Arriving in Bergamo by train is an enchanting experience from the very first glimpse. Stepping out of the station, the city reveals its beauty, with a visual line leading directly to Porta Nuova, the vibrant heart of Bergamo Bassa (Lower Town). Looking up, you’ll be captivated by the unmistakable and majestic profile of the hills of Città Alta (Upper Town), an invitation to discover the wonders the city has to offer.
In 1837, a simple gate among the Muraine, the imposing 15th-century fortifications that protected the hills and extended to the plain, was replaced by an iron gate, creating a breach in the city walls: thus Porta Nuova was born. For a long time, this place represented the main entrance to the lively commercial and financial district of Bergamo. Even today, Porta Nuova is the central hub around which the main roads and most important monuments of the city extend.
The Strada Ferdinandea and the Development of Bergamo Bassa
The Strada Ferdinandea, inaugurated in 1838 on the occasion of the visit of Austrian Emperor Ferdinand I, now known as Viale Vittorio Emanuele, together with Viale Roma and Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, forms the main axis connecting Bergamo Bassa to Città Alta. Originally, the road wound through open countryside, but soon became a vital urban artery, lined with elegant public and private buildings. Around this road and Porta Nuova, the modern city has developed, a blend of timeless beauty and industrial dynamism, punctuated by the rhythms of work, shopping and daily life.
The Unparalleled View of Città Alta
From Porta Nuova, you can enjoy the most spectacular view of Città Alta, the medieval village perched on the hill. The profile of historic buildings, bell towers, towers, domes and walls is revealed in all its richness and harmony. The architect Marcello Piacentini, who redesigned the city center behind Porta Nuova at the beginning of the 20th century, had the intuition to design buildings of a height that would not obstruct the breathtaking view of Città Alta.
The Propylaea: A Symbol of Porta Nuova
The twin neoclassical buildings that dominate Porta Nuova on both sides are called Propylaea, a term meaning “that which stands before the gate”. Until 1901, these buildings housed the customs guard, responsible for controlling the entry of goods into the city. An iron gate blocked the road and anyone wishing to enter Bergamo had to pay a tax on goods, just like in a modern customs office.
The Muraine: A Remembrance of the Past
The Muraine, in addition to performing a defensive function, also served as a customs border. With the abolition of the customs tax, it was decided to demolish them, but precious testimonies remain in some corners of the city. One of these is the Galgario tower, a cylindrical structure with a truncated conical base that stands alone in the center of a busy avenue, recalling Bergamo’s past.