Bergamo

Shopping

Opposite the airport is the Orio Center, one of the largest shopping malls in Italy.

Shopping and strolling streets are along Via 20. Settembre and Via Sant ‘Allesandro.

Public safety

There are some places known for drug dealing and a little “ghetto” which is actually just one street, but nothing really dangerous.

There are areas you better avoid going alone late in the evening, like the Bus station area and Piazzale degli Alpini. Also avoid Via Quarenghi and Malpensata.

History

The Celts founded the first settlement in these places; they were replaced -  as it was usual in the Apennines - by the Romans.

The medieval history of Bergamo saw its ups when the city became the capital of one of the Lombard duchies and downs in the era of wars between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. Finally, Venice took control of the surrounding area, and under the wings of the Venetian lion, Bergamo flourished until the beginning of the 19th century. After that, the era of Napoleon and the subsequent occupation of Italy by the Austrians considerably slowed down the development of Lombardy. Nevertheless, Bergamo gradually expanded, and its quarters spilled out beyond the ancient walls.

The new area became known as Bergamo Basso in contrast to Bergamo Alte. The historical center is full of extraordinary buildings; the sights are found there at every turn. But the area of ​​later development also boasted interesting buildings that deserve the most flattering words.

Cappella Colleoni (a chapel)

Duomo

Castello di San Vigilio

Rocca, a castle located on the hill of Colle Santa Eufemia