The construction of this Romanesque-style basilica started in 1137 in honor of the Virgin Mary to whom people prayed for protection from the plague. Adjoining Mimi La Casa dei Sapori resembles a medieval Carluccios; deli-dine under vaulted ceilings, eyeballing shelves stocked with the legumes, grains, pastas, wine and rice produced in northern Italy. Bergamo ( Italian: [bramo] ( listen); Bergamasque: Brghem [brm] ( listen)) is a city in the alpine Lombardy region of northern Italy, approximately 40 km (25 mi) northeast of Milan, and about 30 km (19 mi) from Switzerland, the alpine lakes Como and Iseo and 70 km (43 mi) from Garda and Maggiore. Visit in early December during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to hear carols broadcast around the cathedral and across Citt Alta. If you visit Bergamo in the summer, make sure to try gelato alla stracciatella: you may not know it, but this vanilla ice-cream with chocolate shavings was invented here in a restaurant called La Marianna, to reminisce a soup from Rome which has the same name. Train tickets can be purchased in advance or at the station just before departure. Why Bergamo, Italy, Is Worth More Than A Short Layover Any pitfalls? Connecting Bassa and Alta is a 19th-century funicular whose two little red coaches make an almost vertical climb through elegantly stacked gardens and parkland, offering expansive views over the Po Valleys plains: as unexpectedly charming as this two-tiered city itself. The Top Things to Do and See in Bergamo, Italy The men prayed that they would be kept safe from sickness, and if this were the case, then they would build a church in Marys honour. Bergamo is a city divided into two parts; largely owing to its status as a hillside town- in all senses of the word. Wander inside, and youll see intricate decor, beautiful frescoes, and the tiara ofPope John XXIII, who is now known as Saint John XXIII. Gombit Hotel: The closest thing Bergamo has to a design den, Gombit Hotel is a contemporary standout on a central-yet-quiet Citt Alta cobbled side street. Cantiere Cucinais a tiny family style restaurant in Borgo Santa Caterina, in Bergamo Bassa, and offers some of the staples of local cuisine as well as other dishes, in a very relaxed atmosphere. Housed in the 12th century former Palace (what cultural space isnt when it comes to Italy? Joining Here To Travel Plus is free and you can unsubscribe at any time. That said, at no point during our visit did we ever get a sense of it being a particularly unsafe place. All rights reserved. Though the interior of the ecclesiastical building is often closed to the public and only open at select times throughout the year, it can still be enjoyed from the outside! After a 10-15 minute journey, we arrived at Orio al Serio International Airport (sometimes known as Il Caravaggio International Airport and also just Bergamo Airport), Italys third busiest. A view of Bergamo from the top of City Hall Tower. At a stones throw from Milan, Bergamo Orio al Serio airport has become one of the most important European hubs for budget airlines. Short History: The Celts (people from central Europe) founded Bergamo 2000 years ago. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Perhaps it is the wind of the mountains that makes the people there so strong; perhaps the very mountains that surround us teach us to be firm in the foundations and to have stability in life projects. Buses areevery 20 minutesand the journey takesaround 10-15 minutes. You wont have a hard time finding a good place to stay. One of the things youll notice as soon as you visit Bergamo is that the city has several viewpoints from where you can enjoy impressive views. Same for buses just make sure you validate your ticket on the bus. A cursory look throughTripadvisors top ranked hotels in Bergamo* isnt exactly inspiring. Inside you can admire the gorgeous frescoes and decorations. UpTown Bed and Breakfast,Piazzetta Luigi Angelini, 15, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy. Wander around the ancient walls of the Castello di San Vigilio and take in the panoramic views. Tell us about your connection to Bergamo. Known as the Cinta Muraria, these were built in the 16th century, when the city was under Venetian rule (hence their name). Italian Spirits. Below, the newer part of the city (though also dating back at least five centuries) is known as Citt Bassa (lower city). The town and province are in Lombardy, one of the twenty administrative regions of Italy. Subscribe to Sophies YouTube Channel. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Brescia, Italy - How to Visit and Best Things to Do - Rossi Writes What? We particularly loved the fragrant risotto, well-priced wine list, and mouthwatering desserts. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Believe us, it's worth the visit! Here are our top reasons why you should consider stopping-off in Bergamo. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Instead, ensure to dedicate at least a night or two to discover the best attractions Bergamo has to offer. The city is pleasant to walk around its the kind of place where life goes by as usual; locals go about their daily business undisturbed by the small group of tourists that occasionally pass by usually on the way to another place. Make sure to read the following posts: A juicy article indeed, proving that we never stop learning Thank you ! Not so Bergamo. The entire village is built around a cotton mill (the factory stopped working in 2004). Since trains produce significantly less CO2 than planes, taking the train is a Responsible Travel Choice. Da Vittorio: In a former private members country club on Bergamos outskirts, Da Vittorio is a fun fine-dining one-off. Why did these shark hunters bury their dead with extra limbs? Above the ticket windows is a screen displaying all of the forthcoming departures for each of the three bus companies. Gemma and Craig learned this at their expenses when they had a not so cheap layover in Bergamo, which added to their backpacking Europe costs. Bergamo is a northern Italy treasure. Tickets are superb value for money and can be purchased at the station just before travel or in advance via Trainline*. The cathedral is free to visit and is open on a daily basis between 7 AM and 7 PM. Find out more in ourPrivacy Policy. Yes, absolutely! For more information about coffee in Italy, heres how to order coffee in Italy just like an Italian! Bergamo is the hidden gem of Lombardy, an Italian destination often missed or forgotten in favour of its more famous neighbour, the design capital and fashion city of Milan. Bergamo surroundings are very interesting. This vibrant city has all the charm of a remote Tuscan town, but is just 15 minutes drive from its own international airport. The charming city of Bergamo is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy and for years has been overlooked by tourism until being granted UNESCO World Heritage Status. 15 Best Things to Do in Bergamo (Italy) Head inside for some authentic Italian cuisine and plenty of local wine! Although the city is at the foot of the Orobie Alps, it does not often snow during winter in the city. Come explore it by walking across its historic districts, its churches, its funiculars and its walkways climbing up through the lush vegetation of the . I have already mentioned the views from the funicular that goes from Bergamo Bassa to Bergamo Alta. Bookending dinner: a trolley of locally made Franciacorta fizz, a treasure chest of truffles, a vast bureau of cheese, and a towering dresser of chocolates and candy made in-house, all wheeled to your table. Sit and stay a while, or enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants and cafs located on the edge of the rocks. By alessandrofL127YD. We were only in Bergamo for a short period in the daytime, so Im afraid we dont know for certain whether Bergami is safe. Deliciously cooked, we ended up having an amazing chat with the owner of the B&B! By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. Bergamo is a wonderful place to visit. This post contains affiliate links. 2 December 2022 by Claudia Tavani There are many good reasons to visit Bergamo, Italy. Agenzia per lo sviluppo e la Promozione Turistica della Provincia di Bergamo scarl Registered Office: Via T. Tasso 8 - 24121 Bergamo Operational headquarter: Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, 20 - 24121 Bergamo Bergamo has its own ancient Roman Roads, the cardo (going north to south) and the decumano (going east to west). Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Among the things to do in Bergamo theres trying the local wines. If youre looking for a place thats a little more luxurious during your stay in Bergamo then the Relais San Lorenzo (which is only open during the shoulder and peak seasons of the year) is incredibly well rated. Local Lombardy cuisine mirrors much of the rest of Northern Italy, lacking in tomatoes and focusing more on butter and meat-based dishes. Get the funicular to the Bergamo Alta. While the bus is slightly cheaper, the train will take you right into the city centre! Even nowadays, every night at 10 pm its bell rings 100 times to announce the curfew and the closing of the city gates. I truly enjoyed visiting Scanzo, whose moscato wine has been included in a list of selected Italian DOCG wines (strictly protected). Open to the public and free to visit, the Old Bishops Palace is covered in ancient murals and old paintings and is often empty. Dine and dance: Its more about wining and dining than dancing and cocktails in Bergamo, but Setai, near the Orio mega mall is the place to dress up, see and be seen against a backdrop of disco-techno served up by Italian DJs and a respectable number of international names. A city guide to Bergamo, Italy Can laughter strengthen your immune system? Of course! Hahahahahaha youll love it girl! You couldnt make it up! Colleoni suffered from orchitis, which meant he had three testicles. It does not store any personal data. Walking along them is simply one of the things to do in Bergamo. Bergamo was once (and technically still is) heavily fortified, and a testament to this are the Venetian walls which are now designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. Bergamo is well served by busses from Milan, Turin, Rome, Venice and Verona. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. The Citt Bassa and the Citt Alta are connected by a funicular. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Lombardy. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "af23d1c093747adc25b7f0fb163a41fe" );document.getElementById("b0d2b8ce0d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Subscribe to Plus and get updates from our travels, our latest stuff and eco-travel news, About UsContact UsWork With UsSustainabilityPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions. Bergamo is a city of churches, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is sandwiched between the Cappella Colleoni and Bergamos cathedral. As a wine connoisseur (I have traveled all the way to Stellenbosch, in South Africa, just for that!) Theatre:Bergamo produced one of Italys most beloved opera composers, Gaetano Donizetti, with twice annual festivals held in his name in November and June. On Altas central Via Gombito, Location 58 is the best address for cocktails, in a glam 1950s-style setting, while La Birreria offers a broad selection of craft brews; Il Dispensario does both in an intimate bar on lovely little Piazza Mascheroni, by the north-western wall. Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Coooold and gorgeous! Best Memories and Souvenirs from Bergamo, Italy - Souvenir Finder Albeit missing the quaint charm of Bergamo Alta, Bergamo Bassa remains an interesting place to explore. This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Cond Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination. Nice post! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Is it possible/ easy to travel from Il Caravaggio airport to lake Comp by bus/tea in? There is no main gate but two doorways guarded by two marble lions each. Polentone:Polenta defines Bergamo dining. Last, but definitely not least one of the reasons to visit Bergamo is that people are truly friendly, welcoming and pleasant to talk to, and since tourists are so few still, its incredibly easy to meet them and befriend them. Those with limited mobility may find the steep hills and cobbled streets of the upper city a challenge. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Bergamo is the hidden gem of Lombardy, an Italian destination often missed or forgotten in favour of its more famous neighbour, the design capital and fashion city of Milan. Major stations have ticket machines which have an option to translate to English. #11 Explore the Museo di Scienze Naturali, Piazza Lorenzo Mascheroni, 9, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy, #4 Visit the Duomo di Bergamo (Bergamos Cathedral), #5 Admire the Cappella Colleoni (Colleoni Chapel), #8 Take the funicularup to the Citta Alta, #9 Take the funicular up to the Rocca di San Vigilio, #10 Enter the Basilica of/di Santa Maria Maggiore, #12 Torre Civica (Climb to the top of the bell tower), #14 Castello di San Vigilio (Castle of Saint Vigilio), #16 Soak up some history wandering the cobbled lanes, #19 Enjoy the city with a guided tour or cooking class, #21 Take one of the best day trips from Bergamo, How to visit Bergamo as a day trip from Milan, FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Bergamo, Italy. But he was almost bounced from the Manhattan Project entirelywhy? Most Italian hilltop towns are hard-won, accessible only for those up to navigating long, winding mountain roads. Where is Bergamo? One of the most scenic cities in Italy, it is located on and around a steep hill, green in the summer and white in the winter, complemented by pastel-coloured architecture, against the backdrop of nearby Alps. 30 Things Italy is Known and Famous For October 14, 2020 What is Italy famous for? Connecting Bassa and Alta is a 19th-century funicular whose two little red coaches make an almost vertical climb through elegantly stacked gardens and parkland, offering expansive views over the Po Valleys plains: as unexpectedly charming as this two-tiered city itself. Piazza Vecchia, in Bergamo Alta, is the ideal place to begin exploring the city. Taking public transport is a Responsible Travel Choice, as sharing your journey with others is much better for the environment than taking journeys by car. THE TOP 15 Things To Do in Bergamo (Lombardy) - Viator Heres a selection of good hotels: Are you planning a trip to Italy? Absolutely helpful. Her restaurant is truly a one-of-a-kind place. Spring is rainy and breezy, summer is hot and dry, fall is rainy and chilly, and winter is cold and dry. Moscato di Scanzo is typically a meditation wine, very thick, rich and fruity in flavor and thus it is not meant to accompany food. Its only as a result of the neighbouring Basilica that, in our opinion, it plays second fiddle. Teatro Donizetti, an 18th-century opera house in Citt Bassa, has a year-round season including his works. We were staggered by the decadence, the detail and the devotion to the decorative arts. With luggage in tow and only 3-4 hours before our flight, we werent holding out too much hope in seeing very much of Bergamo. Local houses were built following the model of English architecture. Glad you found it useful. The time to get from the airport to the city centre is just under half an hour by bus and costs just a few euros each way, making the city easily accessible even on the shortest of vacations. Take a look around and you'll find a rich variety of architecture and some great food. Is malaria making a comeback in the U.S.? Would it be safe to go around Bergamo at 5 till 7 at this time of year. Caff-Trattoria DAmbrosio, at Giulianas. Cocktails: Have a pre- or post-opera cocktail at T-Bakery or adjacent Bu Cheese Bar: sleek, late-opening, snack and drinks spots on Citt Bassas Via Petrarca. 413. With a population of 120,000, this city is the fourth largest in the region and its greater metropolitan area has a population of 500,000. Roads and ramparts encircling the hilltop citadel provide endless vertiginous vantages, while the hardworking two-carriage Citt Alta Funicular allows easier ascent from new town to old, and equally panoramic views. Go to church: Hidden behind the lion-topped loggia overlooking Bergamo Altas central Piazza Vecchia a feline symbol of Venetian rule over the city for more than three centuries youll find hidden not one but three spectacular religious edifices: the Duomo, Colleoni Chapel and Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Some 2,000 works dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries reside in this heavy-hitting provincial museum, with religious and Renaissance masterpieces by the likes of Mantegna, Lorenzo Lotto, Giovanni Bellini, Raphael, Titian and Botticelli. Tickets can be purchased just before travel from machines or from the ticket office. The airport bus stops at the railway station, from which you can catch a direct train to Milan Central station. Did I not mention the bus station is right next to the railway station? Right next to the Natural Science Museum is the Archaeology Museum. The airport building is bright, modern, spacious and airy with plenty of food and shopping options. The practice of rubbing the testicles is a popular pursuit amongst locals and tourists, so much so that the testicles have adopted a golden hue thanks to all the rubbing. How vulnerable are we? Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 26 Things to Do in Bergamo, Italy's Best Kept Secret Probably the most famous brand of water in the world, San Pellegrino spring is located just outside of Bergamo. Bergamo is very easily explored on foot. We have two nights this week but I have unfollowed injured my foot so walking is somewhat hampered but decided to still go. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Of all the reasons to visit Bergamo, make it the fact that youll be visiting a place which many miss. I want to share with you a link that also helped me to visit the beautiful Bergamo during a weekend. At just 5 minutes walk from the Cappella Colleoni, one of the best things to do in Bergamo especially if you are traveling with kids is visiting the Natural Science Museum, which has an impressive exhibit that will walk you through natural science, paleontology, archeology and more. My bond with Bergamo is and remains so strong; I have roots there that have allowed me to move and build new projects without losing my center. Dine and dance: Its more about wining and dining than dancing and cocktails in Bergamo, but Setai, near the Orio mega mall is the place to dress up, see and be seen against a backdrop of disco-techno served up by Italian DJs and a respectable number of international names. As soon as you enter the main hall you will be welcomed by a massive mammoth its the reconstruction of remains that were found in the 20the century in Petosino plain, at a short distance from Bergamo. One of the highlights of visiting Bergamo is definitely trying its many traditional dishes. However, this is most certainly not the case and avoiding this Italian town would be your first mistake! Angolo del Poeta,Via Borgo Palazzo, 39, 24125 Bergamo BG, Italy. This short walk is rewarded with an incredible 360-degree view of the old district, the surrounding countryside, and the Alps. Bookending dinner: a trolley of locally made Franciacorta fizz, a treasure chest of truffles, a vast bureau of cheese, and a towering dresser of chocolates and candy made in-house, all wheeled to your table. Watch out for the added costs of budget airlines if you plan to use this mode of transport when you visit Bergamo. Having bought our tickets, we waited no more than 10 minutes for the next bus which took us directly to the old town in a matter of minutes. 16 Top Tourist Attractions in Bergamo Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 22, 2023 The first thing you'll notice as you arrive in Bergamo is its topography, a perfectly flat lower town that rises steeply and suddenly to the 16th-century bastions of the old town on the crest of its hill. That said, wed certainly recommend spending more time in Bergamo. Bergamo is where 9 famous Italian cheeses among which taleggio and stracchino, which I love are produced. Despite Ryanair putting Bergamo on the radar when it landed at the then tiny airport in 2004, this is still an unsung destination. Built in the Alpine foothills, hills are obviously abundant! Easily one of the best-kept secrets and hidden gems of Bergamo, the stone structure leans to one side and is truly a glimpse of Bergamo history. The room also came with a complimentary breakfast, of which there were several options to choose from. Bergamo has several "only in Bergamo" food specialties that make excellent souvenirs- a local cheese (branzi), a stuffed pasta (casoncelli) and every kind of polenta imaginable. With its hilltop medieval citadel encircled by Ventian walls, views of the snow-capped Alps, a top-notch fine arts museum, and some of the region's best restaurants . Enter inside to explore the exhibitions, admire the interior of an old palace and be amazed by the sheer volume of frescoes, paintings and courtyards located within the museums walls. Orio al Serio International Airport(IATA: BGY) serves Bergamo and the surrounding region. Some of the other best views of the lower city can be found along the Venetian walls (where you may even spot a vineyard or two if youre lucky). The Visconti Hospitium Magnum is now a beautiful museum of science natural with several extinct animals, good for an. @Ann Cooper, Hi Ann can you recommend where to stay? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We hope you have a fabulous time! Here are six reasons why Bergamo is such a great city to visit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Have I convinced you to visit Bergamo? You should consider staying an entire weekend in Bergamo, with extra days added if you wish to do day trips to the surrounding area. 10 Best Things to do in Lombardy (Lombardia, Italy) | solosophie Even those who have heard of it (like the hundreds of thousands of people who arrive at the citys airport every year) normally bypass it entirely on their way to more recognisable places like Milan, Venice or Lake Como. Their advice was to head to the Upper City (Citt Alta) by bus (Bus 1 or 1A) and see the major attractions. For more views of the city, one of the coolest things to do in Bergamo is climbing the 230 steps (or riding the elevator) to the top of the Torre Civica, the Civic Tower also known as the Campanone, a 56 meters tall tower which was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. The luxury giant lands in its hometown with a new standard for high end craftsmanship, style and luxury. Ristorante da Mimmo, in Bergamo Alta, takes pizza to a whole new level: the quality of ingredients used for the toppings, the perfectly raised pizza dough, the choice of beers, the incredible desserts, the nice setting, the elegant yet relaxed environment and the great service make it a great place to have dinner. 1.- Lake Como from Bergamo, what to do and see Lake Como is a popular tourist destination located just a short drive from Bergamo. Express and regional services travel to/from Milan, while regional services travel to/from Lecco, Brescia and Treviglio. This black hole was formed when the universe was a toddler, Why fish are dying of suffocation around the world, How Berlin is breathing new life into old landmarks, Explore 3,000-year-old hiking trails on this remarkable Greek island, Maine's mountains and lakes offer space to pause and wonder. Living in Bergamo, you experience all seasons of the year to the fullest. Unlike nearby Milan, staying in Bergamo can be quite affordable and there are plenty of options on offer: Relais San Lorenzo,Piazza Lorenzo Mascheroni, 9, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy. Mind you, Venice definitely deserves more than a day, but if thats all you have you may as well make the most of it. A Guide to the Best Things to do in Bergamo, Italy | solosophie Pictured below is the San Giacomo Gate, the old entrance to the city for those travelling to Bergamo from Milan. I did one with Food Lab 3.0 and in 3 hours I (well, sort of) prepared a fantastic meal. Other than Milan (which is the easiest of day trips from the Medieval city), you can rent a car and head out into the vineyards, or visit one of Northern Italys other major cities or towns via train; Venice day trip from Bergamo: Long touted as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Venice is a must-see when travelling through the boot-shaped country. Bergamo - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Much of Bergamo architectural splendor and artistic inspiration are due to the influence of Venice, which ruled the city between the 15th and the late 18th century. 7 Reasons to Explore the Medieval Town of Bergamo, Italy - Sher She Goes Wondering what to do in Milan? Should you decide to visit, make sure to get your tickets well in advance. San Vigilio Funicular climbs higher, for distant views It is 56 kilometers or about 35 miles northeast of Milan. Famous for its gorgeous lakes, medieval towns, and fantastic cuisine, this region is a little more off the beaten path than somewhere like Puglia or Veneto but is nonetheless worth a visit.
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