Bergamo is divided into two parts:
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Città Alta (Upper Town) - the historic heart on a hill, surrounded by Venetian walls (UNESCO)
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Città Bassa (Lower Town) - a more modern, lively part, offering great shopping, modern restaurants, wide boulevards (a stroll down Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII is the perfect start for exploring)
The historic Funicolare di Bergamo funicular provides a link between the lower and upper town. The ride is short but offers unforgettable views.
Things to see in Città Alta
Piazza Vecchia
The heart of the upper town, the square where time stood still. Elegant palaces, cafes and a typical Italian atmosphere.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Its richly decorated interior will amaze you. One of the most beautiful sacred places in Lombardy.
Cappella Colleoni
A magnificent Renaissance chapel and mausoleum, adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Its pink and white façade is one of the icons of the city.
Torre Civica
A 12th century defensive tower. Climb to the top - the view of the whole of Bergamo and the surrounding Alps is worth it.
What to taste in Bergamo?
Bergamo is a food lover's paradise. The local cuisine is honest, filling and incredibly tasty. Typical specialities include casoncelli (stuffed pasta with meat, butter and sage), polenta(which is a staple side dish in northern Italy, often with meat or cheese. In Bergamo, however, polenta is also used to make the dessert Polenta e Osei) and stracciatella gelato (yes, this is where it originated!).
How to get to Bergamo?
The city has its own airport. From the airport you are in the centre in about 15 minutes. Moreover, Bergamo is perfectly accessible by train from Milan (about 1 hour).
Bergamo is not "instagram kitsch". It's the real Italy without the crowds, with history at every turn, views that will make you stop and food that will make you want to come back.
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