The truth is that most people arriving at Bergamo airport ignore the city and prefer to go to Milan right off the bat. (very often it's cheaper to fly in here on airlines including Ryanair, United, and Lufthansa, then pay 10 euros for a 50-kilometre (30-mile) bus ride than flying directly to Milan). But whether you're flying in, or find yourself passing through the Lombardy region - the wonderful city of Bergamo is well worth a day or two of your precious holiday time.
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A beautiful, tranquil city which has given the world composer Gaetano Donizetti, comic character Truffaldino, and the fragrant fruit bergamot., the major sights of Bergamo (pop. 121,000) can be seen in a few hours, but taking it slow and spending a weekend is extremely rewarding.
Day 1: Getting High in the Old Town
A special charm of Bergamo lies in the fact that it's one of the four Italian cities with historical centers completely surrounded by ancient city walls. Furthermore, it's literally divided into two discrete parts - the ancient city located on the top of the hill (Città Alta, literally "High City") and the modern part (Città Bassa/Low City) stretching from at the foot of the hill. Unsurprisingly, most of the most interesting attractions are up in Città Alta, which is in effect one big architectural landmark.
Founded by Celts as far back as the 6th century BC, Bergamo recalls much of European history, back to the marches of Roman legionaries and the invasion of the Attila's Huns. But the historical sites remaining today largely date back to the 12th to 15th centuries, when these lands were under the rule of the dukes of Milan.
You can pass through the walls of Città Alta either on foot through via one of the four very impressive gates, or by funicular (there are two of them at opposite sides of the hill). Regardless of the way you choose, comfortable sport shoes would be useful, because Citta Alta is all cobblestone streets and lots of uphill and downhill walking.
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The funiculars offer visitors an interesting experience; besides being the fastest way to get up to the Città Alta (even faster than taxi), it climbs a steep hillside, affording highly picturesque views of the Lower Town.
Everything in Città Alta - streets, churches, and other buildings - are preserved in their original medieval appearance. So you can just wander the streets towards the main square Piazza Vecchia and breathe the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, supplemented by the soft sounds of guitar strings and the aromas cappuccino and espresso from the numerous restaurants surrounding you.
Piazza Vecchia is the heart of Bergamo both old and new - the political and administrative center that's the location of both the old and current city halls, as well as the city's tallest tower, the Torre Civica, and lovely landmarks such as the Contarini Fountain. There are also many charming and cozy cafés and restaurants offering a nice way to while away the afternoon or evening.
The new town hall (Palazzo Nuovo) houses the Angelo Mai Library, which is one of the richest libraries in Italy, with more than 700,000 volumes and about 3,000 incunabula (the very first medieval printed books). The old town hall (Palazzo Vecchio della Ragione) was built in the 12th century, and on its top floor visitors will find many works of art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Day 2: The Beauties of Bergamo's Countryside
A full day is more than enough to explore the cultural and historical attractions of the city proper. But if you can spare a second day, a little car trip through Bergamo surroundings will yield lots to please and even excite you. The largest selection of rental vehicles is traditionally at the airport (and it's always best to book in advance).
Some 50 kilometres (30 miles) outside the city, near the village of Zambla Alta, you'll find one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world. The Cattedrale Vegetale (Plant Cathedral) is located at foot of Mount Arera, and consists of living trees ( 600 chestnuts and hazels, to be precise). Started in 2010, the cathedral will take years to come to fruition, since the trees are still growing. But even today, there's a lot for visitors to marvel at in this unusual eco-cathedral.
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And did you know that the tallest waterfall in Italy is located only in 52 km (32 miles) from Bergamo? The Cascate del Serio near Valbondione in the picturesque Seriana Valley plummets 315 meters (1,033 feet) - the only thing is that it only does so five times a year, thanks to a dam which usually lets the water flow again one Sunday a month between June and October. Even if you can't make it here on one of those days, the Seriana Valley is well worth visiting for its pure nature, clean air, and majestic mountains - a true paradise for especially for hikers.
If you love nature and the great outdoors, also don't miss a chance to visit the Lombardy Alps' Lake Iseo, 50 km east of Bergamo. It's a cherished getaway for many Italians, with a few cozy villages and towns along the lake, with well-developed infrastructure. The local landscapes with their mountains, vineyards, orchards, and chestnut forests are so picturesque that you could literally admire the views for hours. Besides natural landmarks, tourists interested in architecture and cultural attractions will enjoy the ancient basilica and interesting museum of paintings. Connoisseurs of Italian cuisine won't be disappointed either, by the nice range of quiet, comfortable cafes and restaurants.
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Truthfully, it should be said that Bergamo probably isn't a place where you can spend the whole of your vacation. But it's makes a lovely starting point to exploring the wonders and pleasures of Lombardy - including, of course, exciting Milan!
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