Spotlight on Bergamo, Italy

Bergamo is located in the province of Bergamo in northern Italy's Lombardy region. Bergamo is a short distance northeast of Milan and southeast of Como, in the foothills of the Bergamasque Alps, which are part of the Italian Alps. In close proximity to the Italian Lakes region, nearby lakes include Iseo, Endine and Como. Bergamo is easily accessible by train or bus from Milan, and it is served by Orio al Serio (Milan Bergamo) Airport. Other airports that serve the general area are Milan's Malpensa International Airport and Linate Airport.

When my husband and I visited Bergamo, we took the train from Cinque Terre to Milan and then switched trains to get to Bergamo. We were met by a friend at the train station, but could have easily taken public transportation or walked to our hotel. Actually, most of Bergamo's attractions can be seen on foot, even at a leisurely pace. A plus to visiting Bergamo are the day-trip possibilities it provides, not only to the Italian Lakes region but to southern Switzerland. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Lugano, Switzerland, during our stay in Bergamo, as well as Lago di Garda and Lago di Como (Lakes Garda and Como).

{Map of Italy - Public domain map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook.}

Bergamo's Città Alta, the historic center, is accessible from the Città Bassa by bus, funicular or on foot. You may want to start with Piazza Vecchia, the hub of Bergamo's old town, and admire the Renaissance and medieval architecture, including Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre Civica (civic tower). The Colleoni Chapel, the Duomo, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, are all nearby in Piazza del Duomo. Other attractions include the Convento di San Francesco, as well as archaeological and natural history museums and Museo Donizettiano, which commemorates the renown composer Gaetano Donizetti, who was born in Bergamo. There are great views to be had at this level of the city, but for superb panoramic views and to see the castle (Castello), make your way up to San Vigilio, the third tier of the city.

There are restaurants at both levels of the Città Alta, however there are many more to choose from in the historic center as opposed to San Vigilio. The historic center is a popular area for enjoying the passeggiatta (evening stroll), so enjoy the architecture and views as you walk off that great Italian cuisine! Early evening is one of the best times of the day to take photographs, so have your camera ready at all times.

{Photo taken in San Vigilio, Bergamo's uppermost tier, taken during an extended holiday in Italy. Photo copyright Heidi Brault}

In addition to the Donizettiano museum in the Città Alta, there is a monument commemorating composer Gaetano Donizetti in Bergamo's Città Bassa. The marble monument is located in Piazza Cavour in a picturesque natural setting - in the middle of a pond. Teatro Donizetti is also named after him.

There is definitely more hustle and bustle in the Città Bassa, but it has its own charm. Worthwhile attractions are an art gallery (Accademia Carrara) as well as the Porta Nuova. Grocery stores, shops and restaurants abound in this part of the city, which also features modern, wide boulevards and accommodations for all budgets.

{Photo of the Gaetano Donizetti Monument in Bergamo, Italy.}

View of the walls of Bergamo's Upper Town.

Looking Down the Walls of Bergamo Italy by lmoloney
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