For more than 120 years, the funicular has connected the center of Bergamo with the Upper Town, more specifically with Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, formerly the site of numerous businesses. In 1430 this square was used exclusively for the sale of shoes, while the building that faces it and now houses the funicular’s own station was the headquarters of the shoemakers’ guild.
Travel experience
The city funicular is much loved by the people of Bergamo, who could no longer do without it: what other means of transportation in fact allows you to travel through history while crossing the ancient Venetian walls that once defended Bergamo from enemy attacks? Two graceful cars ascend and descend surrounded by flower gardens and unique views: on clear days you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the entire Po Valley and even catch a glimpse of the Apennines!
History of the funicular railway
Origins
This route saw the light of day in 1887, designed by engineer Alessandro Ferretti. In the first version, the funicular is moved by a steam engine, with a two-carriage system, connected according to a classic to-and-fro system, in which the weight of one helps lift the other.
Modernization
In 1917 the machinery and arrival stations were modernized and the rails were changed from one to two. A waiting room and veranda balcony is built in the upstream station, where even today people can sip coffee or an aperitif while enjoying a fantastic view of the entire city.
Today
The funicular is currently in operation and in just a few minutes allows you to overcome an 85-meter difference in elevation along a route of only 240 meters, where the maximum slope touched reaches 52 percent.