Bergamo is not just one city, but two: the Borgo below, and Bergamo Alta on the hill. While it has plenty of noble palaces, a superb art gallery, and a fine 17th-century theater, the Borgo is a modern, dynamic city with busy streets full of shops and restaurants; but Bergamo Alta has the fascination of a medieval town. It is a fortified citadel, its steep, narrow streets enclosed withing 16th-century Venetian walls, where centuries of history have become stratified and preserved.
These two city squares were the religious and civial heart of the city, but Bergamo Alta also played a role in the past as a fortified bastion of great military and stategic importance. Traves of this remain in two impressive forifications: the fortress, a complex with an imposing keep, begun in 1331 and reinforced in subsequent centuries; and the 14th-century citadel, built to protect the western part of the city.
Spring has arrived by this time, bringing pleasant daytime temperatures of around 16 degrees celsius. April temperatures range anywhere from 6-18 degrees Celsius. To check the current weather in Bergamo, click here.
Bergamo is about 30 miles northeast of Milan. Orio al Serio Airport, 3 miles from Bergamo, is linked to the town by a shuttle bus. Bergamo is a delightful city to explore on foot, but funicular highways connect Bergamo Alta with the city of Borgo. For more information visit the Travel page.
The Beautiful La Valletta Relais in Bergamo Alta is surrounded by parkland - ideal for a peachful stay. Entro le Mura bed and breakfast is situated in a small, converted medieval palace with a couryard and a garden.
Trattoria Sant'Ambroeus, in a romantic corner of the Piazza Vecchia, offers fresh interpretations of Bergamo and Milanese cuisine. The historic Vineria Cozzi has a romantic and informat atmosphere and gives a personal touch and unusual flavors to traditional recipes.
Visit Bergamo Alta's two fortifications, the fortress and the citadel. From these you can enjoy fine views as far as the foothills of the Alps. In the afternoon, music-lovers should visit the Museo Donizetti, desplaying manuscripts and memorabilia. If you haven't had your fill of views, climb the campanone (bell tower) for a truly bird's-eye view of Bergamo and beyond.
Dedicate the day to explore the Borgo, the lower part of the town. The worldly heart of the city is the Sentierone, a fine avenue of trees lined with shops and boutiques. After some shopping and lunch, spend the afternoon at the Galleria dell'Accademia Carrara, which houses a superb collection of 15th and 16th-century paintings from the main Italian and foreign schools, including works by Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Holbein, Breughel, and Valazquez.