One of northern Italy’s most captivating cities, Bergamo is a sometimes-overlooked gem of the Lombardy region. Don’t make that mistake. Once you’ve explored its historic streets, head out to discover the wider region, from the Alps to Italy’s lush agricultural heartland in Po Valley.
Medieval meandering
Bergamo was part of the Republic of Venice from the early 15th century for nearly 400 years. To this day, the ancient hilltop Citta Alta - or Upper Town - is still surrounded by three miles of Venetian Walls and overlooks the modern Citta Bassa – the Lower Town.
Park up and take the funicular, which has connected the two districts for more than 100 years and affords stunning views across the city.
When you arrive in the upper town, meander along the pretty cobblestone streets until you reach the center at the aristocratic Piazza Vecchia. Take a seat at one of the many trattoria and admire the 800-year-old Palazzo della Ragione at the very heart of Bergamo. At the centrer of the square you’ll find Contarini Fountain and, on the opposite side, Palazzo Nuovo. Take a seat, sip an espresso and watch the gentle buzz of Bergamo life go by.
Riches of the Renaissance
There’s a wealth of art to discover in Bergamo. Visit Accademia Carrara and you’ll find Renaissance masterpieces from the likes of Botticelli, Mantegna, Bellini and Raphael. With everything from depictions of saints and classical landscapes to explorations of love, the museum depicts the development of a movement that changed art forever.
Bergamo is also the birthplace of Donizetti, one of the world's greatest opera composers, and his influence is still very much felt and celebrated here. Visit his house in the upper town and sift through his most personal items - letters, scores, portraits - in the Donizetti Museum. His ornate tomb can still be seen in Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
The 200-year-old theater, which was named in his honor, still regularly stages some of his most popular operas, and statues of composers guarding the entrance and a frescoed auditorium ceiling show the opulence of 19th century Italian opera houses.
Hike the Bergamo Alps
Peaks, valleys, and forests are dotted with farms and villages inthe nearby Alps. This vast and imposing mountain range is 50 miles long, with soaring summits up to more than 3,000 meters. Stretch your legs as you follow one of the many footpaths and breathe in the fresh air. The scenery is always changing, becoming wilder and more dramatic as you head towards the highest peaks.
Make sure you stop to see the impressive Serio Waterfalls. At 315 meters they’re the highest in Italy, sending cascades of foaming white water into a towering Alpine gorge. The trail there will take around an hour and a half and, if you journey on, you’ll come to Rifugio Curo, a mountain refuge overlooking a turquoise pool, which contrasts gorgeously with the dark green mountains in the distance.
Dine on hearty local cuisine
Italian cities are renowned for their mouth-watering food and Bergamo is no different.Make your way to the Upper Town for some of the best restaurants and eat your fill of delicious fresh produce against a stunning backdrop.Much of Italian life revolves around food, so make time to eat and enjoy.
Pork, particularly salami, is popular here as well as Alpine cheeses like taleggio. Tuck into a steaming bowl of casoncelli, stuffed pasta served in simple but rich sauce of melted butter and sage, one of the most famous local dishes.
Collect your car rental from Bergamo and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city as well as heading out into the diverse landscape of Lombardy to experience everything northern Italy has to tempt you with.