Bergamo
Rich architecture of medieval, barroque and renaissance style is united in the in the shops and narrow cobbled streets of Bérgamo, making them an oasis of peace and tranquility.
Bergamo is a beautiful walled city located 37 miles (60 km) from Milan. Its short distance from the capital of Lombardy makes it the ideal one day. You can even make the most of your Ryanair flight to this city, to explore it before heading to Milan. The upper town is a maze of narrow alleyways packed with charming stores.
Things to do in Bergamo
Bergamo is divided into two parts; the Upper Town (Città Alta), which is surrounded by Venetian walls, is magnificently preserved with pretty stoned streets and magnificent medieval buildings. The Lower Town (Città Bassa) is the modern part of Bergamo and is less interesting for visitors. The two parts of town are connected by a funicular railway.
The charming alleyways in the medieval part of town house several treasures. The following are not to be missed:
- Piazza Vecchia: The old square of Bergamo is the city’s political and administrative centre. The square is surrounded by several buildings like Palazzo del Podesta, el Palazzo del Comune, el Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre Civica.
- Torre Civica: Symbol of medieval Bergamo, the Torre Civica stands 170 ft (52 m) tall and is a great place for a panoramic view of Bergamo.
- Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore: The monumental basilica can compete both in size and beauty with the Bergamo Cathedral. One of the building’s highlights is the Colleoni chapel.
- Bergamo Cathedral: Bergamo Cathedral is an imposing temple dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Alexander of Bergamo.
- Venetian walls: The inhabitants of Bergamo built a wall to surround the city as they were terrified of being attacked by the Spanish troops. Although the wall measured nearly 4 miles (6 km), it only had four gates.
Getting to Bergamo
There are three ways of getting to Bergamo from Milan:
Day trips from Milan
Although it's not the fastest way of getting to Bergamo, booking a one-day excursion to this city has many advantages like not having to worry about getting lost or having to worry about parking. A one-day excursion from Milan costs € 55 (US$ 57.07) and you can reserve it at the following link:
By car
The easiest and fastest way of travelling to Bergamo is by car. By hiring a car, you will be able to visit Bergamo and other close destinations like Lake Iseo.
If you land in Bergamo Airport – Orio al Serio why not visit Bergamo before heading to Milan? Or else, on your way back.
You can hire a car on the following page:
By train
To reach Bergamo by train it is possible to start the journey either at Milano Centrale Station or at Milano Porta Garibaldi. The direct journey takes less than an hour and costs € 6 (US$ 6.22). Tickets can be purchased online through the Trenitalia website.
Nearby places
Bergamo Airport – Orio al Serio (4 km) Lake Iseo (31.4 km) Milan Linate Airport (40 km) Milano Centrale Railway Station (43.1 km) Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli (44.1 km)
