Bergamo Tourist Information

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Things to see in Bergamo

Bergamo (population 120,000) is an extremely pretty old town in Lombardy, on the edge of the Alps. Bergamo's original location was a defensive hilltop, and the town was also protected by stout walls; nowadays this historic part of town is known as the Città Alta (upper town) and it's where you will find most of the historic buildings and tourist sights. There is little traffic, and the narrow lanes are pleasant to wander.

Most of modern Bergamo spreads over the plain below the old town. This Città Bassa (lower town) was laid out around the beginning of the twentieth century, and is composed of pleasant wide boulevards. The two parts of town are linked by a funicular. Bergamo contains many sights of interest and architectural beauty, and there's plenty to see on a weekend break as well as the possibilities of trips further afield. Bergamo is also a pleasant daytrip from Milan.

At the heart of the old town is the lovely Piazza Vecchia (the main routes through the Città Alta all lead here). A wide open space surrounded by a mixture of medieval and Renaissance architecture, the Piazza fills up with students from the university, chatting and picnicking around the fountain. There are several bars with tables on the square for a civilised spot of relaxation.

The most interesting of the palazzi facing onto Piazza Vecchia is the medieval Palazzo della Ragione. The portico dates back to the 12th century and connects Piazza Vecchia with the little Piazza del Duomo, home to an assortment of fine religious buildings - the Duomo, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colleoni Chapel and baptistery.

The church of Santa Maria Maggiore was begun in the 12th century. It's a lovely building, and more interesting than the neighbouring Duomo (cathedral), with a soaring skyline. The interior of the church, with its octagonal dome, saw many modifications over the centuries, including the 16th century addition of rich Flemish tapestries. However, traces still remain of the original medieval frescoes, including parts of a 'tree of life' celebrating the life of Christ. One of the church's most spectacular ornaments is a 1705 wooden confessional, carved by Andrea Fantoni, a hugely ornate extravagance which looks rather like expensive sculpted chocolate. The composer Donizetti's tomb is in the back of the church.

Next door to Santa Maria Maggiore, and putting its simple facade into the shade, is the colourful Cappella Colleoni, or Colleoni Chapel. The renowned condottiere, or soldier of fortune Bartolomeo Colleoni hailed from Bergamo and commissioned the Colleoni chapel for his tomb. The chapel is a masterpiece of Lombard art, a fabulously ornate building completed in 1476. Colleoni himself is commemorated by a statue astride a gold charger, atop an elaborate two-tiered tomb.

A cheap joint ticket covers an assortment of Bergamo's tourist attractions - it's good value and you don't need to visit them all the same day. Organised by the Fondazione Bergamo nella Storia, indicated by a big yellow logo 'FBS'. The Rocca is a walled stronghold containing a museum (at the time of writing, in October 2003, an Italian-language exhibition covers the growth of the town, and the Risorgimento, and exhibits include Garibaldi's red-and-gold slippers). You can walk all around the ramparts and climb the tower for great views over the town and beyond. There are more good views from the the 12th-century tower Torre Civica in Piazza Vecchia (also known as the Campanone, or 'big bell').

Other Bergamo museums include the Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico) and the Science Museum (Museo Civico di Scienze). The Convento di San Francesco, with its attractive cloister, houses the Museo Storico, Bergamo's town museum. In Piazza Cittadella, a photo-exhibition and a restored biplane commemorate the aviator and explorer Antonio Locatelli.

Of interest to music fans, the Museo Donizettiano the Donizetti Museum, is located at Via Arena, 9. Born in Bergamo in 1797 (at Via Borgo Canale, 14) Gaetano Donizetti is one of Bergamo's most famous sons. The composer is buried in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and in the museum close by you can see musical instruments and artefacts from the professional and private life of Donizetti. Bergamo's main theatre is dedicated to the composer, and every year a popular opera season is held celebrating Donizetti and his contemporaries.

Bergamo Restaurant Review Da Franco, in the old town at Via Colleoni, 8, is an excellent restaurant busy with both tourists and residents. Prices are reasonable and dishes include local specialities with many varieties of pasta and pizzas (including gorgonzola and apple pizza).

Even higher than the Città Alta, and reachable by a second funicular, is San Vigilio, a small hilltop settlement which offers several pleasant and panoramic strolls. The transport company, ATB, provide an English-language leaflet about the funiculars which also lists several short walks around San Vigilio (with a map). The main attraction of San Vigilio is the Castello, a grassy ruined fortress with superb views to the mountains. To get to the Castello, turn right on leaving the funicular. There are several bars and restaurants for refreshments.

In the Città Alta there are some pleasant green spaces for a rest or a picnic. The park around the base of the Rocca is open to the public, has shady paths and benches and good views and the unusual addition of vintage artillery and even a tank. Bergamo also has a Botanical Garden, which is open from March to October and is free to enter. The garden is home to over 900 species, and is involved in conservation and research.

One of Bergamo's most important tourist attractions, located outside the town wall on Via della Nuca, is the town's 200-year-old art gallery, the Accademia Carrara. The Accademia contains works by Botticelli, Bellini, Mantegna, Fra Angelico and many other masters. There are also special temporary exhibitions. Entrance costs €8.

Note that in typical Italian fashion, many of the sights close for up to three hours in the middle of the day. Take the opportunity to have a nice leisurely lunch.

Bergamo and Lombardy Guidebook

Lombardy and the Italian Lakes The Cadogan guides to Italy are always interesting and entertaining. As well as the historical and cultural background, this book contains anecdotal gems and recommendations to enliven your holiday. A useful purchase, whether you are staying in Bergamo or exploring more of the region. Buy now from Amazon.co.uk