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What to do in one day in Bergamo?

It is one of the few cities that is actually 2 in 1! The striking differences between the Lower and Upper cities, makes it difficult to choose which one is the most special. Falling in love with Bergamo is not difficult, it is difficult to leave it behind!

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What to do in one day in Bergamo?

Sixty kilometers from Milan, I always say that Bergamo is a ‘symphony’ of stairs! A magic “up-and-down” that delights those who visit it. The city is divided into two parts: the “Lower City” (Città Bassa) and “Upper City” (Città Alta). They are completely different from each other and seem to be from completely different times from each other: the Lower City, where the train station is located, is modern, elegant, with huge avenues, skyscrapers and lots of commerce! What to do in one day in Bergamo? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

Introduction

To reach the Upper City, it is necessary to take the ‘funicolare’ (for more information such as lines and schedules, access the ATM website by clicking here!) A type of cable car that takes you up the hill. Getting there it seems that you landed in another century, really!

The city is medieval and stands in the middle of huge walls that served as protection against invaders. Bergamo was founded by the Celts in the 6th century BC and is full of works and artistic constructions from various periods. With wide squares and narrow alleys, Bergamo seems to seduce us so that we can observe its unique beauties! Do you want to see the city, but have little time? So I’ll help you: let’s see what to do in one day in Bergamo!

1) What to do in one day in Bergamo? CHIESA DI SANTO SPIRITO (CHURCH OF HOLY SPIRIT)

Let’s start our tour by descending at the train station. The station is very close to the center of the Lower City; it is possible to get a city map at the kiosk dedicated to tourists, on Via Papa Giovanni XXIII. Following the same street, our first stop is at Chiesa di Santo Spirito (Church of Holy Spirit); there you can see beautiful works of art, all with religious motives.

2) What to do in one day in Bergamo? CITY HALL AND THE PROVINCE PALACE

Leaving there, head to the fanciest street in the lower city: Via Torquato Tasso. Nearby you can see the old Bergamo City Hall Headquarters and the Provincial Palace, both from the 19th century. There is also the Church of St Bartholomew. Following the walk, go to Via Sentierone, 300 meters away; in Via Sentierone is where the old ‘gates’ of the city are located, such as Porta Nuova, and Caduti Tower, a monument erected in honor of soldiers killed in the war.

3) What to do in one day in Bergamo? PIAZZA PONTIDA (PONTIDA SQUARE)

Continuing, you will soon see Via Venti Settembre, ideal for doing some shopping. Passing across the street, you will reach Piazza Pontida. On the left is Via Sant’Alessandro, which ‘hides’ a relic from the 16th century. The Church of Saint Benedict, which is one of the most beautiful in Bergamo and which is next to the Monastery. Follow to Via Botta, parallel to alley delle Torri, and you will reach Via Vittorio Emanuele II, where there is a station to take the funiculare and go up to the upper city (if you prefer, face the ascent on foot! Good luck!).

4) What to do in one day in Bergamo? MERCADO DELLE SCARPE (SCARPE MARKET) AND THE GOMBITO TOWER

Arriving in the upper city, you will soon see the Mercado delle Scarpe which is the gateway to the city! The view of Bergamo from the top is breathtaking! Continue to Via Gombito, where the attractions are the Gombito Tower, built in the 20th century, and the various sweet shops with a unique treat: a polenta cake! It looks a lot like an egg yolk and milk coconut pudding and is made of sponge cake, moistened with orange liqueur and filled with almond paste; the ‘final touch’ is for a little bird made of chocolate that goes over it. The name of the candy? Polenta and Osei! Try it! It is unmatched!

5) What to do in one day in Bergamo? FOUNTAIN, PALACE AND THE CAMPANONE

We continue to Piazza Vecchia (“Old Square”), which is very close to Via Gombito and Piazza Del Duomo (Duomo Square). In Piazza Vecchia is the Contarini Fountain, Palazzo della Ragione (Ragione Palace) and Campanone. In Piazza del Duomo, be sure to see the Colleoni Chapel, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (“St Mary Major”), and, of course, the Cathedral of Bergamo.

6) What to do in one day in Bergamo? TEATRO SOCIALE (SOCIALE THEATER)

Leaving there, via Via Colleoni, it is possible to observe the Teatro Sociale; reaching Piazza Mascheroni (Mascheroni Square), you can see the Campanella Tower and the Cittadella, full of museums. Near the Porta di Sant’Alessandro, you can find the funicolare station that leads to the Castle of San Vigilio. In Piazza Mercato del Fieno (Mercato del Fieno Square), you can see Rocca, a 1331 fortress, which offers a privileged view of the city. Enjoy the sunset and delight your eyes with the colors ‘painted’ in the sky!


Watch this beautiful video about Bergamo !!!!

(Source: Giuseppe Sigrisi)



How to get to Bergamo?


1) How to get to Bergamo? BY AIRPLANE

Bergamo Airport is Orio Al Serio and is 5 km from the city center. To get to the center take the ATB bus line 1 that departs from Piazzale Arrivi arrival terminal. The bus leaves every 20 minutes during the week and, on weekends and holidays, the interval is 30 minutes.

Also read our posts about Airports in Italy:

2) How to get to Bergamo? BY TRAIN

From Milan, leaving Central Station, take the train to Bergamo. Note: If you prefer to start the tour through the upper city, or if you want to make your own itinerary, when leaving the station go to Piazzale Marconi, take the number 1 bus and proceed to the Funicolare Station.

Did you know?

Trenitalia is the main Italian company dedicated to the management of rail transport. Find out here “What is the difference between trains in Italy?“. Buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post “How to buy a train ticket in Italy?”.

3) How to get to Bergamo? BY CAR

Via A4 Milano-Venezia, take the exit for Bergamo.

  • The parking lot closest to the funicolare station is that of Piazza Libertà. It is possible to drive to the upper city as well, but I do not advise for two reasons: the parking lots are not easy to find and you will miss the funicolare ride!

Don’t know where to rent the car?

We have a partner that can help you: Rent Cars! Have you ever thought about renting a car in Italy, without leaving your home? Click on the banner below to learn more! Search, compare and choose!

If you are renting a car be sure to read our posts in the section Driving in Italy on the blog  Your Travel to Italy. In addition to car itinerary tips, we have everything about signage, tolls, roads and many more tips.



Conclusion

What to do in one day in Bergamo? Bergamo is one of the few cities that is actually 2 in 1! The striking differences between Lower and Upper cities make it difficult to choose which one is the most special. Falling in love with Bergamo is not difficult, it is difficult to leave it behind! If you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier:)

Did my post help you? If yes, make sure to leave your comment below, but if you still have questions, just leave them as a comment below and I will reply, O.K.?



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