Bergamo’s iconic funicular has been connecting Città Bassa (Lower Town) to Città Alta (Upper Town) since 1887.
The perfect prelude to the discovery of Città Alta, the funicular takes you through the Venetian Walls and into the heart of history. For more than 100 years, the funicular has been running along the route that connects Città Bassa to the heart of Città Alta, precisely at Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe. It is one of the most beloved ways for Bergamasks to reach the historic center, along with the romantic stone stairs.
Not everyone knows that there is another funicular, the second level, that connects Città Alta with San Vigilio Hill, where you find one of the most superb views of the city.
Both are not to be missed!
Città Alta is a fortress surrounded by 6 km of imposing walls, untouched and unaltered by time.
A symbol of mighty beauty for more than 5 centuries, they were built starting in 1561 by the Republic of Venice to stem enemy attacks that they never suffered.
Since 2017 they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to bearing witness to history, they are all to be experienced: they offer breathtaking views, priceless sunsets, romantic walks, social events and guided tours. Don’t miss the hidden dungeons or the view from Porta Sant’Alessandro, a perfect spot for photos.
Architect Le Corbusier called Piazza Vecchia (Old Square) “too perfect to touch”, and it’s easy to see why. This square blends Renaissance elegance with medieval charm.
Admire the Palazzo della Ragione, climb the Civic Tower (Campanone), and sip an Aperitivo at a dehors café. At night, the square transforms into a magical setting under soft golden lights.
Bergamo proudly holds the title of European Capital of Cheese, renowned for its 9 PDO-certified varieties, often referred to as the “Princes of the Orobie“—a nod to the pre-Alps that dominate the region. This record of dairy excellence is best savored alongside polenta, the undisputed queen of Bergamo’s culinary traditions.
Step into the Accademia Carrara and encounter the luminaries of 16th-century Italian art: Botticelli, Bellini, Raphael, Titian, Lorenzo Lotto, and the renowned Bergamasque portraitist Giovan Battista Moroni.
Their masterpieces form part of one of Europe’s most esteemed art collections, offering a journey through the golden age of Renaissance creativity.
The Sentierone, Bergamo’s grand tree-lined avenue, lies at the heart of the Piacentine center.
Strolling along its shaded path, you’ll savor the architectural elegance of the Quadriportico, the refined charm of the renovated Piazza Dante, and the lively atmosphere of Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
It’s not just a walk—it’s an immersive aesthetic experience.
Bergamo is the proud home of Gaetano Donizetti, one of the greatest composers of the 19th century. His timeless arias still seem to echo through the city’s ancient streets and buildings.
Step into his birthplace in Borgo Canale, and you’ll not only uncover the essence of his humble beginnings but also experience the magic of his operas resonating within the historic walls.
Every evening at precisely 10 p.m., the Campanone, or Civic Tower, in the heart of Piazza Vecchia, rings out 100 evocative chimes. This tradition dates back to Venetian rule, when the tolls signaled the closing of the city gates along Bergamo’s fortified walls.
Standing at 52.76 meters tall, the tower is home to Lombardy’s largest bell, cast in 1656, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of both Città Alta and Città Bassa. Accessible via 230 steps or a convenient elevator, the Campanone remains a symbol of Bergamo’s history and civic pride—a must-see for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience.
At the entrance to the Colleoni Chapel, a small yet enduring tradition awaits: the coat of arms of the great condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni, adorned with three polished family symbols.
Legend has it that rubbing these emblems brings good luck, making it a popular propitiatory ritual for visitors. After this symbolic gesture, step inside the chapel to explore the mausoleum of one of Bergamo’s most legendary figures—a must-see for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Stracciatella, one of the world’s most beloved ice cream flavors, was born in Bergamo, in 1961. This sumptuous treat combines creamy fiordilatte ice cream with delicate shards of dark chocolate, creating a soft, velvety texture that’s impossible to resist.
The story of stracciatella begins at La Marianna, a historic ice cream shop in Colle Aperto, Bergamo’s Upper Town. Its inventor, Enrico Panattoni, was inspired by the popular Roman soup of the same name, which features beaten eggs swirling in hot broth. Panattoni sought to replicate this “torn” effect in ice cream by pouring hot liquid chocolate into a creamy base, creating the iconic chocolate shards that define stracciatella.
