Why Visit Bergamo
This Bergamo Italy travel guide reveals a city just 50 km northeast of Milan, at the foothills of the Alps—steeped in history, crowned by the UNESCO-listed Venetian Walls, and loaded with art, views, and exceptional cuisine. Often overlooked in favour of Milan, Bergamo rewards visitors with timeless streets, panoramic vistas, and a relaxed rhythm that feels authentically Italian. We visited Bergamo during our travel through Europe and is easily reached from Milan by train. The journey takes about 1 hour. Bergamo is a fascinating city and rich in history. It’s easy to get around and there are funiculars running to the old city which should not be missed. We’ve put together this Bergamo Italy travel guide to help you if visiting Bergamo is on your agenda. If you are visiting or staying in Milan, then a trip to Bergamo is certainly worthwhile.
A Glimpse into Bergamo’s History
Bergamo’s roots date back over 2,000 years. Originally a Celtic settlement, it was absorbed into the Roman Empire in 49 BC, thriving along strategic trade routes. Through the Middle Ages it became a Lombard stronghold and later flourished under the Republic of Venice. The 16th-century Venetian Walls encircle the upper town (Città Alta) and remain one of Europe’s best-preserved fortification systems—recognised by UNESCO and beloved for their sweeping views.
Little-Known Facts That Will Surprise You
- The first European postal network: The Tasso family from nearby Cornello dei Tasso organized courier services in the 13th century, a blueprint for modern post.
- Walls never used in battle: Bergamo’s formidable Venetian Walls were never actually tested in combat during Venetian rule—hence their remarkable condition.
- City of Two Souls: The city divides into medieval Città Alta and modern Città Bassa, a living contrast between history and contemporary life.
- “City of the Thousand”: Over 1,000 Bergamaschi joined Garibaldi’s Expedition of the Thousand (1860), a turning point in the Italian Risorgimento.
- WWII resistance legacy: Bergamo and its surrounding hills sheltered partisans and Allied escapees; memorials and the Museo Storico share this courageous chapter.
Città Alta: The Jewel of Bergamo
Any Bergamo Italy travel guide would not be complete without mentioning Citta Alta.
Città Alta feels like a living museum. Wander cobblestone lanes to Piazza Vecchia, framed by architectural icons like the Palazzo della Ragione and the Campanone (Civic Tower). Steps away, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore surprises with a restrained Romanesque exterior and a sumptuous Baroque interior—carved choir stalls, tapestries, frescoes—and the tomb of composer Gaetano Donizetti. For commanding views and context, head up to the Rocca di Bergamo, the 14th-century fortress with exhibits on the city’s military and cultural past.
More Must-See Sights
- Accademia Carrara: One of Italy’s finest galleries, with masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Canaletto, and Northern masters. Tickets around €10; arrive early for quiet galleries.
- Piazza Vecchia & Campanone: Climb the Civic Tower for classic rooftop vistas over terracotta tiles and rolling countryside.
- Parco dei Colli & San Vigilio Hill: Ride the second funicular from Città Alta to trails, vineyards, and Castello di San Vigilio for Alpine and plain-spanning panoramas.
- Teatro Donizetti: An elegant 1791 theatre in Città Bassa with opera, concerts, and tours of its ornate interiors.
- Palazzo Moroni: A 17th-century noble residence with period rooms, frescoes, an art collection, and serene gardens. Tickets about €11.
Getting There and Getting Around
From Milano Centrale, direct trains reach Bergamo in roughly 50 minutes, often from €5 if booked in advance. From the station, take a short bus ride or walk about 15 minutes to the funicular that glides up to Città Alta. Ride up for the views and consider walking down to savour quiet alleys, leafy bastions, and hidden courtyards.
Where to Stay (All Close to the Station)
- Budget: Central Hostel BG Bergamo — doubles from ~€70; dorms from ~€30.
- Mid-range: Mercure Bergamo Centro Palazzo Dolci — 4-star comfort ~300 m from the station; rooms from ~€105.
- Luxury: NH Bergamo — modern, convenient, and typically includes breakfast; rooms from ~€160.
Other Places To Stay In Bergamo
Best Times to Visit
Spring and autumn bring mild weather and manageable crowds, ideal for wall-top strolls and long lunches. Summer weekends draw Milanese day-trippers, while winter is atmospheric—especially in December when Christmas markets illuminate squares with crafts, mulled wine, and festive lights.
What to Eat (and What It Costs)
- Casoncelli alla Bergamasca: Hand-filled pasta with meat, dressed in butter and sage—a local classic.
- Polenta e Osei (sweet): A whimsical dessert shaped like polenta but made with almond paste and chocolate.
- Everyday prices: Pizza €8–€12; cappuccino €1.50–€2 (sometimes up to €5 in premium spots); a glass of local red wine €4–€6. A comfortable daily budget (food, transport, entries) often falls between €50 and €70—excellent value compared to Italy’s more famous hotspots.
Trip Tips
- Start early in Città Alta to enjoy quieter streets and the basilica’s interiors in peace.
- Use the funicular up and stroll down for scenic layers of the city.
- For history lovers, add the Museo Storico and WWII memorials to your route.
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