The beautiful city of Bergamo is thought to be one of Italy’s best kept secrets as it can sometimes be unknowingly bypassed on the way to or from the thriving northern metropolis of Milan. Bergamo is full of grand tradition, ancient history, and a unique distinction of areas within the city. Although the city is somewhat smaller than its cousin, Milan, Bergamo boasts upper and lower city levels as well as an estimated twenty-five residential neighborhoods. Despite its large size, the lovely surprise of Bergamo is the small town and community feel found amongst its people. Plan to spend at least a day or two in Bergamo and get lost in one of the most charming cities of Italy.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Annually in March, the city is home to the Bergamo Jazz Festival, which has been going strong for more than forty years. The event is a prestigious gathering of international jazz artists and is a renowned event that attracts musicians and lovers of the jazz music genre. Particularly if you love jazz, this is an event not to be missed.

In late spring and early summer is Bergamo’s summer dance festival, more commonly referred to as Festival Danza Estate. For more than thirty years this festival has celebrated contemporary dance and primarily takes place in Città Alta. The event is a nod to the area’s musical and artistic heritage and is enjoyed by locals and visitors.

Also in May is another internationally recognized event, but this one is of sports. The Grand Fondo Internazionale Felice Gimondi is an internationally recognized road cycling competition that hosts participants from across the globe. Some of the racing routes can be as long as one hundred miles, and participants must be eighteen years or older.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

When looking for things to do outdoors, be sure to visit the fascinating sixteenth century city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These walls stretch roughly four miles long and visitors often enjoy walking atop the walls. A stroll along the walls is a rare experience that affords breathtaking views of the city. Not to be missed while visiting the walls is the Bergamo City Gate, an ancient entrance to the city for visitors coming from Milan.

No trip to Bergamo is complete without spending a leisurely morning or evening in Piazza Vecchia. This cobblestone square is considered to be the heart of Città Alta. For many years it was an area known for political power, and today it is one of the most popular meeting places and social areas for locals and visitors alike. The Contarini Fountain sits in the middle of Piazza Vecchia and is surrounded by a beautifully connected network of historical buildings. To truly take in the square, grab a coffee at a nearby café and spend some time people watching and soaking in the local culture.

After taking the iconic funicular to Città Alta, head up to the Rocca complex. This fourteenth century fortress stands as a testament to Bergamo’s past. The unique structure features an emergency door and today it houses the Nineteenth Century Museum, which outlines the city’s history leading up to the Italian Unification.

History lovers should be sure to stop by Bergamo’s Archeological Area, which features remains from the prehistoric period to the Middle Ages. Here, it is possible to observe the ruins of Roman streets and workshops as well as medieval tombs and a civic tower.

INSIDE ACTIVITIES

The Museo Donizettiano is a fabulous way to spend a rainy day in Bergamo. Like many Italian museums, this early twentieth century museum is tucked away in a former palace. Plan to spend an hour or more here to properly take in some of Italian composer Donizetti’s famous works and learn about the man behind them. The museum’s exhibitions usually include an astonishing number of objects tied to the composer, such as portraits and letters, meant to delight and entertain visitors.

Another Bergamo museum worth a visit is the Accademia Carrara. This art gallery was established in the late eighteenth century and is home to over one thousand paintings, more than one hundred sculptures, and an extensive collection of art mediums including drawings, sculptures, and more. With so many examples of fine art in the gallery, plan to spend a full morning or afternoon taking in some of Italy’s finest masterpieces.

For other historic artwork, visit the Museum and Treasure of the Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro. The museum houses historic remains discovered during restoration works that include the ruins of prehistoric structures, Roman houses, and part of a Paleo Christian church. The museum also hosts beautiful religious artworks tied to the Cathedral.

Of course, the Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro itself is also worth a visit. Renowned for its stately Neoclassic exterior and elegant Baroque interior, this large church is filled with treasures, including the breathtaking painted interior of the cupola and artwork by Giovanni Cariani and other artists. Other churches worth visiting while in Bergamo include the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Church of San Bernardino, and the Church of Santo Spirito.

In addition to the churches and museums, Bergamo is also home to several wondrous historical palaces once owned by the city’s noble families. An excellent example is Palazzo Agliardi, which is renowned for its eighteenth-century frescoes, historic furnishings, and garden located on the roof. Palazzo Moroni is a highly-regarded Baroque palace completed during the seventeenth century. The grounds of the palace feature a verdant garden as well as a fourteenth century tower. Inside, travelers can admire paintings by master Lombard artists, such as Bernardino Luini. Other notable palaces in Bergamo include the Palma Camozzi House, Palazzo Terzi, Villa Grismondi Finardi, Palazzo Scotti, and Palazzo Nuovo, which hosts the Angelo Mai Public Library.

FAMILIES

Take in some culture and burn off a little energy at the same time as you bring the family to climb the local bell tower, Torre Civica. The tower stands roughly one hundred seventy feet tall, and although its visitors are in for a bit of an arduous stair climb, the view from the top is well worth it. As the tallest tower in Città Alta, it offers magnificent views of Bergamo that will not soon be forgotten.

Take the family into the real-life version of a fairytale with a visit to the Castle of Saint Vigilio. While some of the sixth century castle itself is in ruins today, it sits on a hill at the top of the city and is still an impressive sight with some existing walls and cylindrical towers. Once you check out the castle itself, do not miss the picturesque views of the beautiful Bergamo countryside.

Bergamo is also home to a beautiful Botanical Garden that houses more than 1,200 different varieties of plants. Once travelers have taken the staircase up to the garden, it is also possible to admire stunning panoramic views of Città Alta as well as the beautiful Alps in the distance.

KIDS

The Natural History Museum of Bergamo is often a favorite of both children and adults. Inside the museum you will find reconstructed adult mammoths that are thought to have once roamed here, animal displays in the zoological section, and ancient fossils in the geopaleontology exhibits. This museum offers several hands-on areas that are especially wonderful for young children. The Museo di Scienze Naturali also caters to visitors who are blind, with information in braille, tactile exhibits, and audio guides.

Another interesting stop for young travelers is the Puppet Museum, named in honor of local puppeteer Benedetto Ravasio. Inside the museum, it is possible to admire approximately 120 puppets. These works are a key aspect of the cultural heritage of the city.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Although Bergamo is considerably smaller than its giant neighbor of Milan, the city is still large enough to require quite a bit of walking as travelers explore the unique designations of Città Alta and Città Bassa, the two main and distinct parts of the city. Città Alta is the older and higher part of the city set amongst the hills, while Città Bassa is the more modern and lower part of the city.

Because of the two levels of the city, the funicular to Città Alta is often a preferred way to travel. The funicular is also the transportation of choice for a visit to the nearby Rocca di San Vigilio, or San Vigilio Castle, for amazing picturesque views of the city below. The ride, very similar to taking a cable car, lets you simply relax and regain your energy as the funicular does all the work, allowing you watch out the window at the surrounding beauty of Bergamo.

There is also a second funicular that connects to the Parco dei Colli natural area. Covering approximately 18 square miles, the area features woods populated by local fauna including robins, foxes, and badgers as well as the Moria River and Quisa River.

Because of its proximity to Milan, Bergamo is often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbor. Yet, the rich history and culture that can be admired in this mountainside city makes Bergamo truly worth a visit, whether for one day or several.