Planning a trip to Lombardy? Remember to visit Bergamo and its 121 must-sees during your stay!
While many travelers stop off in Milan, few think of visiting its neighbor to the northeast, Bergamo. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this Lombard city is well worth a visit. More than 2,000 years old, the city is best known for its Upper Town, a fortified historic center filled with magnificent buildings.
From its rich heritage to its culinary specialties, not to mention its surroundings full of attractions, Bergamo has no shortage of things to visit. Let’s discover them together!
La Ville Haute
1. A stroll through Città Alta (Upper Town)
Photo credit: Shutterstock / leoks
One of the must-dos in Bergamo is, of course, to get lost in its Città Alta! This imposing medieval hilltop city is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Once in Upper Bergamo, the first place to go is the central square, Piazza Vecchia.
From here, wander through the cobbled streets, discovering shops, cafés and restaurants. Via Bartolomeo Colleoni is particularly well known for its traditional delicatessens, ideal places to sample Bergamo’s gastronomy.
In the streets, you can also admire a number of 16th and 17th century palaces, as well as beautiful churches such as Santo Spirito. And for breathtaking views, be sure to climb to the top of the Torre dei Caduti.
2. Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MC MEDIASTUDIO
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Bergamo’s must-see religious buildings. Located on the opposite side of the Piazza del Duomo, it will dazzle you with its sublime interior and exterior architecture.
The exterior is in the original Lombard Romanesque style, while the interior is decorated in the Baroque style of the 16th and 17th centuries. Enjoy this sublime contrast, and admire all the little details that make the building so beautiful!
3. Bergamo Cathedral (Sant’Alessandro)
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Takashi Images
Built from the 15th century onwards, Bergamo Cathedral is the other must-see religious building. It is dedicated to Alexander of Bergamo, patron saint of the city. Its architecture blends neoclassical and Italian Baroque inspirations.
As a result, many rumors and legends circulate about the site. Indeed, there are few testimonies and stories to tell about the true history of this dome. Nevertheless, the few things that have been certified prove the magic of the place. In fact, on the foundations of the current structure, traces of a Paleo-Christian place of worship (from around the 5th century) have been found. And that’s just the beginning.
4. Porta San Giacomo and the city walls
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Built from 1561 onwards, Bergamo’s Città Alta is one of the last Italian cities to retain its original ramparts and fortifications. If you come to visit Bergamo, be sure to admire the Porta San Giacomo. This is one of the four upper city gates through which the Bergamascians entered.
On the white marble gate, the coat of arms of the Lion of St. Mark also recalls Venetian domination of the city. From here, climb or walk along the city walls to enjoy superb views of the Lower Town below. You can also take advantage of this privileged location to admire sunrises and/or sunsets.
5. Palazzo della Ragione
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
If you come to visit Bergamo, you’ll have the opportunity to admire many beautiful palaces. But one in particular stands out: the Palazzo della Ragione. This is one of the city’s oldest medieval buildings, dating back to the 12th century.
What’s more, this palace, which separates Piazza Vecchia from Piazza del Duomo, was once the center of Bergamo’s political life. Especially when the Serenissima Republic of Venice ruled the region. A lovely engraving of the Lion of Venice can be admired on one of its facades, now a true reminder of that era.
La Ville Basse
6. The funicular
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Angelsmoon
But how do you get from the Città Alta to the Ville Basse? By funicular, of course! For 120 years, the funicular has been connecting Bergamo’s city center with the upper town. Without it, even if you can get there on foot, the ascent to the Upper Town would be a daily ordeal.
What’s more, whether you go up or down, a splendid panorama is revealed. Here, of course, you’ll see Bergamo. But if the weather’s right, you can even see the Po Valley and the Apennines!
A funicular ride costs €1.50.
7. Torre dei Caduti
Photo credit: Shutterstock – katatonia82
Bergamo’s Lower Town is best known for its stores and theaters. However, it is home to a monument well worth a visit. Dedicated to the soldiers of the First World War, the Torre dei Caduti is today the symbol of modern Bergamo. Its panoramic terrace offers superb views over the city center.
Inside, a museum presents the history of the city center, designed by the famous architect Piacentini.
8. Bergamo’s museums
Photo credit: Shutterstock – KrimKate
The « città dei mille » is also home to several museums. If you’re passing through, take the time to visit theAccademia Carrara, located beneath the Upper Town. This Museum of Fine Arts and its school exhibit over 1,800 paintings dating from the 15th to the 19th century. You can admire works by artists such as Botticelli, Bellini and Raffaello. Drawings, sculptures, porcelain and furniture are also on display.
Other museums to visit in Bergamo include the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Museo Adriano Bernareggi, where a collection of sacred objects is on display.
We also recommend a visit to the Palazzo del Podestà museum. This museum presents 500 years of the city’s Venetian history.
9. Bergamo specialities
Polenta taragna, Bergamo’s culinary specialty Photo credit: Shutterstock – KrimKate
The Lombardy city and region is famous for its many culinary specialties. For example, you can try Par’s casoncelli or scarpinòcc ravioli, polenta and brasato. You can also try local cheeses such as Taleggio, Strachitunt or Branzi.
With such a rich gastronomic heritage, we can’t recommend that you take a cooking class in Bergamo. You’ll discover how to prepare and cook some of Bergamo’s most emblematic dishes, before enjoying them. In doing so, you’ll open up a whole new dimension in the culture of Bergamo and Northern Italy.
And if cooking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of cooking tours available. Or take your own tour, pinpointing the city’s best restaurants and grocery stores.
Around Bergamo
10. San Pellegrino Spa
Photo credit: Shutterstock / michelangeloop
Bergamo’s surroundings are full of charming natural and historical sites that are a must-see. Among them, we particularly recommend a visit to San Pellegrino.
Famous for its sparkling mineral water, this village is well worth a visit. When you arrive, be sure to admire the Grand Hotel. And don’t forget the town’s thermal baths, its main attraction and a must-do when visiting Bergamo.
Admission includes access to all baths, including the enchanting outdoor baths. You can also enjoy a buffet, massages and other treatments. It’s a wonderful experience, especially for couples.
11. The Village of Clusone
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Luca Ponti
Located northeast of Bergamo, Clusone is a small mountain village well worth a visit. It’s a charming village, home to one of the region’s most famous frescoes. Take a tour of the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and lose yourself in the narrow streets.
Don’t forget to admire theFanzago planetary clock before you leave.
12. Lake Iseo
Photo credit: Shutterstock – mjols84
Located to the east of Bergamo, Lake Iseo is another of Lombardy’s must-see attractions. In summer, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Not only can you swim here, but you can also take part in various water sports, such as windsurfing, diving and sailing. The lake enjoys a steady breeze!
In terms of villages, we recommend a visit to Lovere, Pisogne or Iseo. But above all, don’t miss the chance to take a boat out to the island of Monte Isola, located in the middle of the lake!
Finally, all around Lake Iseo, entertainment and shows take place during the summer. You’ll find nuggets of heritage, and above all breathtaking scenery.
How to get to Bergamo
Bergamo is easily accessible by plane, train, bus or car.
By plane
To get to Bergamo, you’ll probably have to fly. Fortunately, the city has its own airport, Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport. You can choose to land here, then visit Bergamo and on to Milan. There are regular flights to Bergamo from all major French cities, some of them direct. To find the most advantageous solution, you can consult an online flight comparator, such as Ulysse. This will enable you to find the best possible combination according to your criteria.
You can also land in Milan and reach Bergamo by train, bus or car rental.
By train
Bergamo is easily reached by train from Milan. From the main station, the journey generally takes an hour and the ticket costs less than €6. To consult timetables and buy tickets online, visit the official Trenitalia website.
By bus
In addition to organized excursions from neighboring towns, Bergamo is accessible via bus companies such as Flixbus. The journey also takes an hour and usually costs less than €10. This means of transport is well-developed on the other side of the Alps, and can save you money.
By car
A car is the ideal way to get to Bergamo, as you’ll be able to explore the region easily afterwards. You can also come to Lombardy from France. Drive through Milan and reach Bergamo in less than an hour from the region’s capital.
You can also rent a car on arrival at Milan or Bergamo airports. You’ll then have complete freedom to discover this beautiful Italian region, nestled in the foothills of the Alps.
Where to stay in Bergamo
There’s no shortage of accommodation options in Bergamo, and you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re looking for in the city. As far as neighborhoods are concerned, you can of course stay in Città Alta, for a medieval but slightly touristy experience. You can also stay in the Lower Town, at the foot of the city walls.
When it comes to accommodation, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can opt for a room in a charming family-run hotel, or a more luxurious establishment. Don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator to make your choice. Travelers can also take a look at Airbnb, to find a cozier, more local apartment, or home-stay accommodation. In any case, there’s something for every price and taste!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Lombardy