Location: Bergamo
Top Things to do in Bergamo
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Bergamo, Lombardy
Bergamo is a northern Italy treasure. Dating from 49 BC, Bergamo has two centers: the Alta (upper) city and the Bassa (lower) city, connected by a funicular and walking trails. For historic sites, go to Alta for the Piazza Vecchia,the Cattedrale di Bergamo e Battistero, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Baptistry, as well as the quirky mausoleum of Rastelli, the world famous juggler. Bassa is more modern and residential, and boasts Via 20 Settembre - the shopping district.
Restaurants in Bergamo
1. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,500 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a church located in Bergamo Alta, in Piazza del Duomo, right next to the Cathedral. The church was built as a vote of gratitude by the inhabitants of Bergamo for defending the city against drought, hunger and plague that hit the city and the surrounding area in 1133. The temple was built in the second half of the 12th century in the Romanesque style on a Greek cross plan with three naves. The interior makes a gigantic impression. The interior of the basilica was rebuilt in the 17th century, the dome's interior was also changed during this period. The original Romanesque layout on the Greek cross plan has been preserved, but the decor is baroque. It is worth paying attention to the crucifix from the fourteenth century. The basilica lacks a central entrance. All four existing entrances are side entrances. The Portal of the Red Lions with a portico by Giovanni da Campione opens on Piazza del Duomo. From the south, the Portal of the White Lions overlooks Piazza Rosate, and to the left of it the Portal of the Fountain by Pietro Isabello. Beautiful place. You have to see them.
2. La Citta Alta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,014 reviews
Reviewed By 537gwynethr - Altrincham, United Kingdom
Cita Alta, Bergamo's old town, is the most amazing place. I spotted it whilst travelling from Bergamo airport to the train station and cut short a visit to Milan to go and see it and I am so glad that I did. It is the most wonderful old town, full of cobbled streets and a wonderful piazza with wonderful historical buildings. A great place to wander around and sit and have a drink and watch the world go by. Very atmospheric. It's worth a detour to visit if you fly into Bergarmo and very easy to get to. Just take the No.1 bus (first bus stop as you leave the arrivals hall and signposted Bergamo. Get off at the Funiculare stop ( just ask anyone) and then take the funicular train up to the old town. Depending on traffic this takes 20-30 mins from the airport. You can leave your luggage at the airport but do not follow the left luggage signs as that takes you on a detour. From the arrivals hall cross straight into the carpark and then on the left you will see the carhire office. The left luggage facility is part of that building.
3. Cappella Colleoni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 784 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
A true jewel of Renaissance architecture in Bergamo , an example of everlasting beauty. The chapel was built as a funeral chapel for the great captain Ventura of Bergamo, Bartolomeo Colleoni of Amadeo. Here is located a tomb with a beautiful golden sarcophagus and a monument. The chapel adjoins the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. However, there is a separate entrance from the outside. No photography allowed inside. A real masterpiece that I highly recommendto visit.
4. Accademia Carrara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 640 reviews
The picture gallery of the Accademia Carrara, founded in 1796 by Giacomo Carrara, is considered to be the fruit of Italian collecting and one of the finest European art museum. Over six hundred artworks are on display in the museum, arranged in 28 rooms over two floors. They include masterpieces by Pisanello, Mantegna, Bellini, Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Lotto, Moroni and other leading Italian painters, offering a journey through five centuries of Italian art history, from the beginning of the fifteenth to the end of the nineteenth century.
Reviewed By ParoleAnima - Milan, Italy
The Pinacoteca Accademia Carrara contains an astonishing collection of paintings from the 14th to the 18th centuries, among the important in Italy, and includes masterpieces from Mantegna, Bellini, Raffaello, and Canaletto. Some of the more modern works reflect the macchiaioli, such as those of Giuseppe Pillizza da Volpeda. The Accademia has almost 1,800 paintings in all, plus 134 sculptures, almost 3,000 drawings, 7,500 prints, and about 1,200 coins and medals from ancient Greece to the 18th century. They are housed in a handsome 18th century edifice built as an art school with a pinacoteca (museum) on the upper floor. When the latter grew too big, the school moved out and the whole building became a museum. It was thoughtfully renovated some years ago and re-opened in 2015 as a well-organized, well-lit, well-maintained museum, with collections arranged chronologically and divided by schools of art. Too bad for the museum that almost nobody comes, but that works to the great advantage of art lovers who do.
5. Piazza Vecchia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,105 reviews
Reviewed By ludortravel - Iasi, Romania
The central point of the old town (Citta Alta), surrounded by architectural jewels and history - an authentic Italian Piazza.
6. Campanone o Torre Civica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 677 reviews
Reviewed By IlyaNJ - Marlboro, United States
For the best views over Bergamo, definitely stop by. Second from top platform is reached by elevator, so accessible even for the less athletic, but the stairs to the topmost platform are small and narrow. Bells play right above the heads on the top platform, so time your visit in case you have strong feelings about being so near the bells.
7. Cattedrale (Duomo) di Bergamo e Battistero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 991 reviews
Reviewed By canadianeagle2015
Very beautiful cathedral. I would rank it higher than the "Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore". They are right next to each other and should visit both.
8. Chiesa di San Michele al Pozzo Bianco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
A small church that is hardly noticed from the outside. You cross the threshold and immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Middle Ages. A 15th-century church with one nave decorated with numerous frescoes and "Scenes of Mary's life" and "Annunciation" by Lorenzo Lotto. Also visit the crypt, which is the oldest in the Bergamo area. The Church of San Michele Al Pozzo Bianco is the jewel of Bergamo's Citta Alta. A timeless place. For those who love the raw simplicity of the art of this period, it is an unforgettable experience. Admission free.
9. Mura Venete
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 998 reviews
Reviewed By suuzv2013 - Schoonhoven, The Netherlands
This is my favorite place in Bergamo. The panoramic view is absolutely beautiful. So nice to sit here, relax and just enjoy the view! You can’t miss this place!
10. Museo di Scienze Naturali "E. Caffi"
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
Reviewed By elmila - Stuttgart, Germany
We were here in Science Week. That means we were allowed to visit the museum for free. It was a lot of fun and we learned a lot!
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