HOME
REGIONS OF ITALY
PLACES IN ITALY
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Italy in Photos
Largo Bortolo Belotti, 24121 Bergamo, Italy (April 2019)
Bergamo
Bergamo is a captivating city in northern Italy that blends rich history, artistic heritage, and vibrant modern life within a dramatic natural setting. Located in the Lombardy region, at the foothills of the Alps, Bergamo offers a unique dual identity that sets it apart from many Italian cities. Divided into two distinct parts, the medieval Città Alta (Upper City) and the modern Città Bassa (Lower City). Bergamo invites visitors to experience centuries of Italian history alongside contemporary culture and commerce.
The heart of Bergamo’s historical charm lies in the Città Alta, a beautifully preserved hilltop city enclosed by massive Venetian walls, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reached by a scenic funicular or a winding walk uphill, the Città Alta feels like stepping back in time. Its narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and quiet piazzas create an atmosphere of elegance and calm. At its centre is Piazza Vecchia, often described as one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Surrounded by historic landmarks such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre Civica, the square has long been the political and social heart of the city.
Religious and artistic treasures are also central to Bergamo’s identity. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni, adorned with intricate frescoes and sculptures, showcase the city’s artistic wealth and devotion. Bergamo is also the birthplace of composer Gaetano Donizetti, and his legacy lives on through theatres, festivals, and musical traditions that continue to enrich the city’s cultural life.
Below the old town lies the Città Bassa, a lively and modern urban area characterized by wide streets, elegant shops, and bustling cafés. This part of Bergamo reflects the city’s role as an important economic and cultural centre in Lombardy. Here, historic buildings stand alongside contemporary architecture, and daily life unfolds at a dynamic pace. Tree-lined avenues and public spaces create a pleasant environment for strolling, shopping, and socializing.
Bergamo’s cuisine is deeply rooted in regional traditions and hearty flavours. Local dishes such as casoncelli, a stuffed pasta often served with butter and sage, and polenta, a staple of northern Italian cooking, reflect the city’s alpine influences. Food in Bergamo is a celebration of comfort, craftsmanship, and local ingredients, enjoyed in both traditional trattorias and refined restaurants.
Surrounded by rolling hills and close to the Alps, Bergamo is also an ideal base for exploring nature. Hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and nearby lakes offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. At the same time, its proximity to Milan makes Bergamo easily accessible while maintaining a more intimate and authentic atmosphere. With its harmonious blend of history, culture, and everyday life, Bergamo is a city that rewards curiosity and lingering exploration. It is a place where the past is carefully preserved, the present is vibrant, and every corner tells a story.
Worth a Visit
Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi is one of the central landmarks of Bergamo, serving as a vibrant gateway between the city’s historic and modern areas. Located near the main train station in the lower town, or “Città Bassa”, the square is named after the famous Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi, a pioneer of radio communication. The piazza is surrounded by elegant buildings, cafés, and shops, creating a lively atmosphere that reflects the daily rhythm of urban life. It is also a major transportation hub, connecting visitors to the funicular that ascends to the “Città Alta”, as well as to buses and taxis that link to other parts of Bergamo. The square’s spacious layout and tree-lined surroundings make it both functional and inviting, offering a pleasant place to pause, meet, or simply watch the movement of the city. Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi beautifully represents Bergamo’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Nestled in Bergamo’s modern Città Bassa, Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII serves as a grand boulevard and a dynamic bridge between the city’s historic visage and its contemporary rhythm. Stretching from Porta Nuova near the railway station toward the heart of the city, this wide, tree-lined avenue unfolds as both a visual gateway and a central artery for everyday life. Historically known as Via Ferdinandea, the avenue emerged in the mid-19th century under Austrian rule to connect the newly built Bergamo railway station with the scenic upper town. Its creation necessitated the demolition of the old Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent before being renamed in honour of Pope John XXIII, a beloved native of Bergamo
Located in Bergamo’s modern Città Bassa, Piazza Giacomo Matteotti serves as a pivotal public square, melding civic pride, architectural grandeur, monuments, and vibrant greenery into one cohesive space. At its heart stands the distinguished Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, symbolising Italy’s unification, and nearby is the poignant Monument to the Brothers Calvi, commemorating Alpini soldiers lost during and after World War I Yet the square’s most striking artistic feature is the Monument to the Partisan by celebrated sculptor Giacomo Manzù, a powerful bronze panel evocatively depicting the tragic sacrifices of anti-fascist partisans during WWII. Surrounding the piazza are several architecturally significant structures. One prominent building, originally erected in 1857 as a military command under architect Francesco Valsecchi, later transformed into Palais Frizzoni, the city hall, following modifications by Giovanni Muzio in mid-20th century
Situated in Bergamo’s Lower Town on Via Sant’Alessandro, the Basilica di Sant’Alessandro in Colonna stands as both spiritual shrine and architectural jewel, built on the very site where, according to tradition, the city’s patron saint was martyred in the early 4th century. The basilica serves as a profound symbol of Bergamo’s Christian heritage and civic identity. Historical records trace the church’s roots to at least 1133, when it was referred to as “Ecclesia S. Alexandri quae dicitur in columna“, in reference to a Roman column said to mark the location of the martyrdom. The current structure originates from a 1447 reconstruction following a collapse, before undergoing substantial Baroque-style renovations in the early 18th century under architect Marco Alessandri. It was ultimately declared a basilica in 1997.
Piazza Vecchia is the historic and architectural heart of Città Alta, Bergamo’s elegant upper town, a space where time seems suspended, and every stone echoes centuries of civic pride and cultural sophistication. Described by Le Corbusier as a “perfect work of art in every stone,” this compact, near-rectangular piazza is framed by some of the most iconic buildings in Lombardy. Set on the site of Bergamo’s ancient Roman forum, Piazza Vecchia evolved through medieval and Renaissance eras into the city’s political and commercial nucleus. The 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione, with its triple-arched portico and monumental loggia, once served as the seat of justice and governance and still dominates the southern edge of the square. Adjacent to it is the Torre del Campanone, the civic tower that tolls 100 bells at 10 p.m., recalling the old curfew and offering panoramic views of the historic centre.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo’s Città Alta is a masterpiece of religious architecture, revered not only as a place of worship but also as one of Lombardy’s most opulent artistic treasures. Founded in 1137 as a votive offering after a devastating plague, believed to have been spared from the contagion through divine protection, the basilica was built on the site of both an 8th-century Christian church and a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Clemence (“Mercy”). From the exterior, the basilica retains its austere Romanesque character: thick stone walls, round-arched windows, and a façade entirely without a main entrance, once merged with the Bishop’s Palace.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 in Bergamo – Via Pietro Paleocapa to Via Gennaro Sora
Approximately 1.39 km – 0.86 miles
Description of Walk 1
This walk explores the heart of Bergamo, moving through its elegant lower town (Città Bassa), where wide boulevards, historic churches, and lively piazzas reflect the city’s blend of tradition and modern life. Beginning along Via Pietro Paleocapa, the route quickly connects to the grand Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, one of the city’s main arteries lined with shops, cafés, and neoclassical façades. Passing through Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi near the train station, the walk follows the same boulevard toward the prominent Chiesa Prepositurale di Santa Maria Immacolata delle Grazie. This church, with its striking dome and ornate interior, serves as a spiritual and architectural focal point of the area. Continuing into Largo Gianandrea Gavazzeni and Largo Bortolo Belotti, the atmosphere becomes more refined, with cultural venues and open spaces that host local events. The route then reaches the historic Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano, known for its rich artistic heritage. Finally, along Via Gennaro Sora, the walk concludes in a quieter street, offering a moment of calm after a journey through one of Bergamo’s most vibrant and culturally rich districts.
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 in Bergamo – Largo Bortolo Belotti to Viale Vittorio Emanuele II
Approximately 2.24 km – 1.39 miles
Description of Walk 2
This route offers a rich journey through the lively center of Bergamo, highlighting the elegance and history of its Città Bassa. Starting at Largo Bortolo Belotti, a cultural hub near theatres and civic buildings, the walk moves along Via Monte Grappa toward Piazza Dante Alighieri and Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, both key squares surrounded by impressive 19th- and 20th-century architecture. The route continues down the bustling Via XX Settembre, one of the city’s main shopping streets, filled with boutiques and cafés. Nearby stands the historic Chiesa di San Leonardo, marking the transition into the vibrant Largo Nicolò Rezzara and the sociable Piazza Pontida, known for its lively atmosphere. Following Via Sant’Alessandro, the walk reaches the notable Basilica di Sant’Alessandro in Colonna, an important religious landmark. The route then weaves through quieter streets including Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and Via Antonio Locatelli, before opening into Piazza della Libertà. Finally, the walk ascends along Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, offering a scenic approach toward the historic upper city, blending urban energy with hints of Bergamo’s medieval charm.
Photo Gallery of Walk 3 in Bergamo – Via Salita della Scaletta to Cattedrale di Bergamo, Piazza Duomo
Approximately 1.39 km – 0.86 miles
Description of Walk 3
This walk explores the historic heart of Bergamo, within the enchanting Città Alta, where medieval streets and monumental landmarks define the city’s character. Beginning along Via Salita della Scaletta, the route quickly joins Via Sant’Alessandro and leads up to the magnificent Porta San Giacomo, an elegant marble gate that opens onto the Venetian walls. Following Viale delle Mura, a UNESCO-listed defensive system, the walk offers sweeping views over the lower city before entering the old town through Via S. Giacomo. At Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, the historic Funicolare Città Bassa connects the upper and lower towns. The route continues along the lively Via Gombito, passing the medieval Fontana del Gombito and the quiet Chiesa di San Pancrazio. Winding through narrow lanes like Via Mario Lupo, it arrives at the stunning Piazza Vecchia, often considered the city’s most beautiful square. Finally, the walk concludes in Piazza Duomo, home to the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cattedrale di Bergamo, showcasing the city’s rich artistic and religious heritage.
Photo Gallery of Walk 4 in Bergamo – Piazza Mascheroni Lorenzo to Castello di San Vigilio
Approximately 1.27 km – 0.80 miles
Description of Walk 3
This walk explores the quieter, more panoramic side of Bergamo, leading from the historic Città Alta up to the green hills of San Vigilio. Beginning in Piazza Lorenzo Mascheroni, a charming square framed by medieval buildings, the route passes through Piazza della Cittadella, once part of the Visconti fortress and now home to museums and cultural spaces. Continuing along Via Costantino Beltrami, the walk reaches Largo di Porta S. Alessandro, one of the historic gateways in the Venetian walls. From here, the atmosphere becomes more peaceful as the route follows Via Sudorno and begins to climb gently along Via S. Vigilio, a scenic road lined with greenery and offering glimpses over the city below. The ascent continues via Via al Castello, leading to the hilltop Castello di San Vigilio on Colle San Vigilio. This ancient fortress provides breathtaking panoramic views of Bergamo, the surrounding plains, and the distant Alps. The route highlights a transition from dense medieval streets to tranquil natural surroundings, revealing a more relaxed and scenic dimension of the city.
COPYRIGHT © 2018-2026 ITALY IN PHOTOS – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED