Bergamo

Likes & Dislikes

Likes

1. The Upper Town (la Citta Alta), with its medieval houses and small cobbled streets and the view from its walls

2. Piazza Vecchia (Old Square)

3. Ride on the Funicolare San Vigilio

4. As at some places, the tall trees gleaming in bright green colors overgrow the modern buildings of Cittá Bassa (Lower City)

5. Watch in the north of the city the ranges of the Alps clinging to the clouds

6. Castello di San Vigilio, the most impressive view location of the city

Opinions

Bergamo - v. j. photo

“Besides Bergamo, I have visited many other fascinating places, but of course, this beautiful, peaceful city is closest to my heart, and I consider it my second home, no matter how much time passes. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to return there, but I am sure that I will go back many times in my life.

If someone asked me what I liked the most, I would answer without thinking: everything! Of course, every place has its pros and cons, but to be honest, when I think of Bergamo, I couldn't say anything negative – I just fell in love with it.

I suppose that as a hiker or tourist, it might be possible to feel good anywhere for a couple of days, but spending months in the same place is a completely different feeling. Bergamo can't be called a big city, yet every single day had something new in store for me, something different, so I never got bored.

What is the charm of the place? I don't think I can express it in words. As the Upper Town (Cittá Alta) rises imposingly above the Lower Town (Cittá Bassa), or as we walk along the wall that surrounds it, a wonderful sight unfolds before our eyes: below us are the modern buildings of the Lower Town, which in some places are obscured by huge, bright green trees, while to the north of the city are the ranges of the Alps, clinging to the clouds.

In my opinion, exploring Bergamo would take two days for those who really want to immerse themselves in the mysteries of the city and discover every little detail. However, in order to admire the nearby attractions and sights, it is worth spending ten days or two weeks exploring the gems of Northern Italy, including Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Verona, or even Venice.” (Alexandra)

Practicals

Transport

The urban and regional transport is well developed; you can get anywhere by bus from Bergamo. In addition, Bergamo has its airport, Orio al Serio, around 15-20 minutes away by public transport.

Bergamo - Old Town - funicular - Ata photo

Food

Bergamo - Old Town - cafe&cake shop - Ata photo

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.

Background

Bergamo - Piazza Vecchia - Ata photo

Destination in brief

Population (in 2021): 900,500

Average net monthly salary (in 2021) 1476 Euro

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.