The San Vigilio funicular is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Bergamo. A short but intense journey that will give you breathtaking views and lead you to discover a corner of nature and history.
San Vigilio Funicular: A Panoramic Journey
If you’ve already taken the first funicular from Bergamo Bassa to Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe in Città Alta, don’t stop there! Continue your adventure and discover San Vigilio Hill with the second funicular. This lift will take you to a lesser-known but charming area, surrounded by greenery and an ideal starting point to explore the wonderful Parco dei Colli, a protected area of 4,700 hectares.
Exploring San Vigilio Hill and Parco dei Colli
Inaugurated on August 27, 1912, the funicular was designed by Alessandro Ferretti, one of the most important Italian engineers of the time, who designed and built numerous funiculars. The San Vigilio funicular covers a distance of 630 meters, overcoming a height difference of 90 meters, with a slope varying from 10% to 22%. During the journey, you can admire a spectacular panorama of the hills, the city, and the surrounding plain.
But what awaits you once you get to the top? San Vigilio Hill is an oasis of peace and tranquility, ideal for a walk in nature. You can explore the paths of Parco dei Colli, enjoy the breathtaking views, and discover the remains of San Vigilio Castle, an ancient fortress that dominates the city.
History and Innovation of the San Vigilio Funicular
The San Vigilio funicular was created to promote the urban development of the hill, connecting it to the rest of the city. The mechanical part was built by Société des Usines L. de Roll of Bern, while the original carriages were built by Fervet, an important Bergamo company specializing in the production of wagons and trams.
Despite its initial success, the company that built the funicular had to close in 1918. The plant then passed to the municipal company until 1976, when the government concession expired. In 1984, it was decided to radically renovate the plant: in 1987, the two original carriages, capable of carrying up to 32 people each, were replaced by a single larger carriage, with a maximum capacity of 55 people.
Useful Information
Currently, the funicular is managed by ATB Spa (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo) and the ticket is integrated into the urban transport system, also valid for buses. This makes the San Vigilio funicular easily accessible for both residents and tourists.
Timetables: Check the updated timetables on the ATB website.
Tickets: The ticket is the same as for urban public transport.
How to Get There: Take the funicular from Città Alta (Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe).