Italy's Capital of Culture in 2023, along with the city of Brescia, Bergamo hasmany surprises in store forvisitors. Of particular note is Città Alta, a medieval city with completely preserved ramparts. In its center, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is said to have been built in 1137 as a promise to Our Lady of Bergamo to protect the city from the plague. Parallel to the upper town, Bergamo's lower town is a modern extension rich in art and history. Lovers of contemporary art will appreciate the Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea and its exhibitions housed in a fully restored monastery. In this article, we invite you to discover the 13 must-sees of Bergamo, a city where every street corner tells a story and every monument bears witness to a rich and fascinating past.
1. Visit Our Lady of Bergamo
Located in the heart of the upper town, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in 1137 on the site of an earlier church. The interior is decorated with opulent paintings, stuccowork and marquetry. In the left aisle, 66 Florentine tapestries feature magnificent designs evoking Scenes from the Life of the Virgin. Other masterpieces include Andrea Frantoni's wooden confessional (1704), a feat of Baroque sculpture, and the 16th-century wooden choir , entirely decorated with marquetry based on designs by Lorenzo Lotto. The back wall of the nave features a sumptuous Flemish tapestry depicting a Crucifixion, woven in Antwerp in 1698. Just below, the Red Sea Passage by Luca Giordano can be admired. Santa Maria Maggiore also houses the tomb of Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), the great opera composer from Bergamo.
Planning a trip to the area? Check out our article What to do in Lombardy? 13 must-sees. We also recommend discovering Bergamo in the company ofa local guide you can book here ! He'll show you all there is to know about the city, its landmarks and history, as well as some great places to eat.
2. Stroll along the Pizza Vecchia, Bergamo's Upper Town center
Piazza Vecchia, the true center of Bergamo 's Upper Town , is a beautiful 15th-century square lined with famous palaces. Among them, the 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione is considered one of the oldest buildings of its kind in Lombardy. It features an imposing external staircase and arcades giving access to Piazza del Duomo. The Palazzo della Biblioteca, completed in 1611 by Vincenzo Scamozzi, is also noteworthy. Nearby, the Torre Comunale still rings its bells on certain occasions, in memory of the medieval curfew. Don't miss the fountain in the center of the square, adorned with lions, snakes and sphinxes.
A little further along, under the arcades, check out the superb and original meridian sundial. This sundial only works at noon, and indicates the date on a scale on the ground. If you're in the area before noon, be sure to climb up.
Take a guided walking tour of Bergamo's upper town, bookable right here. Stroll through the narrow streets as you explore this historic and most romantic part of the city.
3. The Colleoni Chapel, symbol of the Lombard Renaissance
The Colleoni Chapel is one of the most accomplished architectural expressions of the Lombard Renaissance. Built in 1472 by Antonio Amedeo, architect of the Charterhouse of Pavia, it was the final resting place of the Venetian condottiere Bartolomeo Colleoni. The façade, crowned by a cupola, is covered in polychrome marble. Inside, the monumental tomb blends Gothic motifs with Renaissance sensibilities. Magnificent frescoes depicting the life of St. John the Baptist, painted by G. B. Tiepolo in 1733, adorn the dome. On the left is the tomb of the condottiere's daughter, Medea Colleoni.
Book my guided tour of the Upper Town
4. Visit the Accademia Carrara, a magnificent art museum
The Palazzo Carrara, a magnificent neoclassical building, houses an impressive collection of paintings donated to the city by Count Giacomo Carrara. The tour begins in the first room, dedicated to Northern Italian Quattrocento (15th century) painting, with works such as Mantegna's perfect Madonna and Child and Pisanello's intriguing Portrait of Lionello d'Este. On the second floor, the tour continues with a selection of 16th-century works, including Giovanni Bellini's gentle Madonna di Alzano. This is followed by an important group of works by Lorenzo Lotto, andan impressive series of portraits of localaristocrats by the painter Giovan Battista Moroni. The tour continues with the Venetian Cinquecento, with beautiful canvases by Titian and Palma the Younger, through to the 18th century, before finishing with the 19th century.
Discover the beauty of Bergamo on this minibus tour. You'll explore the Piazza Duomo, the Accademia Carrara and the upper and lower quarters of the city accompanied by an audioguide.
5. Palazzo Moroni, a breath of fresh air in Bergamo
This 16th-centurypalazzo is now a museum, displaying a varied collection of works of art in richly furnished interiors decorated in a magnificent Baroque style. Since 1636, it has been inhabited by the same owners, the Moroni family, who have preserved its original layout. A visit wouldn't be complete without a stroll through the park's Italianate gardens, which are extended by a large vegetable garden covering some two hectares. A breath of fresh air in the heart of the city!
Book admission to Palazzo Moroni
6. Bergamo Citadel
Built by the Viscontis in the 14th century for defensive purposes, the citadel was later used by the Venetians as a grain reservoir and merchandise warehouse. The first museum is famous for its vast collection of fossils, while the Archaeological Museum presents remains discovered in the region, ranging from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. The botanical garden is also well worth a visit for its wide variety of plants and beautiful views.
See our article Italy's 15 most beautiful villages.
For gourmets, we also recommend this guided culinary tour of Bergamo, where you can sample traditional Lombardy dishes (including stracciatella ice cream!).
7. The Donizettiano Museum, a tribute to the composer Gaetano Donizetti
The museum pays tribute to the great composer Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), born in Bergamo and author of two of the greatest lyric opera masterpieces of the 19th century: "L'Elixir d'Amour" (1832) and "Lucie de Lammermoor" (1835). The tour includes documents, archives and the piano that once belonged to the maestro. You can also visit the house where the composer was born, located at 14 Via Borgo Canale. On site, two well-thought-out itineraries are proposed to optimize your visit to the museum, depending on the time you have available: one hour or two hours.
Want to discover Bergamo and visit its main monuments through the "eyes" of a local? Download Bergamo's digital guide right here to see the city for yourself.
8. Bergamo Cathedral Treasure Museum
The museum traces the history and origins of Bergamo's church. Recent restoration work and excavations, carried out between 2004 and 2012, have uncovered, among other things, the remains of two Romanesque churches in the basement of what is now the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. The remains of 6th-century mosaic pavements and 13th-century frescoes bear witness to the rich decoration. The museum preserves the main pieces of these finds.
9. Climb to the top of Bergamo's ramparts
Bergamo wouldn't be the same without its imposing Venetian Walls, over six kilometers long and surrounding the Upper Town of Bergamo. It's an ideal spot for romantic strolls and for admiring sunsets over Bergamo. Four gates, each aligned with one of the main communication routes, give access to the town: the Porta Sant'Agostino towards Venice, the Porta San Giacomo towards Milan, the Porta Sant'Alessandro towards Lecco and Como, and the Porta San Lorenzo towards the northern valleys. And don't forget to visit the gunboats of San Michele and San Giovanni !
10. The Monastery of San Francesco, a must-see in Bergamo
The Monastery of St. Francis was the main religious complex in medieval Bergamo. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it still boasts two magnificent cloisters : the first, known as the "delle arche", houses a dozen funerary monuments for the tombs of the city's leading families; the second, known as the "well", offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Today, the complex houses the city's historical museum.
Discover our article What to eat in Italy? 20 culinary specialities to discover
11. Admire the view from the top of Torre del Gombito
At 52 meters high, the tower stands at the crossroads of the ancient Roman city axes, the cardo and decumanus. Built in the late 12th century, it has long been the city's highest point. In 1848, during a revolt against the Austrians, the tower was used to fire on enemy troops. The Austrians subsequently destroyed the internal staircase leading to the top. It was not rebuilt until 1892. Today, the tower is an easily identifiable landmark in the panorama. The view from the top is spectacular, so don't miss out - it's well worth the climb!
12. The curious Lantro fountain
This curious fountain is located in the vaulted basement of the church of San Lorenzo. Comprising two large basins of water, the current structure dates back to the 16th century. At that time, following the construction of the Upper Town walls by the Venetians, the church of San Lorenzo was moved and relocated inside the fortifications, just above a pre-existing cistern. Until the end of the 19th century, the fountain supplied the Bergamasque population with water for various daily uses. It was used as a public laundry until 1950.
13. Go back in time at the Palazzo del Podestà
This museum, housed in the Palazzo del Podestà in Piazza Vecchia, takes visitors on an ideal journey through time. Thanks to avant-garde museography, visitors can discover the voices, scents, illustrations and objects characteristic of the three centuries of relations between Bergamo and Venice (from 1427 to 1797). Daily life in those days is revealed through interactive installations that realistically reproduce the Bergamo of yesteryear.
Discover the highlights of Bergamo's historic upper town, such as Piazza Vecchia and the Palazzo della Ragione, on a guided Bergamo walk that you can book here.
Discover our article What to do in Italy? 27 must-sees!
Discover also the most popular things to do in Bergamo:
Where to stay in Bergamo?
Bergamo is a charming town in Italy, known for its division into two distinct parts: Città Alta (upper town) and Città Bassa (lower town). Here are a few suggestions for accommodation to suit your preferences:
- Città Alta (Upper Town)
Città Alta is the historic part of Bergamo, surrounded by Venetian walls and offering magnificent views over the city. It's the ideal place if you love history and architecture. We particularly recommend this hotel:
- L'Entro Le Mura isa quality bed & breakfast set in a pretty, popular cottage in the center of Bergamo's upper town, which you can book here. The small, non-smoking apartments will delight families with children, who will find an excellent, inexpensive option here . In summer, a hearty breakfast is served in the medieval courtyard with its pretty flowering well.
Want to be in the middle of both parts of town? We recommend :
- the Antica Dimora which you can book right here. Located just a few meters from the entrance to the historic center, this bed & breakfast is ideally situated along a picturesque street that climbs from the Lower Town to the Upper Town. We loved the superb ceiling frescoes, particularly in the breakfast room, and the period furnishings, which add a lot of character to the whole.
Città Bassa (Lower Town)
Città Bassa is more modern and lively, with numerous stores, restaurants and bars. A good choice if you prefer to be in the heart of the action. We particularly recommend this hotel:
- Le Central Hostel BG : Located in the lower town, in the city center, this hostel offers good-value rooms that you can book right here. All rooms have a private bathroom, LCD TV and safe. We liked the free parking, the free and unlimited wifi connection, the washing machines and games such as table soccer, ideal for meeting and chatting with other tourists.
What to see in Bergamo in 2 days
Visiting Bergamo in two days allows you to discover the main historical and cultural sites of this city rich in heritage. Here's a suggested itinerary to maximize your time:
Day 1: The Upper City (Città Alta)
Morning:
- Piazza Vecchia: Start in this beautiful 15th-century piazza, lined with famous palaces such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the Palazzo della Biblioteca.
- Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore: Visit this 12th-century Romanesque basilica, famous for its frescoes and tapestries.
- Cappella Colleoni: Admire this Renaissance chapel, the last home of the condottiere Bartolomeo Colleoni.
Afternoon:
- Palazzo della Ragione: Explore this 12th-century palace and climb the Torre Comunale (il Campanone) for a panoramic view.
- Donizetti Museum: Discover the life and works of the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti.
- Walk on the Venetian Walls: Enjoy a romantic stroll along the ramparts to admire the view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Day 2: Città Bassa and surroundings
Morning:
- Accademia Carrara: Visit this neoclassical museum housing an impressive collection of paintings, including works by Raphael, Titian and Lorenzo Lotto.
- Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GAMeC): Explore this gallery of modern and contemporary art housed in a restored monastery.
Afternoon:
- Monastery of St. Francis: Discover this medieval religious complex and its two magnificent cloisters.
- Fountain of San Lorenzo: Descend into the vaulted basements of the church of San Lorenzo to see this curious 16th-century fountain.
- Natural Science Museum: Visit this museum to discover a vast collection of fossils and archaeological remains.
What to do around Bergamo
There are a number of sites worth visiting in the Bergamo area. Lake Iseo, around 40 km away, offers boat trips and hikes. Lake Como, 50 km away, is famous for its luxurious villas and spectacular scenery. Take the opportunity to discover our Top 11 most beautiful villages to visit around Lake Como.
The Orobic Alps offer hiking and mountain activities. Brescia, 50 km away, is rich in history and culture. The Bergamo Hills Park, just outside the city, offers magnificent natural scenery. Cremona, 70 km away, is famous for its violins. Lecco, 40 km away, is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Como. Sarnico, on the shores of Lake Iseo, is a charming town with a rich history. Clusone, 40 km away, is a medieval town with a rich heritage.San Pellegrino Terme, 30 km away, is famous for its thermal waters and Belle Époque architecture. These destinations offer a variety of activities and landscapes, allowing you to discover the cultural and natural wealth of the region around Bergamo.
What to do in Bergamo when it rains?
When it rains in Bergamo, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy the city despite the bad weather. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Visit museums
- Accademia Carrara: Discover an impressive collection of paintings, including works by Raphael, Titian and Lorenzo Lotto.
- Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GAMeC): Explore this gallery of modern and contemporary art housed in a restored monastery.
- Donizetti Museum: Immerse yourself in the life and works of the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti.
- Explore the churches and basilicas
- Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore: Admire this 12th-century Romanesque basilica, famous for its frescoes and tapestries.
- Cappella Colleoni: Visit this Renaissance chapel, the last home of the condottiere Bartolomeo Colleoni.
- Duomo di Bergamo: Discover Bergamo Cathedral and its magnificent works of art.
- Visit palaces and historic monuments
- Palazzo della Ragione: Explore this 12th-century palace and climb the Torre Comunale (il Campanone) for a panoramic view.
- Palazzo Moroni: Discover this neoclassical palace, home to a varied art collection.
- Shopping
- Via XX Settembre: Stroll down this shopping street to visit local boutiques.
- Centro Commerciale Orio Center: Visit this large shopping center for a variety of stores and restaurants.
- Take in a show or concert
- Teatro Donizetti: Take in an opera or concert at this historic theater.
- Auditorium di Piazza della Libertà: Enjoy concerts and shows in this modern auditorium.
What to bring back from Bergamo
Bergamo offers a variety of souvenirs and local products that reflect the region's rich culture and gastronomy. Here are a few ideas of what you can bring back from Bergamo:
- Food products
- Taleggio cheese: A soft, washed-rind cheese, typical of the Bergamo region.
- Polenta Taragna: Polenta mixed with cheese and butter, a traditional dish of the region.
- Valcalepio wine: A local red wine, ideal for accompanying local dishes.
- Bergamo honey: A high-quality, locally produced honey.
- Local crafts
- Bergamo ceramics: Hand-decorated ceramic objects, often used for cooking or decoration.
- Textiles and fabrics: High-quality fabrics and textiles, often used for clothing or household linen.
- Handcrafted jewelry: Handmade jewelry, often in silver or gold, with unique designs.
