Location: Bergamo
Top Things to do in Bergamo
What to do and see in Bergamo, Lombardy: The Best Historic Sites
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. 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.
5. 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!
6. Torre del Gombito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Road578917
If you happened to be in Milan, please leave at least one day for Bergamo. This city is UNESCO World Heritage for reason. It would take you about 45 min from Milano Centrale Railway Station and another few min by funicular to Citta’Alta-upper city, (but definitely go on foot on your way back to soak and absorb the beauty). I guarantee you will be sold forever. Please climb to Gombito Tower- you will be awarded by the most spectacular view over Bergamo. Bad news- steps are very narrow, so no flip flops. The good news- if I could do it, everyone can. Now, it will be your ‘Oh’ and ‘Ah’ moment.
7. Meridiana Monumentale del Palazzo della Ragione
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By alessandrofL127YD - Milan, Italy
The sun enters the portico and give you the time, fantastic. Once you understand how it works, it’s great to spend a few minutes looking at how the sun, so far away, is dedicated to drawing the floor so close to gold. To think how easy it is to forget that there is nothing in the course of our days that can happen without the rest of the universe moving to allow us who are here to enjoy the light and the shadow, to observe the drawings generated by a small hole.
8. Monastero di S. Benedetto
9. Porta Sant'Agostino
10. Porta San Giacomo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By 545medva - Budapest, Hungary
This is one of the four big gates of the Upper Town. Built by the Venetians and we thouight this is the most impressive gate of all of them.
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