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, all the way to their dungeons.
Of the Old Square Le Corbusier said it would be a crime to touch even one stone, so perfect is it.
The beating heart of the Old Town is a masterpiece of space. Fills and voids, skillfully alternating, create a place where time has stood still.
Treating oneself to an aperitif in the dehors that decorate the square is a sublime experience.
You may not know that Bergamo is the European Capital of Cheeses because the is home to no less than 9 PDO cheeses also called the Princes of the Orobie, named after the pre-Alps that crown the area.
A record of dairy excellence all to be enjoyed, even together with the beloved polenta, queen of Bergamo’s tables.
One palace to meet the masters of the Renaissance. Botticelli, Bellini, Raphael, Titian, Lotto and the great Bergamasque portraitist Moroni.
Meet the greats of 16th-century Italian art; they are all at the Accademia Carrara: its collection is among the most valuable in Europe.
The Sentierone is the great tree-lined avenue in the heart of the Piacentine center.
Walking along it at a slow pace enjoying the architectural details, the geometries of the Quadriportico, the renovated Piazza Dante until you reach Piazza Vittorio Veneto: it is an aesthetic experience!
Bergamo is the home of Gaetano Donizetti.
His arias still seem to echo among the city’s ancient buildings.
Enter his birthplace in Borgo Canale, you can understand the essence of his story and listen to his operas resonate within the ancient walls.
Every evening at 10 a.m. sharp, the great bell atop the Civic Tower strikes 100 chimes that resonate throughout the old city: they were used to warn the inhabitants of the closing of the gates to the fortress city.
An evocative event that has been renewed for centuries.
A small propitiatory rite: on the gate of the Colleoni Chapel is the coat of arms of the great leader Bartolomeo Colleoni, depicting the family attributes.
There are three of them and they are well polished-it is said that rubbing them brings good luck!
After the ritual, entry into the mausoleum is a must.
Stracciatella was born in Bergamo, Italy in 1961.
Sumptuous cream ice cream with chocolate embroidery on a soft, velvety bed, it is a must-try goodness!
How was the idea born?
To find out, we suggest you go to the ice cream shop where it was invented, in Colle Aperto.
