Bergamo is one of the most fascinating cities in Lombardy, divided into two distinct but complementary souls: the Città Alta (Upper Town), the historic core surrounded by the majestic Venetian Walls (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Città Bassa (Lower Town), modern and dynamic. Connected by the historic funicular, Bergamo is a jewel of art, history, and nature. Its strategic position, at the foot of the Orobic Alps, makes it an ideal starting point for excursions and food and wine routes.

What to See: History, Art, and Architecture

• Città Alta (Upper Town) – Reachable by funicular or on foot, it is the historic heart. It includes Piazza Vecchia, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
• Venetian Walls (Mura Veneziane) – Over 6 kilometers long, they enclose the Città Alta and are a UNESCO Heritage Site. They offer unique panoramic walks.
• Piazza Vecchia – The city's drawing-room, featuring the Palazzo della Ragione, the Civic Tower (Campanone), and the Palazzo Nuovo (Angelo Mai Library).
• Monumental Complex of Piazza Duomo – Includes the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the magnificent Colleoni Chapel (a Renaissance masterpiece), the Duomo (Cathedral), and the Baptistery.
• Accademia Carrara – Important art gallery in the Città Bassa, with works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian.

Gastronomy and Typical Products

• Polenta e Osei – Traditional dish and symbolic dessert of Bergamo. It is a dome-shaped sponge cake, filled with cream and covered with yellow marzipan and chocolate or sugar birds.
• Casoncelli alla Bergamasca – Fresh pasta stuffed with meat, raisins, and amaretti (almond cookies), served with melted butter, sage, and pancetta (bacon).
• Cheeses from the Bergamasque Valleys – Including Strachitunt D.O.P. (blue cheese), Taleggio D.O.P., and Formai de Mut dell'Alta Val Brembana D.O.P.
• Valcalepio D.O.C. Wines – Red and white wines produced on the hills of Bergamo.

Events, Excursions, and Surroundings

• Funiculars – An unmissable experience, connecting the Città Bassa to the Città Alta, and from there to the Colle di San Vigilio (with another funicular) for a supreme view.
• International Piano Festival of Brescia and Bergamo – Prestigious musical event held in spring.
• Excursions in the Bergamasque Valleys (Valli Bergamasche) – The nearby Val Seriana and Val Brembana offer infinite possibilities for trekking, mountain biking, and winter sports (such as Foppolo and Carona).
• Lake Iseo and Montisola – Easily accessible, with the excursion to Montisola (the largest lake island in Europe).

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Bergamo
• Official Tourist Portal Bergamo

Top 5 Recommended Accommodations

• Hotel Relais San Lorenzo – Luxury position and charm in the Città Alta, inside the walls.
• Hotel Excelsior San Marco – Historic hotel in the Città Bassa, overlooking the main square.
• GombitHotel – Design boutique hotel located in an ancient medieval tower in the Città Alta.
• NH Bergamo – Modern and convenient structure in the Città Bassa, near the station.
• Cappello d'Oro, BW Signature Collection – Hotel in a central and historic position in the Città Bassa.

Top 5 Recommended Restaurants

• Ristorante Casual (Michelin Starred) – Innovative gourmet cuisine in the Città Alta, led by chef Enrico Bartolini.
• Trattoria La Colombina – Rustic atmosphere and typical Bergamasque dishes (Casoncelli and Polenta) outside the walls.
• Agnello d'Oro – Historic restaurant in the Città Alta, offering traditional local cuisine.
• Da Mimmo – Very famous pizzeria and restaurant in the Città Alta.
• Ristorante Ol Giupì e la Sgùra – Rediscovery of popular Bergamasque cuisine with great attention to quality.