Discovering Bergamo's Charm: A Guide to Its Top Attractions

Upon arrival in Bergamo, visitors are immediately struck by its unique topography: a flat lower town that dramatically ascends to the old town's 16th-century bastions perched on a hill. The contrast is stark, with the lower town's straight streets and modern buildings juxtaposed against the old town's winding lanes and historic architecture. The Citta Alta, or upper city, is a treasure trove of tourist attractions.

Connecting the two parts of Bergamo is a funicular, offering a convenient route to the old citadel. The old city's monumental gates, adorned with the Lion of St. Mark, are a nod to Bergamo's history as part of the Venetian Republic.

For a curated experience, here's a list of the top attractions in Bergamo.

See also: Where to Stay in Bergamo

1. Citta Alta

The Citta Alta, Bergamo's historic heart, is accessible via funicular, arriving at Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe. From there, explore the medieval Via Gombito and its notable Torre di Gombito, dating back to 1100. The street leads to the picturesque Piazza Vecchia, surrounded by significant buildings and churches like San Michele al Pozzo Bianco and Sant'Andrea.

2. Piazza Vecchia

Piazza Vecchia is framed by historic structures, including the 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre del Comune. The square also features the late-Renaissance Palazzo Nuovo and the central Contarini Fountain.

Adventurous things to do in Bergamo

3. Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of St. Mary Major)

The Romanesque basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, with its ornate choir and lion-guarded doorways, houses Renaissance choir stalls, Baroque stucco work, and the tomb of composer Donizetti.

Address: Piazza Duomo, Bergamo

4. Cappella Colleoni (Colleoni Chapel)

Adjacent to Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cappella Colleoni boasts a stunning Lombard Renaissance façade and houses the tombs of Bartolomeo Colleoni and his daughter Medea.

Address: Piazza Duomo, Bergamo

5. Art Gallery of the Accademia Carrara

The Accademia Carrara, a premier art museum, showcases a vast collection of Italian and European masterpieces.

Address: Piazza dell'Accademia (Via San Tommaso), Bergamo

6. Cinta Muraria and the City Gates

The Venetian-built walls, or Cinta Muraria, encircle the old city and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro

The cathedral features a Neoclassical façade, dome, and interior artworks, including the Tiara of Pope John XXIII.

Address: Piazza Duomo, Bergamo

8. Baptistery

The octagonal Baptistery, dating from 1340, showcases statues of virtues and a Gothic baptismal font.

Address: Piazza Duomo, Bergamo

9. Museo Civico di Scienze Naturali (Natural Science Museum)

This museum features natural science, ethnography, paleontology, and archaeology exhibits, including a reconstructed mammoth.

Address: Piazza Cittadella 10, Bergamo

Official site: http://www.museoscienzebergamo.it

10. Piazza Matteotti

Piazza Matteotti is the bustling center of Bergamo's Lower Town, featuring gardens, monuments, and the Teatro Donizetti.

11. Rocca Museum

The Rocca Museum, set in a 14th-century bastion, documents Italy's struggle for independence and offers panoramic city views.

Address: Via alla Rocca, Bergamo

Official site: www.bergamoestoria.it

12. Museo Donizettiano (Donizetti Museum)

The museum celebrates the life and works of Bergamo's own Gaetano Donizetti and other Italian composers.

Address: Via Arena 9, Bergamo

13. Day Trip to San Pellegrino Terme

San Pellegrino Terme, known for its natural spring water, offers a scenic retreat with beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.

14. Faunistic Park Le Cornelle

This zoo and park provide natural habitats for a variety of animals, including a Cheetah Oasis and a Savannah.

Address: Via Cornelle 16, Valbrembo

Official site: http://www.lecornelle.it/?lang=en

Where to Stay in Bergamo for Sightseeing

Whether you choose the historic Citta Alta or the modern Citta Bassa, both offer convenient access to Bergamo's attractions. Here are some highly rated hotels in Bergamo:

• Luxury Hotels: Relais San Vigilio al Castello, Petronilla Hotel, and Excelsior San Marco Hotel.
• Mid-Range Hotels: BEST WESTERN PREMIER Cappello d'Oro, NH Bergamo, and Albergo Il Sole.
• Budget Hotels: Mercure Bergamo Palazzo Dolci, La Castellana, and Hotel Citta dei Mille.

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Things to Do near Bergamo: Explore the nearby lakes of Como and Garda, or visit the Roman attractions in Brescia and the romantic city of Verona.