Bergamo

One does not have to be a romantic to fall for Bergamo at first sight. This little town in Lombardy is a perfect example of typical Italian lifestyle. The picturesque town and hearty Italian

cuisine have an instantly relaxing effect on every visitor and exceed any expectation one might have of a holiday in Italy. The town is located between Milan and Verona in the Lombardy region south of the Alps, easy to reach by motorway. It is also a convenient day trip from Milan.

The town is divided into two districts: the lively downtown (Città bassa) and the historical, artsy uptown (Città alta) surrounded by city walls. The two parts of town are separated by large streets and a cable car. A rental car will help you explore both districts.

The old part of town is encircled by gorgeous hills. It is heritage protected in its entirety and one can easily tell why: ancient churches and buildings give it a touch of open-air museum. The Città Alta hovers above downtown Bergamo on the lower slopes of the Alps. Take a walk through the streets of the old town and let the peace and quiet calm you down. For the most amazing view of town take a hike up one of the steep little pedestrian paths taking you to an area full of winding alleyways, residential palaces and churches. The exhausting hike is easily compensated for by the breathtaking view stretching over the Alps as well as Milan, 30 miles in the distance.

The Piazza Vecchia square is the heart of uptown Bergamo and surrounded by its most important sights and easy to get to on several main streets. The medieval city hall, the cathedral dating from the 17th century, the grand und intricate monuments and graveyards are only a short distance away.
The piazza is popular among locals and students as a hang-out spot and meeting point. People spend the afternoon chatting or having a picnic at the fountain. Just around the corner you will find the oldest city parlais in all of Italy. The palace dates from 1199, the view from the bell tower is stunning.

Taking one of the main roads you get to the modern downtown area. The main attraction in the Città bassa is the art exhibition hall Accademia Carrara, which contains one of the best painting collections in Italy. Most major Italian painters have left their mark on a wall in the Accademia, as well as famous international painters such as Dürer and van Dyck.

One of the most famous traditions, and one that Bergamo claims to be the origin of, is the Commedial dell’ Arte. You will find the colorful masks in numerous craft shops around town.

Highly regarded and known nation-wide is Bergamo´s polenta, not the dish made from corn meal, but a delicious desert, popular in all of Italy and beyond and produced in the Bergamo region.
Another must-try desert is the famous Italian ice cream. Walking the streets of Bergamo you will come across countless little shops and street vendors selling the cold delicacy, each of them offering their own home-made creations. Stroll down the street, sample some ice cream and you will know why we do not translate “dolce vita” – because it is truly Italian.