There are many places to visit in Lombardy, and one of them is this beautiful city. Bergamo is a picturesque town at the foot of the Alps in Lombardy. This picturesque Italian city is a melting pot of arts, culture, cuisine and sports. There is much to explore in every nook and turn of this city thanks to its pretty buildings, all aesthetically intriguing, roadside cafes, small shops and more. In reality, tourists can explore the paved paths and learn so much new information for themselves. Any visitor will be enchanted by the city’s medieval aura and its culturally diverse Italian experiences. People would no doubt be mesmerized by the architecture, history and delicious Italian cuisine of the magnificent structure. Let’s see what everyone can discover in Bergamo.
Bergamo and its architecture
Upon arrival in Bergamo, visitors are immediately struck by the city’s terrain: a lower settlement, entirely level, rises abruptly and sharply to the 16th-century fortresses of the old town at the top of its hill. As the neoclassical and contemporary buildings line the lower, linear avenues, the contrast between them and the haphazardly arranged Romanesque and Renaissance buildings that occupy the tiny passages of the old town is even greater. The Venetians built the stone walls that enclosed Città Alta during the approximately four centuries beginning in the early fifteenth century when Bergamo was a member of the State of Venice. In fact, the neighborhoods surrounding the square have decidedly medieval-looking cobblestone streets that are winding and small, providing the perfect opportunity to learn about a new culture while travelling.
Discover Bergamo at its best
Piazza Vecchia
The square in the heart of the old town is framed by an impressive and beautiful collection of noble houses and the Palazzo Della Regione or City Hall. The upper side of the square is formed by a stone staircase and a loggia with three Gothic arches from the 12th century Palazzo Della Ragione.
The later Renaissance Palazzo Nuovo, which houses the public library, borders on the lower side. The Lion of St Mark looks on from above while the Contarini Fountain surrounded by lion decorations stands in the centre.
The Basilica of St. Mary Maggiore
Built in 1137, the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore includes a tiered tower over the bridge and an ornate choir. Apart from the entrance hall and the clerestory, which was obviously added later, the building appears from the outside to have been erected in a Romanesque style, similar to that in the Middle Ages.
Lions are stationed under magnificent Gothic arches to protect the entrances on either side of the church. The aisle and attic ceilings feature 16th-century curtains, exquisite Renaissance choir seats and Baroque plasterwork. Village admirers continue to lay new flowers on the grave of Bergamo-born and raised musician Donizetti.
The Colleoni Chapel
Masterpiece of the early Lombard Middle Ages The Cappella Colleoni has a beautifully decorated facade of colorfully inlaid marble. The chapel was built between 1470 and 1476 as a family altar for the tombs of Bartolomeo Colleoni and his daughter Medea. Its architectural design is a fusion of Mannerist, Renaissance, and late Baroque styles, and its exterior is adorned with biblical figures and mythical stories. Inside are numerous priceless Italian murals and statues, as well as the tomb of the Colleoni household.
The Venetian Walls
When Bergamo was part of the state in the 16th century, the State of Venice built the Venetian Walls. They mark the historic district, often known as città alta or higher historic district. At a time when Venice’s dominance of maritime trade was waning, the walls were built to defend the city against the states of France and Milan. The defenses now serve as a reminder of Bergamo’s past, surrounding a city fit for fantasies without modernity. The gardens and surrounding walls that make up much of Bergamo’s Città Alta are within walking distance. The spectacular wall system includes 14 forts, 100 artillery loopholes, four gates, two armories, and underground corridors and tunnels.
Enjoy the delicious cuisine
Trattoria Camozzi by Claudio
Mediterranean cuisine is the trattoria’s specialty, as are handcrafted desserts. The menu offers a variety of seafood appetizers, including oysters with porcini mushrooms and prawns with cognac cream, as well as seafood pasta dishes like penne with clams and gnocchi with frutti di mare. The traditional tiramisu, the cheesecake with berries, and the apple strudel with vanilla ice cream can be tried in the desert. There are also traditional Italian dishes such as casoncelli and risotto carnaroli. There are various local and Italian wines on the list.
Il Pianone
Il Pianone’s menu features regional and Tuscan gastronomy. Some of the delicious food pairings include walnut or beetroot ravioli with mushrooms and creamy goat cheese for starters and sesame-crusted seared tuna served with crispy broccoli for mains. Even the most distinguished guests are always satisfied with traditional Bergamasco dishes such as risotto, casoncelli, valley cheese and prosciutto. In the restaurant’s cellar you will find a selection of drinks from all over Lombardy.
Antica Osteria del Vino Buono
Antica Osteria del Vino Buono serves only traditional Bergamo fare, like mushroom-laden casconelli pasta, baked risotto with broccoli and eggs, and roast veal with Brussels sprouts. Traditional dishes with bold flavors such as cheese and charcuterie boards, polenta and asparagus and lots of meat delight guests with the taste of homemade food. Ice cream and handmade desserts are also available there. The restaurant, as the name suggests, also specializes in winemaking.
Since Mimo
Da Mimmo prides itself on being traditional but modern and offers many dishes that make you want to go back to Italy. A new menu is offered every day in the restaurant, which always includes renowned Italian specialties, market-fresh products, delicious pasta and various cheeses. In addition, Da Mimmo serves four varieties of its classic pizza as well as traditional, real Italian cakes with goat cheese, fresh herbs and peppers. Custard Millefeuille, Bon Bon Coffee Mousse and Warm Apple and Raisin Crumble are the desserts to try.
Your imagination will be captured by the incredible architecture of the attractive city of Bergamo. Visitors must explore this city at least once among the other stunning cities of Italy.
