Surrounded by the embrace of the Venetian Walls and nestled in the 4700-hectare Parco dei Colli, a green area of 4700 hectares, Città Alta is the historic core of Bergamo.
Reach it on foot, starting from the modern Città Bassa – Lower Town, via romantic stone stairways that climb up the sides of the hill, or breach the walls with the funicular railway that has been going up and down in its carriages for more than 100 years.
You will discover a medieval village with its ancient cobblestone streets, the architecture of its historic buildings, and squares. Picturesque glimpses of a timeless village.
You will find yourself walking along the Corsarola, the main street that runs through Bergamo’s Upper Town. Along the way, you will reach Piazza Vecchia, the Old Square and the heart of the borough, a perfect harmony of space and structure.
At its center stands the famous Contarini Fountain, adorned with sphinxes—one facing the neoclassical Angelo Mai Library and the other Palazzo della Ragione—symbolizing reason and knowledge, humanity’s guiding forces in life’s challenges.
Towering above Palazzo del Podestà is the Campanone, the civic tower. Climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view. Every evening at 10 p.m., the ritual of 100 chimes echoes through the town, recalling the historic curfew when Bergamasks had to return through the four gates of the Venetian Walls before they were sealed for the night.
Tip: At sunset, walk along the 6-km perimeter of the Venetian Walls to enjoy spectacular views and discover picturesque corners of the city.
Past the arcades of Palazzo della Ragione, you will arrive in Piazza Duomo, home to some of Bergamo’s most treasured landmarks: the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Cappella Colleoni, and the Duomo.
After exploring the iconic Piazza Vecchia, continuing along Corsarola, you will arrive at the Cittadella Viscontea, a fortified structure that complements the Rocca on the opposite side of the old city. Together, these landmarks form Bergamo’s historic defensive system.
Pass through the Citadel Gate or near the Adalbert Tower to arrive at Colle Aperto, where indulging in a taste of Stracciatella is a must. From here, cross St. Alexander’s Gate, to find the second funicular, which takes you to San Vigilio, the city’s highest hill. The panoramic views from here are breathtaking and not to be missed.
On the opposite side of the upper town stands the Rocca, home to the 19th-century museum and surrounded by the serene Parco delle Rimembranze (Park of Remembrances).
For a scenic descent, follow Via Porta Dipinta, where you’ll encounter Palazzo Moroni and its lush gardens. Continue to the Fara and the Monastery of Sant’Agostino, now part of the University of Bergamo, nestled within a beautiful park. Nearby, Porta Sant’Agostino houses a museum dedicated to the city’s historic walls.
