanged to the descendants. Mura Venete consisted of bastions, guardhouses, loopholes, and it was possible to get inside the architectural structure only through four guarded entrances. The construction of the Venetian wall lasted 20 years, and the locals reacted rather painfully to the fact that the soldiers destroyed their shops and houses, which prevented the construction of a defensive structure, which became the hallmark of Bergamo (Italy).

One of the entrances was the marble gate of San Giacomo, built at the end of the 16th century. They closed after the huge bell on the Torre Civica tower struck 100 strokes.

Citta Bassa

Behind the fortress walls is the Lower City with modern buildings. To get there, you will have to use the funicular, which will take tourists directly to the main attractions. The length of the trip in a nice old trailer is 228 meters, and during this time, guests will get a better look at the historical center and take many memorable photos from a bird's eye view. Citta Bassa is made up of incorporated suburbs and is the opposite of Citta Alta.

Here are the two main museums of Bergamo - the gallery of modern art and the art gallery "Academy of Carrara". Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea was opened only 26 years ago, and in it everyone can see the works of contemporary masters of Italy and Spain.

The Accademia Carrara, founded at the end of the 18th century by Count Carrara, who amassed a rich collection of paintings, exhibits paintings by great Italian masters, including works by Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Rubens and many others. You can admire the works of famous artists and sculptors of Italy for hours, forgetting about everything. Citizens and local authorities continue the work begun by the collector, and now the restored Pinakothek exhibits not only world masterpieces, but also porcelain dishes, furniture, collections of medals and engravings.

Natural and man-made attractions of the suburbs

The picturesque surroundings of Bergamo will not leave anyone indifferent. Tourists admire Lake Iseo located between Brescia and the administrative center. A year ago, an unusual floating bridge built of polyethylene appeared on it. Walking along the paved road is a dream of all tourists who have fallen into this the most beautiful corner. In its center is the largest island in Europe - Montizola, on top of which rises the powerful fortress of Rocca Martinengo, surrounded by defensive and watchtowers.

Another rich wildlife The lake is located in the Val Cavallina valley. Covered with reeds, Endine will appeal to everyone who seeks silence and longs for solitude. The peaceful atmosphere and serene scenery have made it one of the best places to relax.

It is impossible not to visit the fantastically beautiful borgo (village) Gromo, which rises above the Valle Seriana valley. Perfectly preserved from the Middle Ages, it seems to take the guests of Bergamo to a bygone era. The streets of the borgo are dominated by raw stone, the roofs of the houses are covered with plates of rocks, and all the buildings were built in an era when residents had to work hard, so there is no talk of decorations and excesses in the appearance of buildings. In Gromo, tourists will enjoy the view of an old stone church and a luxurious castle, which now houses a restaurant known throughout the country.

Castello di Malpaga

Not far from Bergamo, the sights of which made its appearance unforgettable, is Malpaga Castle - the former residence of the famous Bartolomeo Colleoni. The powerful square-shaped stone building was previously surrounded by deep moats filled with water and two rings of stone walls.

A well-preserved attraction, inside which there is an interesting exhibition that tells about the life of Italian peasants over several centuries, is located near Bergamo. The military fortress of Pagazzano inspired the great poet Petrarch, who spent some time here, to create the poem "Triumph".

Broken dam

In the vicinity of Vilminore di Scalve, about 60 kilometers from the city, are the ruins of the Gleno dam, which was built from low-quality materials. Her project did not have exact calculations, and when Diga del Gleno was put into operation, due to prolonged rains, it collapsed, and the water completely flooded the valley. Four hundred people drowned, and two small settlements were wiped off the face of the earth. The dam, next to which a monument to the victims of the tragedy was erected, was not restored, and a small reservoir formed between its walls, attracting tourists with its amazing beauty.

Resorts for athletes and beginners

An hour's drive from the city are the ski resorts of Bergamo, which can safely be called a paradise for both beginners taking their first steps and professionals. Montecampione is a true gem of the Alps. More than 40 slopes, picturesquely located and well prepared for guests, a modern snow park, a lot of entertainment, hotels, spa centers - this is just a small part of what will delight tourists who dream of skiing on snowy slopes.

The small resort of Presolana, located near Bergamo, will appeal to families with small children and people with disabilities. Presolana will seem boring to experienced athletes, as it provides its guests with only one track. However, lovers budget holiday will be delighted: prices in local hotels and restaurants are pleasantly different from those typical for the rest ski resorts countries.

Bergamo: how to get there?

The fastest (and cheapest) way to get here is from Milan, located 58 kilometers from the city. For example, the road in an express bus that leaves from central station takes no more than 60 minutes.

You can get there by train, and the timetable is best viewed on the official website, as departure times may change. Tourists arrive at the Bergamo railway station, located on Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. Both local trains and international trains run through it. Checkout terminals often cannot cope with the huge flow of people, and the modest building does not attract much attention from foreign visitors.

Tourists wishing to travel by car must drive along the A4 highway.

air gate

Near the priceless pearl of Italy, just three kilometers away, is the modern airport of Bergamo Orio Al Serio. After the air harbor of Milan, this is the second largest air hub where planes of budget airlines arrive. From Orio al Serio, you can get to the administrative center of the province by bus number 1.

Bergamo Airport, which has only one terminal, serves up to ten million people a year. According to tourists, it is precisely because of the focus on budget airlines that it is not very convenient. It is difficult to spend more than three hours in waiting rooms equipped with metal and plastic seats. Therefore, guests of the city, waiting for a transfer for a long time, go to one of the four hotels located near the airport.

They fly here charter flights from the capital of our country, but you should find out about their availability in advance in order to plan your vacation.

Bergamo (Italy) - all about the city, the main attractions of Bergamo with photos and descriptions, the most interesting tourist routes on the map.

City of Bergamo (Italy)

What to see in Bergamo?

We highly recommend seeing the “Upper City” in Bergamo - the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Gates of San Giacomo and San Agastino, the powerful fortifications of the period of the Venetian Republic and, of course, the towers. Also, if you have time and opportunity, visit the nearby borgos - picturesque old villages, which are among the most beautiful in Italy.

What to try?

Be sure to try the Bergamo cheeses (Stracitunt, DOP), polenta, sausages and wines. In the restaurants, order delicious local specialties - casoncelli ravioli, hare in wine, Donizetti cake and scarpinoch de par.

Sights of Bergamo

Bergamo is a city rich in sights: ancient cathedrals, towers, historical squares and buildings. Basically, all the sights are concentrated in the Upper Town.

(Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore) - one of the main attractions of the "Upper City" of Bergamo, a magnificent basilica of the second half of the 12th century, which combines architectural styles Romano-Longbard period. The interior of the basilica is decorated in the Baroque style.

Address: Piazza Duomo 24129 Bergamo BG

Landmark of the "Upper City", a high square stone tower built in the 12th century. The tower has been preserved in excellent condition and has a height of 51.60 m. Initially, the height of the tower was 64 meters and it was higher than Torre Civica, but in the 19th century its height was reduced. The Gombito tower is built of Romanesque sandstone blocks. It forms a single complex with a neighboring house. Initially, the tower performed defensive functions, which is why there are so few holes and slots in it.

Address: Via Mario Lupo, 6 24129 Bergamo BG

(Torre Civica) - an interesting landmark of Bergamo, a powerful medieval square tower located in the old city center. The tower was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and was originally used as a tower house owned by the Suardi family. It was an era in which every wealthy family living in the city erected towers. At the same time, the higher the tower building was, the more prestige the family had. It is for this reason that Bergamo began to be called the "city of a hundred towers".

Later, the tower became the residence of the mayor, a bell was installed on it.

Initially, the height of Torre Civica was 37 meters, but in the process permanent work by expansion already in the Middle Ages, the height reached 56 meters. What made the tower the tallest in Bergamo. From the top of Torre Civica, you can enjoy the panorama of the city and the picturesque surroundings.

Address: Piazza Vecchia, 8A 24129 Bergamo BG

(Mura venete di Bergamo) - impressive architectural structure, built in the 16th century during the reign of the Venetian Republic, which has been preserved almost unchanged. The fortress walls consisted of 14 bastions, 2 platforms, 32 guard houses (only one of them survived), 100 holes for guns, and two powder kegs. There were four entrances to the fortress walls: San Giacomo, San Agastino, San Alessandro and San Lorenzo.

(Porta San Giacomo) - a famous landmark of Bergamo, an ancient Venetian gate made of white marble, built in 1592. The gate is one of the four entrances to the Upper City. The gates of San Giacomo until the middle of the 19th century were closed at 10 pm, exactly after the bell on the Torre Civica tower beat 100 strokes.

Address: Viale delle Mura 24129 Bergamo BG

A majestic and beautiful landmark by the Renaissance master Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. It is located in the Cathedral Square, leaning against the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Colleoni Chapel was built between 1470 and 1476.

Located near Bergamo. This is one of the most visited and famous sancutaria in Italy, a place of pilgrimage for a huge number of believers. The works of Yuvar, Cavenaghi, Morigia and Cavedoni are kept here. The date of construction of the building has more than 5 centuries.

Address: Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, 10, Caravaggio

Interesting tourist routes on the map

Sights and interesting places around Bergamo

A beautiful lake located at an altitude of 180 meters above sea level between Brescia and Bergamo, surrounded by the magnificent nature of low mountain ranges. In the center of the lake rises the island of Montisola, the largest lake island in Europe, on top of which stands the fortress of Rocca Martinengo. Here you can arrange cruises on the lake, take a walk among the beautiful natural landscapes and visit many places of interest.

Address: 14 Via Riva Di Solto, Tavernola Bergamasca, BG 24060

The most beautiful borgo, located in a picturesque area, on a rock above the Valle Seriana valley. Gromo is a beautiful village, perfectly preserved from the Middle Ages. Simple, raw gray stone dominates the streets of this ancient site. The roofs of the houses are still covered with natural slate (plates made of rocks), characteristic of the entire mountainous area of ​​​​the province of Bergamo. The buildings are built without any frills and unnecessary decorations - this town was built in an era when you had to work hard and hard and the main thing was the essence, not the details. The ski slopes at Spiazzi di Groma are just a 10-minute drive from Gromo.

In the center of the village is the old church of San Gregorio and the Ginami Castle (Castello Ginami).

Ginami Castle (Castello Ginami) - built on a rocky cliff in the first half of the XIII century, on the highest part of the territory. It dominates the borgo and its surroundings. Interestingly, its massive towers have remained almost intact over the centuries. Now the castle houses a fairly well-known restaurant.

The Church of San Gregorio is a stone church located in an old square from the 15th century.

Address: Piazza Dante Alighieri, 8 24020 Gromo BG.

A beautiful village located in the picturesque valley of Valle Imagna, on the pre-alpine slopes at an altitude of 1000 meters. You can get here by scenic road leading to the commune of Fuipiano. Arnosto has a very interesting architecture - stone walls, arched portals, fragments of frescoes, roofs of houses covered with limestone plates. It was here until the end of the 18th century that the border between the Venetian Republic and Milan passed. Historical Buildings The village has been preserved in excellent condition. It also offers a beautiful view of the valley. Be sure to visit the small chapel dedicated to Saints Filippo Neri and Francesco da Paola. Its interior houses a painting by Francesco Quarenghi.

Address: Via Resegone 24030 Fuipiano Valle Imagna BG.

(Camerata Cornello) - a village frozen in the Middle Ages, located in a picturesque foothill area on a rocky cliff on the banks of the Brembo River. You can only get here on foot along the old unpaved dirt road. This is a very beautiful borgo with an interesting and rich history.

Address: Via Orbrembo, 15 24010 Camerata Cornello BG.

(Torre dei Caduti) - located in the Lower Town of Bergamo on Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The tower, 45 meters high, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is now open to the public.

Address: Piazza Vittorio Veneto 24122 Bergamo BG

(Porta Sant "Agostino) - another attraction of the Upper City - a gate in the eastern part of the city, built in the 16th century. Along with the gates of San Giacomo, they served as one of the entrances.

Address: Viale delle Mura, 1 24129 Bergamo BG.

A small castle in the suburbs of Bergamo, built in the 15th century. Was the main residence of Bartolomeo Colleoni. The castle is a square stone building, which used to be surrounded by two rings of walls and two moats. Interior - XV, XVI, XVII centuries.
Address: Via Marconi, 24050 Cavernago.
Opening hours: March - November. Saturday - 14.00 to 18.00. Sunday - 10.00-14.00.
Cost: Adult with guided tour: 9€. Adult with audio guide: 6€. Children with excursion: 4€. Children with audio guide (from 6 to 12 years): 3€.

Ancient military fortress. The castle is interesting because Petrarch's masterpiece, the poem "Triumph", was born in it. Inside the castle, you can see an interesting exhibition that illustrates the peasant life, which has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
Opening hours: Open every first and third Sunday of the month: 9:00 - 12:00, 14:00 - 18:30
Cost: 3 euros, children under 12 and people over 70 are free.

Address: Piazza Castello, 1 24040 Pagazzano BG.

A picturesque village nestled among Alpine foothills. The historic center of San Giovanni Bianco has remained almost untouched by time. It consists of old houses built side by side, separated only by small narrow cul-de-sacs. Since 1495, a holy relic has been kept in the parish church - the Holy Thorn from the crown of thorns of Christ.

The main Catholic cathedral of the city, named after St. Alexander is the patron saint of the city. The cathedral is located in the Upper Town on a small square. It was built in the 15th century, but later destroyed by the Venetians during the construction of the defensive fortifications of the Upper Town. The cathedral was restored in the 19th century.
Address: Piazza Duomo 24129 Bergamo (BG)
Opening hours: weekdays: 7:30 - 12:00 and 15:00 - 18:30 Saturdays and public holidays: 7:00 - 18:30.

A small beautiful lake, the "pearl" of the Val Cavallina in the vicinity of Bergamo. This is a great place for those who are looking for peace, tranquility and relaxation.

Address: Via Nazionale, 199 24060 Ranzanico BG

La Castellana Loft offers air-conditioned rooms and apartments in the center of Bergamo, up to 400 meters from the main building. Location - not far from the Old Town, (15 minutes to the funicular to the mountain), near a supermarket, coffee shop. Comfort - small but cozy rooms, it is possible to drink tea / coffee in the room. The service is beyond praise, they met and saw off, in the morning they fed us like relatives. The girl at the reception and other staff are fluent in English. Friendly, helpful staff.

Expand Collapse

9.0 Superb 460 reviews

Upper town, Bergamo

Relais San Lorenzo is located in Bergamo Alta. It offers a free spa area with a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and sensory shower. Natasha, please pass on my huge “THANK YOU” to your colleagues for taking care of me and my mother (the one who lost her passport on the Italian autobahn). Your hotel is great. And I really hope to return, but with all the passports!

Expand Collapse

Average price/night: RUB 16,048

9.5 Exceptional 299 reviews

Upper town, Bergamo

GombitHotel is located in the center of Bergamo, a 2-minute walk from Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, TV and free Wi-Fi. If you choose a hotel, then only in the Upper city ​​- real spirit and atmosphere of Italy. Gombit is a wonderful hotel in amazingly beautiful Bergamo! The location is perfect. It is unusual and romantic to wake up and fall asleep to the sound of bells ringing from the bell tower of the Cathedral))). Narrow cobbled streets, restaurants with insanely delicious Italian cuisine, incredible views - an ideal place for walking and relaxing.

Expand Collapse

9.2 Superb 378 reviews

Bergamo

Petronilla Boutique Hotel is located in the center of the lower town of Bergamo, in historic district San Lazaro. Loved the staff, felt like home with old friends. The girls at the reception help absolutely everything, from buyers, etc. I liked everything about the hotel! The breakfasts are simply incredible. Even if something is not available, they will definitely cook for you. The location is excellent, everything is within five steps from the hotel, railway station, shopping street, sights. The hotels are very clean and comfortable, everything is done according to the latest technology. There is parking or they can arrange an airport transfer (like us), perfect wi-fi. There is even a fitness room and a sauna with an ice pool. I advise everyone who wants to travel to Bergamo. The hotel is truly amazing.

Expand Collapse

9.6 Exceptional 502 reviews

Bergamo

The charming Hotel Le Funi is located in the quiet area of ​​Bergamo Alta, close to the historical center of the medieval city. A great start to your trip to Italy. The hotel is after renovation, the rooms are modern and tasteful. Stayed in a standard room for one day on arrival in Italy to explore Bergamo. Fabulous location in the best area Bergamo! Traveled by car and parking was important. The staff kindly informed that they would notify the police themselves. traffic in this part of the city is limited. I really wanted to return to this hotel the day before departure, but unfortunately all standard rooms were booked.

TOURIST ANSWERS:

Bergamo-Italian town 50 km east of Milan with a population of about 115 thousand inhabitants. And here is what you can see here.

Upper City (Citta Alta)

Citta Alta spread out on a hill, turning into a river valley. This part of the city is located at an altitude of 373 meters above sea level, and is connected to the New City area with the help of a funicular. The new city, by the way, is located in the river valley and partly on a hill. The founders of Chittu Altu were Celtic-Cenomanians and in their heyday almost 11,000 people lived here. However, in the 5th century the town was almost completely destroyed by the Huns led by Attila. Then in 580 the Upper City became part of great empire Charlemagne, and even became the center of the county of Citta Alta, which lasted until the end of the 11th century, until it began to be considered a commune within the Lombard League. Today the Upper Town is an extremely popular destination, thanks in part to the Castle on the Rock, the Bergamo Cathedral and the Colleone Chapel.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

This cathedral is located on Cathedral Square Bergamo. The basilica was built in the middle of the 12th century on the site of an old temple from the 7th-8th century. The basilica was erected thanks to the locals. The temple is in the form of a Greek cross, with five apses (a semicircular vault of the building) and an interesting facade. In the 14th century, the cathedral was a place for public meetings, then with the change of power in the city, the temple became only an architectural landmark. A little less than a century later, the temple continued to be completed, in particular, they built a baptistery (an extension to the church, intended for baptism) and two side porticos, and even later erected a bell tower and sacristy (a room for storing liturgical vestments of priests and church utensils). The dome of the basilica was decorated with his works by the artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

Address: Piazza Duomo

Venetian wall (Mura Venete)

The wall began to be built in the middle of the 16th century on the site of an old dilapidated wall for defensive purposes. Moreover, a huge number of people were involved in the construction, several thousand workers and soldiers from Bergamo and Venice. To extend the wall, it was necessary to demolish the houses and shops of local residents, so that the time of construction was perceived by the local people very painfully. The wall was built for about 20 years, and now it is a majestic large-scale structure 6 km long and 50 meters high. Throughout its length, the structure is equipped with a hundred loopholes, three dozen guardhouses and four entrances. However, the wall was never used for its intended purpose - in 1797 the French army entered Bergamo without bloodshed or struggle. However, the wall was not demolished, it was reconstructed, and now it is a symbol of the city and one of the main attractions of Bergamo.

Address: Viale delle Mura, 1

Old Town Hall (Palazzo Vecchio o della Ragione)

The City Hall housed the municipality for several centuries, until in the middle of the 13th century a terrible fire almost wiped the building off the face of the earth. For a whole century, the Town Hall was reconstructed and brought back to life, but only 60 years later, during the invasion of Italy, the Spanish troops burned the Town Hall again. And again, they began to actively restore it, although no one believed that it would not be burned again. For about 20 years, the architect who was entrusted with the restoration of the cathedral hesitated whether to start reconstruction work, and nevertheless got down to business. As a result of the restoration, the Town Hall has noticeably changed: the entrance was decorated with four beautiful columns, and the facade - with a winged lion, in honor of St. Mark. Inside the Town Hall are paintings from the Philosophers series, painted by Donato Bramante, one of the most famous architects of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Address: Palazzo della Ragione, Via dei Mercanti

Cathedral of Bergamo

The construction of this one-nave cathedral in the form of a Latin cross was dedicated to the holy martyr Alexander, the patron saint of the city. The cathedral, which can accommodate up to 1200 people, was built at the end of the 17th century on the site of the ancient church of St. Vincent. At the beginning of the 19th century, the cathedral was significantly changed, in particular, appearance changed the facade and the bell tower. The exterior decoration is amazing: the works of Andrea Previtali, Giovanni Battista Moroni and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the outstanding Italian artists of those times, are kept here. Services and liturgies are still held in the cathedral.

Address: Piazza Duom

Colleoni Chapel (Cappella Colleoni)

A completely unique building of the Renaissance, built in the third quarter of the 15th century on the site of an ancient sacristy in honor of Saints Bartholomew, John and Mark the Baptist. In the first years after construction, the chapel was the personal temple of the condottiere Bartolomeo Colleoni, a respected and wealthy man in Bergamo. In its style, the chapel is very similar to the Church of the Virgin Mary, which is located nearby - the same octagonal dome and multi-colored marble in the facade decoration. First of all, a very beautiful chapel with a rose window, decorated with medallions depicting Trajan and Caesar, attracts attention. In the upper part of the facade of the building, you can see nine tiles with paintings based on biblical motifs and 4 bas-reliefs depicting the exploits of Hercules. Above is a large loggia in the Romanesque style.

Address: Piazza Duomo

Church of St. Augustine

Church in gothic style can be found in the Upper Town, made in the Gothic style. The church is not working, today it houses the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Bergamo. The exterior of the cathedral is rather modest and austere. And the interior decoration is luxurious and incredibly beautiful, in the style of lush baroque. There is also a unique organ, the chapels of Saints Augustine and Monica and beautiful statues depicting virtues. In general, it can be noted that the church combines several styles, as it was constantly completed and reconstructed by different architects.

Address: Viale delle Mura, 46

Gleno Dam (Diga del Gleno)

More precisely, its ruins in the vicinity of Vilminore di Scalve, which is 65 km from Bergamo. The dam is a witness and a monument to the tragic events of the early twentieth century. The dam began to be built in 1920, but it was built from not quite high-quality materials, and the dam project did not have the necessary accurate calculations. Three years later, the dam was put into operation. A few months later, at the end of the same year, during the incessant rains, the dam cracked and the waves began to flood the valley. A powerful stream wiped out the settlements of Bueggio and Dezzo from the face of the earth, almost four hundred people drowned. The dam was not restored, so today you can come and look at the ruins of the dam. A small lake formed between the walls of the structure, and off the coast of Gleno you can see a monument to the victims of the tragedy.

Helpful answer?

Bergamo is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen in my life. It is the most beautiful city in Lombardy! The most beautiful of course is the completely preserved Città Alta or the old town. The lower city is called Città Bassa or Città Borghi and some parts of it also belong to the old city. But not all. Therefore, try to settle as close to the hill as possible and then the impressions of the city will be simply unforgettable! Most of the sights are in the Upper, Old Town and it's just a fairy tale!

Upper city.

And one more note. It is better not to get to Bergamo on Monday. Museums are closed on this day, and temples are not open all the time. From the Lower City to Old city leads the funicular. But in general there are two of them in the city. The first goes from the northern part of the lower town of Viale Vittorio Emanuele to the southern part of the Upper town of Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe. And the second, as it were, inside the northwestern part of the Upper City from San Vigilio and it is more "tourist". The first costs about a euro with a penny, I don’t know about the second.

In any case, I would advise you to go down on foot, for the sake of a panorama and a walk near the inner part of the wall. The view from the terraces at the outer side of the fortress walls is also one of the sights of the city. From there, just a fantastic view of the church of San Vigilio and the surrounding area

The circumference of the wall is about 5 km, the wall dates back to the 16th century, the churches inside it are much older. Near the fortress wall, outside, there are relatively inexpensive parking lots (the first hour is about 1.50 and then it seems to be in euros). This is in case you decide to drive. There are places, the city is not particularly overloaded with tourists. We did just that. And another eccentric from our company rode a bicycle into the Upper City, and this is also possible (there is a place to tie it). It happened in the summer. In winter and in the rainy off-season, you probably shouldn't ride a bike. And bus number 1 passes there (the final one is at the airport)

Bergamo, like all Italian cities, has a complex history. But! Briefly about what you will see. The city was built by the Celts. The Lombards conquered it for a while, but then the city did not belong to Lombardy (despite the fact that Milan was literally three steps away), but to Venice. Old churches are marked with crosses in the fortress wall. Part of the Upper City, by the way, generally belongs to the Vatican (the seminary and some other church authorities). The upper city within the city wall is small and, in principle, if you are with Bergamo all day, this is not a tragedy. But it's always worth going back!

The two main squares inside the wall are Piazza Vecchia, which houses the rathouse (town hall) Palazzo Vecchio (della Ragione) Piazza del Duomo, that is, the cathedral square with the Cathedral of Cattedrale di Sant "Alessandro Martire, with a classical facade, a dome, etc. As far as I understand, the carved choir is the most valuable thing in it. On the north side of the cathedral is the Cappella del Crocifisso in which there is a very ancient figure of the crucified Christ 16 centuries, but in general you need to get there with a guide or at least buy a good guidebook!

Another attraction is the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, very old, built in the Romanesque style and rebuilt in the late Baroque era. These are the three main attractions!

Still nehbcns look at the very ancient chapel Cappella Colleoni (a staircase leads to it), at Cappella di Santa Croce, where the most valuable thing is frescoes and at the bishop's palace, it is surrounded by a small park. The only Gothic building in the Old Town is the Augustinian monastery Ex Chiesa di Sant "Agostino", in the very east of the city. In the very eastern part, you can still look at the small Lombard church of San Michele al Pozzo Bianco, it is also famous for its frescoes, and the 12th century. They are located in the Madonna Chapel to the left of the choirs.In the northern part of the city there is a small botanical garden "Lorenzo Rota. south side on the hill of St. Efimiya, is the bastion of Rocca di Bergamo.

Voobshem everything is very close. But there are so many sights that you need either a guide or a guidebook!

Even in the Old Town, they sell a lot of delicious things, including the traditional sweet made from corn and syrup with a bird on top (a reminder of the ban on eating songbirds). This is Polenta de Osei. We could not master even one for three, it is cloyingly sweet. But still interesting to try. There are also delicious buns with various fruits and nuts (they are eaten with hot wine in winter, but they are also delicious in summer). In general, there are many temptations.

Lower city.

The most important is the art gallery Accademia Carrara. It's closed on Monday! The gallery of modern art Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea was also completed there. But mostly they go there for the sake of the old masters.

Via Pignolo leads from the center to the north and there are many Renaissance palaces on it, in one of them the museum of the diocese is the palace of Adriano Bernareggi. In the north of the lower city, the church of Sant "Alessandro Colonna and the fountain of Neptune are still looking.

It is interesting that Giacomo Quarenghi built a lot in the city (he was generally born in Bergamo), but all the palaces are privately owned and therefore you cannot see Quarenghi.

There is also an archaeological museum and a museum (children will probably be interested). Well, the Museum of the Resistance. In general, I will be back in Bergamo!

Helpful answer?

Historians believe that the city was founded by the Ligurians and was originally called Barra, then the Romans conquered the city and changed the name to Bergummum. However, the exact origin of the name has not yet been established, because some believe that it comes from the German word Berg (mountain), while others believe that it is derived from the Greek word Bergame, that is, the citadel. Now Bergamo is amazing beautiful city at any time of the year, whenever you come, you will find something special in nature, in the surroundings, in the way this city lives. First of all, it should be said that there are two parts of the city - the old city, which is located on the top of the hill, and the new city, which is located at the foot. The old city is like an old ancestor who looks down on his child. Naturally, the main attractions and historical places located in the old part, on top. You can get there by bus directly from railway station, on the funicular, the length of the route of which is 228 meters and of course on foot :), only then you will have to sweat a lot.

To be honest, the bus ride is boring and not interesting, the funicular is fast and unusual, but walking is the most the best option- on the way you can see a lot of interesting things, firstly, and secondly, you can spend a bunch of extra calories that you earn while having lunch or snacking in Italian restaurants and cafes (the pastries here are simply amazing!). This is how the staircase that leads to the old city looks like. Yes, the stairs are long, the road is tiring, but how beautiful and romantic it is.

The old city is surrounded by thick walls 5122 meters long with 14 bastions, 32 guard boxes and 2 platforms. We entered through the gate of San Giacomo, built in 1592. And also, when you get to the gate, your eyes will open great view to the new city that sprawls below.

Looking ahead a little, if you are traveling without a map of the city or certain signs, then it is very easy to get lost in the city. So, we were looking for a cathedral and came out quite unexpectedly from the other side of the city, it doesn’t matter, our efforts were rewarded like this gorgeous view to the old city.

And so, the very heart of the city is Piazza Vecchia, where there are such interesting buildings as the Palazzo della Ragione town hall and the Contarini fountain. The square itself was built around the 14th century, but the town hall was built two centuries earlier. The town hall was built when the city was under the influence of Venice, over time it was rebuilt several times, and now there is a museum of frescoes. Opposite the town hall is the Angelo Mai Library - one of the richest libraries in Italy, its facade is skillfully decorated with white marble. The library holds over 650,000 volumes. Also on the square is a fountain donated by the mayor of Venice, Alvise Contarini, in 1780.

Also, on the square is the city tower Torre Civica, the bell on which every day at 10 pm rings announcing the closing of the city gates.

Another historical attraction of Bergamo is the Colleoni Chapel, in which the commander Bartolomeo Colleoni rests. The chapel was built between 1473 and 1476. Initially, it was planned to bury the daughter of Bartolomeo in the chapel, who died at the age of 15, but she was buried in the city of Urgnano, and her body was moved to the chapel to her father only in 1842.

On the right side of the chapel, an octagonal Baptistery was built, in the niches of which there are statues of the eight virtues, in the corners there are statues of the eight beatitudes, and on the spire there is an angel. Inside the baptistery are bas-reliefs that tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course, in the tomb, as it should be, the atmosphere is gloomy and mournful, and the weather outside was bad, so the lack of lighting completely destroyed all possible shots.

Opposite the baptistery is the Duomo Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Alexander, the patron saint of the city. The cathedral was also rebuilt and redesigned several times. In the 15th century, when the cathedral was rebuilt, an underground church, the crypt, was added to it. The cathedral is really richly decorated and finished, it's a pity because of the lack of lighting inside it is rather gloomy and photographs are not obtained.

There are still a lot of religious, historical and simply architectural sights in the city, it would be time only to visit them. I really wanted to go to the botanical garden and the archaeological museum, but unfortunately, while walking around the city, time flies too quickly. But isn't that a reason to come here again?

Helpful answer?

The first mention of the city of Bergamo dates back to the VI century BC, in ancient times, the Celts founded a settlement called Bergomum.

Piazza Vecchia (old square).

All guides advise starting to get acquainted with the sights of the city from the old square, where most of the buildings worthy of your attention are located. The building of the Old Town Hall was built in the XII century. It is said to be considered the oldest municipal institution in the country. On the top floor of this building, a huge number of paintings and sculptures of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, collected in nearby monasteries and temples, are collected. The only negative is that you can enjoy all these masterpieces only during exhibitions, and they do not happen very often.

Cathedral and Baptistery (Duomo di Bergamo con Battistero)

The main church of the city was built quite recently - in the 17th century. But the Baptistery, standing in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral, was erected in 1340. Despite its apparent modesty from the outside, the interior of the cathedral contains paintings by the great artists Previtali, Moroni and Giovanni Tiepolo, and the Baptistery houses a priceless bas-relief depicting scenes of religious themes.

This temple is located at: Bergamo, Piazza Duomo.

Academy Carrara (Accademia Carrara Di Belle Arti).

In the 18th century, a wealthy art collector Carrara lived in Bergamo, who, anticipating his imminent death, bequeathed his entire, already at that time, solid collection of paintings by great masters, to the city, and in 1810, after the death of a noble citizen, according to his will, for placement of these priceless paintings, a chic neoclassical building was built. In this magnificent building, in addition to the museum, the Academy was founded fine arts or in the common people, the Academy of Carrara.

The city government and ordinary citizens are successfully continuing the work begun by the collector and now the works of Italian painters, sculptures, porcelain items and furniture are exhibited as exhibits at the Academy. For only 5 euros (exactly the price of an entrance ticket for adult visitors), you can spend hours admiring "Saint Sebastian" by Santi or "Madonna and Child" by Andrea Mantegna, as well as get to know the work of Rubens, the incomparable Botticelli, the genius Tiepolo, Pisanello and many others. You can find this museum at: Piazza Giacomo Carrara, 82.

There are not many nightclubs and bars in Bergamo, perhaps due to the fact that Milan is literally 50 kilometers away. But fans of relaxing in charming nature will be incredibly happy to visit Parco Faunistico le Cornelle, where representatives of the local, and not only, flora will open up to your eyes. Huge ancient trees, very original flowers brought from different nooks and crannies our planet. There are also specially designated picnic areas. Go to the zoo located in the park.

• How to get from Bergamo Airport to Casale Monferrato

Find flights to Bergamo

Bergamo Hotels

There is a very large selection of hotels in Bergamo, but it is better to book places in advance, even if you are going to come only for the weekend. Both small cozy hotels (from 50 EUR per day) and luxurious 4 * and 5 * apartments (80-120 EUR) are at your service. Many hotels are located in the city center, close to major attractions and places of entertainment. Prices on the page are for March 2019.

Cuisine and restaurants

Bergamo has a huge number of cafes and restaurants, they mainly specialize in national cuisine. We recommend visiting the Colleoni & dell'Angelo restaurant, which is perfect for friendly meetings during the day, and romantic ones in the evening. Italian cuisine can also be enjoyed at Da Mimmo, a small restaurant offering a variety of pizza, pasta, seafood and the finest wines.

The Trattoria Parietti restaurant is perfect for spending time with the whole family. It has moderate prices and a varied menu, as well as a very cozy atmosphere and attentive service. If you went to Bergamo with a large group, the Gennaro & Pia restaurant, located near the city center, is the best place to spend an evening.

In addition to national Italian dishes, most cafes also serve traditional Bergamo dishes: cornmeal porridge with cheese and casoncei ("casonchei") - fragrant ravioli with Bergamo meat.

Guides in Bergamo

Entertainment and attractions of Bergamo

At the very top of the hill is the ancient Upper City (Bergamo Alta), the Lower City (Bergamo Bassa) has more modern look. Bergamo is one of those cities where the historical center with architectural monuments has been preserved. The most popular place among tourists is Piazza Vecchif. The architectural ensemble of the square is reminiscent of the Middle Ages, when the city was under the influence of the Venetian authorities.

The Palace of the Soviets (Palazzo della Ragione) changed its appearance several times - for example, in 1520 the lower gallery and the main hall with rafters (Sala Sapriate), decorated with frescoes, were rebuilt. Opposite is the New Palace with a rich library of Cardinal Angelo Mai, the center of the square is decorated with the Contarini fountain.

The Colleoni Chapel in Piazza del Duomo is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces the era of the Renaissance.

Nearby, in Piazza del Duomo, is the beautiful Colleoni Chapel, made in the Lombard style of the Renaissance. The chapel is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the era. There is also a small octagonal baptistery of the 14th century. and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

On the hill of St. Euphemia rises the fortress of Bergamo (Rocca), built on the site of ancient settlements of the Romans and Celts. From the top you have a great view of the city and its surroundings. In 2004, a historical museum was opened inside the fortress.

Also, in the Lower City, you should definitely visit art gallery Carrara. One of the richest collections of masterpieces by Italian masters is kept here: paintings of the Lombard, Bergamo and Venetian schools, eminent painters Baskenis, Canaletto, Lotto, Maroni and many others. You can go down to the gallery by funicular or walk, enjoying a beautiful view of the Lombard plain and the churches of the Bergamo Basso area.

Music lovers are advised to visit the Opera House, built at the end of the 18th century. and bearing the name of the famous Bergamo composer Gataeno Donizetti. Opera festivals are held here every summer, gathering talented performers from all over the world under the roof of the theater.

Views of Bergamo

4 things to do in Bergamo:

1. Climb in 2.5 minutes and 2-3 EUR by funicular to the Old Town, enjoying nice views along the way. Address: Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, opening hours: 7:00-0:01 several times an hour.
2. Go to the local zoo to learn all about the Jaco parrots, take pictures of the zebra and the white tiger. Address: via Cornelle, 16, Val Brembo, entry 10-14 EUR.
3. Look into Caffe Del Tasso on Piazza Vecchia and try Bergamo's signature dessert - La Polenta e Osei (taste, I must say, for an amateur).
4. Well, after working up an appetite, go to Da Nasty pizzeria, the menu of which contains 250 types of pizza. A worthy challenge for fans Italian cuisine! Address: Via Zambonate, 25.

Weather

The climate in Bergamo is Mediterranean. The average air temperature in summer is +26 °C, in winter - about +7 °C. Rainfall is infrequent, so you can visit the city at any time of the year.