Bergamo is a beautiful city in northern Italy, in the Lombardy region, about 50 km northeast of Milan. It’s known for its unique layout. Bergamo is divided into the historic upper town (Città Alta) and the modern lower town (Città Bassa). The upper town sits on a hill, enclosed by impressive 16th-century Venetian walls (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and is filled with medieval streets, towers, and piazzas. The lower town is more modern and commercial but still charming.
history
Bergamo is one of northern Italy’s most fascinating cities, with roots stretching back thousands of years. It was first a Celtic settlement before becoming a Roman town called Bergomum in the 1st century BCE. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Bergamo passed through the hands of the Lombards and Franks, eventually developing into a free medieval commune.
In 1428, Bergamo came under the control of the Venetian Republic, beginning nearly 350 years of prosperity. During this time, Venice built the massive Venetian Walls that still surround Città Alta (the Upper Town) — today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Following the fall of Venice to Napoleon, Bergamo briefly joined the Cisalpine Republic before becoming part of the Austrian Empire. In 1859, during the Italian unification, Bergamo became part of the Kingdom of Italy. It earned the nickname “Città dei Mille” (“City of the Thousand”) because many locals joined Giuseppe Garibaldi’s campaign to unite Italy.
Today, Bergamo’s streets, piazzas, and architecture tell the story of its layered past. Visitors can admire a unique blend of Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and modern Italian culture — making Bergamo a must-see destination for history lovers and travelers exploring Lombardy.
1. Funiculars
Bergamo is famous for its two historic funiculars, offering a scenic and practical way to explore the city’s hills.
The Città Alta Funicular connects the modern Lower Town (Città Bassa) with the medieval Upper Town (Città Alta). Opened in 1887, it climbs 85 meters in just a few minutes, taking you directly to Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe. The ride is steep, charming, and included in Bergamo’s public transport tickets.
From Città Alta, take the San Vigilio Funicular to reach the peaceful San Vigilio hill. This second funicular, dating back to 1912, offers stunning views and access to hiking paths and San Vigilio Castle.
Both funiculars run frequently, making them an easy, must-try experience for visitors.
2. Campanone Tower
The Campanone, also known as the Torre Civica, is one of Bergamo’s most iconic landmarks. Make sure go up to the top of this tower, the views of Bergamo and the surrounding countryside and Italian alps are stunning. The ticket is €8.00 and also gives you access to a museum in the same building about the Venetian age of Bergamo. Located in the heart of Piazza Vecchia in Città Alta, this medieval tower dates back to the 12th century. Standing 52 meters tall, the tower has long been a symbol of civic pride.
Every evening at 10 p.m., the Campanone’s bell still rings 100 times, a tradition that once signaled the closing of the city gates. Visitors can climb the tower via stairs or take the elevator to enjoy panoramic views and incredible photo opportunities.
The Campanone is an unmissable stop when exploring Bergamo’s historic Upper Town.
3. Piazza Vecchia
Piazza Vecchia is the beating heart of Bergamo’s Città Alta (Upper Town) and one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval squares. Surrounded by historic palaces, this elegant square has been the city’s political and social center for centuries. Highlights include the Palazzo della Ragione, the Campanone (Civic Tower), and the Contarini Fountain, a favorite meeting spot for locals and visitors.
The square is lined with charming cafés and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a coffee while admiring the Renaissance architecture. At night, Piazza Vecchia is beautifully lit, creating a magical atmosphere. Whether you visit by day or evening, this square is a must-see and the ideal starting point for exploring Bergamo’s historic treasures.
4. Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Bergamo’s most remarkable landmarks, located right next to Piazza Vecchia in Città Alta. Built in 1137, this Romanesque church impresses with its richly decorated façade and exquisite interiors. Step inside to admire spectacular frescoes, wooden choir stalls, and intricate Baroque details.
The basilica is also the final resting place of Gaetano Donizetti, Bergamo’s famous opera composer. Unlike many other churches, Santa Maria Maggiore has no main entrance from the façade; visitors enter through side portals, adding to its charm.
This masterpiece of Lombard architecture is a must-see for art and history lovers exploring Bergamo’s Upper Town.
5. Accademia Carrara
The Accademia Carrara is Bergamo’s premier art museum and one of the most important galleries in Italy. Founded in the 18th century by Count Giacomo Carrara, it houses an extraordinary collection of over 1,800 paintings from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Bellini, Titian, and Mantegna, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
The museum is beautifully curated, offering a journey through Italian and European art history in an elegant and modern setting. Guided tours and multimedia aids enhance the experience.
Located just outside Città Alta, the Accademia Carrara is an essential stop for anyone exploring Bergamo’s rich cultural heritage.
6. Atalanta BC
Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio (Atalanta BC) is Bergamo’s most famous football club and a powerhouse in Italian football. Founded in 1907, the team plays its home matches at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo and is known for its passionate fanbase and attacking style of play. Atalanta competes in Serie A, Italy’s top football league, and has earned recognition for developing young talents and delivering exciting, high-scoring matches.
Nicknamed “La Dea” (The Goddess), Atalanta BC has become a symbol of pride for Bergamo, representing the city both domestically and in European competitions. Fans flock to matches to experience the club’s energy, history, and dedication to football excellence.
🌟 Top 5 Quirky Things to Know About bergamo
1. The City Split in Two – Bergamo has a “double personality”: the medieval Città Alta (Upper Town) perched on a hill, surrounded by Venetian walls, and the modern Città Bassa (Lower Town) below. You can ride a funicular between them — it feels like stepping back in time.
2. A Giant Key to the City – The Venetian walls have four monumental gates, and you can still see the Porta San Giacomo, which looks like it could be the entrance to a fairytale kingdom.
3. Polenta e Osei Dessert – This local sweet looks like a yellow polenta cake, but it’s actually sponge cake filled with chocolate cream, covered in marzipan, and decorated with tiny chocolate birds on top.
4. The Donizetti Connection – Bergamo is obsessed with its most famous son, composer Gaetano Donizetti. There’s a theater named after him, a museum, and even a Donizetti Opera Festival each year.
5. City with a Secret Skyline – Unlike many Italian towns, Bergamo has a skyline of stone towers, not just church domes. The Campanone (big bell tower) rings 100 times every evening at 10 p.m. — a quirky tradition dating back to when the gates of the city walls were closed.
That’s all from Bergamo. See my YouTube video from Bergamo here:
