A Day in Bergamo Tour: Local Things to do
A day of discovering Italy’s authentic flavors and breathtaking architecture of Gothic style! This city, enclosed by walls and steeped in history, is the ideal destination to spend a beautiful day in Italy. In this itinerary, you will get a detailed look at the city’s history as well as a taste of Italian cuisine.
This city is divided into an upper and lower town by funiculars and is located northeast of Milan, south of the Alps, between the Brembo and Serio rivers. The upper city, known as “La Citta Alta,” is the city’s oldest community. The upper city is enclosed by walls built by the Republic of Venice, with four gates. San Agostion, San Lorenzo, San Giacomo, and Sant Alessandro are among them. The new residential area known as “La Citta Bassa” is located in the lower city. Small and narrow streets, balconies brimming with bright flowers, well-kept and repaired homes, and much more eye-catching architecture. This city will fill you with joy.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the city or just daydreaming about it, our trip planner is here to inspire and enlighten you on things to do in Bergamo. She lived in Bergamo for two years and designed a self-guided tour plan on HeyTripster to assist travelers!
Contents
- Tassino Cafe – Italian Breakfast
- Piazza Matteotti
- Palazzo e Giardini Moroni – Admire the Baroque architecture
- Porta San Giacomo
- Al Donizetti – Lunch Option 1
- Pizza Alla Fara – Lunch Option 2
- Piazza Vecchia Bergamo Alta – Main square of upper Bergamo
- Torre Castello San Vigilio
- Ristorante la Tana – Dinner Option 1
- Trattoria Sant’ Ambroeus – Dinner Option 2
Tassino Cafe – Italian Breakfast
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Breakfast in Italy, fresh pastries, and one-of-a-kind coffees. With its ideal location and delectable menu, it will quickly become one of your favorite spots. This cafe, which has a very spacious and welcoming environment as well as a large outdoor space, is popular with both locals and tourists. The ideal spot to get an Italian breakfast.
It is a popular spot in Bergamo because of its superb croissants, delectable coffees, delectable snacks, and nice and helpful personnel. This cafe, located in the heart of Bergamo, is well worth a visit. You may tip if you are pleased with the service and the food. However, it is not required.
Golden Checklist
- Taste – Brioche e cappuccino is the Italian classic breakfast. In this way, you can fall in love with the croissants! You can also try a club sandwich with a nice cup of coffee.
- Photo Point – Take in the quaint houses of Bergamo with high doors behind you and take pictures in the outdoor area of the cafe.
- Do – It has a nice terrace on the 2nd floor, you can have breakfast in the good sunny weather, the atmosphere inside is different, it looks like a bookstore, a bar and a friend’s lounge room. By the way, in Italy, a bar is not what we think, it’s where Italians drink coffee, this cafe is also called a bar among them. You can also come for an aperitif.
- Don’t forget to try their delicious coffees to continue the day happier. 🙂
Piazza Matteotti
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A square that houses the history of the area. In Città Bassa, one of the busiest squares. Tourists are drawn to the plaza by its history as well as the little cafes, restaurants, and stores that surround it. It is also a popular square among residents.
Piazza Matteotti, in Bergamo’s Lower Town (Citta Bassa), is one of the city’s most beautiful squares, complete with gardens, monuments, and parks. The Piazza is one of Bergamo’s most well-known and visited locations. At the same time, it is surrounded by lovely historical structures. The two most notable monuments in the square are the Monumento a Vittoria Emanuelle ii and the Monumento Al Partigiano, which can be seen in the itinerary’s continuation.
Piazza Matteotti is regarded as the heart of Citta Bassa. The square has been combined with Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Piazza Matteotti, like many other Italian cities, has a monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the united country, as well as a small park with the Monument to Partisan. Torre dei Caduti, a war memorial in neighboring Piazza Vittorio Veneto (Tower of the Fallen). A large quantity of open space between two squares, unusual for a tiny town, astounds visitors.
Via Roma leads to Piazza Matteotti. After passing through Porta Nuovo, the Lower City’s main entrance, you will observe a large expanse of two squares.
Golden Checklist
- See – A little corner of paradise to be discovered in the heart of the Lower Town (Città Bassa), do not pass without seeing Chiostro di Santa Marta, which combines the harmony of art and silence. Much of the Giacomo Matteotti square is shaded by beautiful trees, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops in the surrounding streets.
- Buy – You can shop at the small and sweet shops around the square.
- Photo Point – You can take photos on every corner of the square. I am sure all the photos will look very beautiful 🙂
- Don’t forget! It’s a crowded square, especially on the weekend.
Bonus: Monumento a Francesco Nullo – an Italian patriotic soldier
During his service as a colonel, Francesco Nullo went on to aid the Polish revolution of 1863, organizing a legion of roughly 600 Italian, French, and Polish volunteers who battled for the independence of oppressed nations. An Italian patriot/soldier, Francesco Nullo, also took part in the Five Days of Milano and the Defense of the Roman Republic.
Bonus 2: Porta Nuova
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One step closer to the upper city. It is known as the “heart” of Bergamo, and it is framed by two propylaea, the ancient gates of the city’s entrance. Because Porta Nuovo is the major entry to the Citta Bassa, it is often busy. The road passes through two neoclassical buildings that enclose a stunning vista of the Citta Alta hills.
Bonus 3: Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
In the heart of Bergamo, there is a king. Vittorio Emanuele was king of Sardinia from 1849 to 1861, and subsequently the first king of Italy from 1861 until his death. In Italian, it is known as Padre Della Patria. On September 20, 1871, he invaded Rome and declared it the capital. In Italian, it is known as Padre Della Patria. In Italian, he is known as Padre Della Patria, which translates as Father of the Homeland.
Palazzo e Giardini Moroni – Admire the Baroque architecture
A gem within the upper city walls and a fantastic Upper Town experience. It is impossible to imagine the beauty that this palace conceals from the outside! The palace of the urban aristocracy is located in one of the most prominent areas of the upper city. It draws visitors with its Baroque architecture and Italian garden. The palace hosts cultural events such as weddings.
Villa and Gardens Moroni, located in the centre of the Upper City, is a notable Baroque Period edifice with unique architecture. When you leave the entrance courtyard, you’ll find apartments with frescoes from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. Notable artists include GB Moroni, Bernardino Luini, and Cesare Tallone. Following Count Antonio Moroni’s donation, the palace is now managed by the Fondazione di Palazzo Moroni. The Moroni family erected Palazzo Moroni between 1636 and 1666.
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The Moroni family has always been passionate about art, and their palace is filled with works by Moroni, Evaristo Baskenis, and Vittore Gislandi. There is also a lovely garden outside the palace walls. The palace halls are named after the plots of the frescoes, which were painted by G.G. Barbelli. Most of the hallways are decorated with his frescoes. Paolo Vincenzo Bonomini frescoed the entry staircase. The palazzo is now managed by the Foundation di Palazzo Moroni, which was created in 2009 by Count Antonio Moroni’s bequest.
Golden Checklist
- See – Tapestries, frescoes and decorations that well show the lifestyle of the 19th century. Masterpieces by Giovanni Battista Moroni, Bernardino Luini, Giovanni Giacomo Barbelli, Giuseppe Ronchelli, Jimbettino Cignaroli and Cesare Tallon.
- Photo Point – Palazzo e Giardini Moroni, located in the heart of the Upper City, is one of the important buildings of the Baroque Period with its fascinating architecture. You can wander outside the palace and take pictures in its 2-hectare garden.
- Do – There are special guided tours available to explore Palazzo Moroni’s rich art collection, its history and the reasons it was founded, you can check it out.
- Don’t – Please be careful at the stairs, try not to fall down the stairs.
Bonus: California Bakery
The meeting of spectacular panoramic views and delectable meals. The space is small but really beautiful and cozy.
Staff is courteous and provides prompt service. This wonderful panoramic view is located in the lower city! Prepare to be wowed by a large menu, delicious food, and an unforgettable experience. The cafe is housed within the funicular building. P.S. Try avocado bowls and Benedictine toasts. The ideal brunch location.
Bonus 2: IL Fornaio
Pizzas, sandwiches, focaccia, biscuits, desserts, and a variety of other Italian pastries are available. You should go test it out. Dieters should avoid it. Huge pizzas have recently gained popularity on social media. They use scissors to cut a piece and weigh it. As a result, the price is determined by the weight. There are also many possibilities if you want something sweet. A fantastic spot for a hearty snack with bakery items.
Porta San Giacomo
The most impressive gateway to the upper city. Porta San Giacomo is one of Bergamo’s old city gates in the upper town. With its size and design, it is the most beautiful and magnificent door.
This gate, which serves as the main entry to Upper Bergamo, provides a clear view of the ancient city walls. Its location is a must-see for tourists, and it is a well-photographed structure with stunning panoramic vistas. For many years, the city’s rulers strengthened its bounds. The entry of Bergamo was guarded by four gates in total. They were named after adjacent churches. Unfortunately, only the St. Augustine Church has survived to this day. The rest were demolished when the Venetian wall was built.
The St. Giacomo Gate was constructed in the 16th century. However, this was not always the case with the gate. The ancient wooden gates were removed at the end of the 18th century and replaced by a stone-paved road. You can walk on the road today, by the way. The viaduct in front of the entrance, as well as the gleaming white marble from which the gate was fashioned, contribute significantly to the beauty of Porta San Giacomo. The same stone was used to build the Palazzo Nuovo (which currently houses the Angelo Mai Library) and the Contarini Fountain in Piazza Vecchia.
It boasts fantastic views of the lower city and serves as the entrance to the higher city. This gate is composed of white marble quarried in the vicinity of Zandobbio. From Milan, this gate was utilized to enter Bergamo. One of the most photographed structures is the Lion of Saint Mark, which stands in the middle of the gate and is a symbol of Venice.
Local Tip
It is known by locals that if you visit this attraction with your loved one, you will get married! Make sure to choose who you will be visiting here! 😉
Golden Checklist
- See – You should see Saint Mark Lion located above the gate. Thanks to the snow-white marble Porst San Giacomo is an excellent white screen for colourful projections made during special events and holidays. And also here, you can see the magnificent view of Lower Bergamo and the plain visible up to the Apennines!
- Photo Point – Take a photo with the panoramic view seen from the sketches of the gate. Porta San Giacomo can be considered the most picturesque construction of the fortification of Bergamo even today. The gate is crowned with a winged lion, a symbol of the Venetian Republic, which was quite commonly used in the old Bergamo.
- Do – For many years, the rulers of the city strengthened its borders. In total there were 4 gates guarding the entrance to Bergamo. They were named after churches located nearby. Unfortunately, only the church of St. Augustine has survived to this day. The rest were destroyed during the construction of the Venetian wall.
- Don’t forget to be careful when crossing the bridge!
Bonus: Mura Veneziane-Patrimonio mondiale dell’UNESCO
Beautiful sunset, and a pleasant walk. The ramparts that surround the medieval Città Alta, which is perched on a hill above Bergamo, are known as the Venetian walls. For more than 400 years, it has served as a symbol of Upper Bergamo. These well-known walls are one of Bergamo’s most notable landmarks. During the Roman Empire, there must have been walls in this place. However, the walls that we see today were constructed during the Venetian Republic. Bergamo, on the other hand, was fortunate in that it did not have to withstand an enemy siege. These 4-century-old walls are now a magnificent site for 6-kilometre-long treks with amazing views during the day and beautiful sunsets at night.
Al Donizetti – Lunch Option 1
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Excellent flavors in Upper Bergamo’s medieval core. A typical Bergamo Alta location. This restaurant is ideal for degustation because it offers a modern rendition of classic Italian meals.
It’s wonderful, cozy, and bursting with Italian culture. It is a venue that lives up to its reputation for excellent service and hospitality. The rates can be a little excessive, but the restaurant is popular with travelers.
This restaurant is ideal for degustation because it offers a modern rendition of classic Italian meals. It should be noted that it is closed on Tuesdays. A gratuity is not expected. However, if you are pleased with the service, you may tip.
Golden Checklist
- Taste – You should try Polenta, Italy’s famous side dish. Also try dishes with my personal favourite cheese- burrata.
- Do – Prices may vary from lunchtime to dinner, don’t forget to check the prices of the whole menu.
- Don’t forget that it is closed on Tuesdays.
Pizza Alla Fara – Lunch Option 2
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A must-see on the culinary map of Bergamo. Great pizza from a small local pizzeria prepared by a true professional. Really recommendable place. This place, which makes dozens of pizzas worthy of Italian cuisine, is worth seeing/tasting.
Their speciality is pizza on the ‘pala’. Besides classic pizza slices, it also offers great vegetarian options. The tip is not required. But if you are satisfied with the service, you can tip.
Golden Checklist
- Taste – You can try ‘Diavola’ pizza. Be careful, it’s a little spicy.
- Photo Point – Don’t forget to take a photo of your food before you finish it. It looks mouthwatering when it arrives!
- Do – It may be a good choice to take a takeaway from the place and sit in the historical streets of Bergamo. Get ready for one of the best pizzas in Bergamo recommended by Italians. If they like it, then you know it’s good. 🙂 Also the prices are affordable.
- Don’t forget to check the hours when it is closed on Mondays!
Piazza Vecchia Bergamo Alta – Main square of upper Bergamo
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A lovely square in the center of Bergamo Alta. A square steeped with history. Piazza Vecchia, located in the heart of Bergamo’s Upper Town, has long served as a political, economic, historical, and social focal point. Today, Piazza Vecchia is a popular meeting spot and a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
It houses the Angelo Mai Library, one of the most important historical libraries in Italy. In the 15th century, the Renaissance-style square was erected. It is regarded as the first step toward establishing Citta Alta as the city’s art and cultural core and Citta Bassa as its economic and commercial hub. The square’s architecture is really stunning. As if all of the structures are in perfect harmony. All visitors to the square are taken aback by the geometry of their façade.
The city hall – Palazzo Della Ragione – is the first edifice you notice when you enter Piazza Vecchia, and it is the oldest building of the city government in the region of Lombardy. Palazzo was constructed in the XII century. The Torre Civica tower, or Campanone, and a small Contarini fountain are placed in the center of Piazza Vecchia. Turn around to see Palazzo Nuovo, or the New Palace, which served as the headquarters of the city government until 1873. It now houses the Angelo Mai Library, one of the most important libraries in the country. Priceless treasures of the Italian book legacy can be found here.
Golden Checklist
- See – You must see the Contarini fountain! The architecture of the square is absolutely stunning. As if all the buildings live in uniting harmony. The geometry of their facades astonishes all visitors to the square.
- Do – The first structure that you see when you enter Piazza Vecchia is the city hall – Palazzo Della Ragione, the oldest building of the city authorities in the region o Lombardy. Palazzo was built in the XII century. Then you will see the Torre Civica tower, or Campanone, and a small Contarini fountain., that is located in the centre of Piazza Vecchia. Turn around and you will see Palazzo Nuovo, the New Palace, it was used as the seat of the city authorities until 1873. Now, it is home to Angelo Mai library, one of the most significant libraries in the country. Here you can find priceless relics of the Italian book heritage.
- Don’t forget to take a photo in this historical square.
Bonus: Cappella Colleoni Chapel
The Renaissance architecture will take your breath away. A spectacular example of Renaissance architecture. A great treasure can be found both within and outdoors. The facade is unusually rich in white marble. Colleoni’s equestrian statue can be found inside. Admission is free. A must-see attraction for anybody visiting Bergamo Alta. It’s a modest chapel with excellent decorations.
The chapel was dedicated to St. Bartholomew, St. Mark, and St. John the Baptist and was built in 1476 as a mausoleum for Bartolomeo Colleoni. Colleoni Chapel was built next to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. The chapel has been well-preserved and nearly undisturbed in its original form. The building’s facade is lined with white, red, and black marble, which forms intriguing patterns. Furthermore, the chapel’s facade is embellished with a variety of decorative embellishments.
Bonus 2: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
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History that will leave you speechless. A lovely basilica in upper Bergamo with an interesting history and architecture, as well as lavish Baroque artwork on its ceilings and arches. This basilica, with its frescoes, plasterwork, paintings, and tapestries, is well worth a visit to Bergamo Alta. Despite the fact that it was completed in 1137, the Basilica is in excellent shape. Later in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, some extensions to the main section were added. The temple was expanded, and a bell tower was constructed. The Basilica serves an essential purpose for the city and its people.
When the plague was wreaking havoc on cities and murdering people, the inhabitants of Bergamo prayed to the Virgin Mary for protection. The plague avoided the city, and the people built the temple to honour the Virgin Mary. The facades of Basilica-Santa-Maria-Maggiore are devoid of doorways. However, there are three exits on the other side. The red and white lions’ gates were built in the 14th century, respectively. They get their name from the red and white lions that support the columns at each of the gates. Works by well-known artists such as Luca Giordano and Lotto, as well as several wooden wall panels originating from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Torre Castello San Vigilio
A bird’s-eye view of Citta Alta. It is the highest point in the city to visit, and its breathtaking view should not be missed.
From this “urban summit,” you may get a birds-eye perspective of the entire area. Awe-inspiring panoramic view. It’s a tranquil setting. It’s worth taking a few moments to take in the scenery. The first fort built by the Romans on this site was mentioned in the 6th century AD. The building was altered for the first time in the 9th century when Bergamo was a Lombard principality. The city’s major transformation happened in the 16th century when it became a part of the Venetian Republic. The castle was enlarged and linked to the city walls that surrounded Bergamo; also, there was a secret underground passage connecting the castle’s tower with the city’s Fort of St. Mark.
The castle tower served as Bergamo’s major observation tower, safeguarding the city. Because of the amazing perspective, the sentries could detect attackers approaching the city ahead of time and warn the residents by setting a fire on the top of the tower, which was visible from the city. The castle is now a lovely city park with numerous Mediterranean vegetation. The park is beautiful at any season, but it is especially lovely in the summer when everything is in bloom. To be honest, the park isn’t the main attraction, and neither is the castle. The vistas of Bergamo are the main reason why people come here. A breathtaking landscape of old Bergamo, green hills, calm towns, and tiled rooftops awaits you. Each point of the castle offers a different perspective, yet they are all breathtaking. On a clear day, the Alps can also be seen from here.
For generations, the monarchs of Bergamo have called San Vigilio Castle home. It appears as a power symbol. This castle, which dominates Upper Bergamo, is 496 meters above sea level. Castello di San Vigilio is a powerful icon visible from afar. It is situated on the summit of the same-named 496-meter-high hill. Both the fortress and the hill are named for the Bishop of Trento, San Vigilio. Castello di San Vigilio was erected in a strategically vital location with an excellent view of Upper Bergamo and played an important part in defending Bergamo from its adversaries.
P.S: Working hours: 1st November to 31st March 8am – 5pm 1st of April to 31st October 7am – 9pm
Golden Checklist
- See – Don’t pass by without seeing the cute streets leading to the castle. Castello di San Vigilio is a symbol of power, that is visible from afar. It is located on the top of the 496-meter-high same-named hill. The fortress and the hill are named after San Vigilio, the Bishop of Trento. Castello di San Vigilio was built at a strategically important position with an extremely clear view of the Upper Bergamo and played a major role in protecting Bergamo from its enemies.
- Photo Point – Take a photo of the view from the castle.
- Do – The main reason why tourists visit this place is the views of the Bergamo. A stunning panorama of the old Bergamo, green hills, quiet villages, and tiled roofs are waiting for you. From each point of the castle, there is a new view opening your eyes, but all of them are stunning. Moreover, the Alps are also visible from here on a clear day.
- Don’t go when the weather is bad. On sunny days the view is much more beautiful.
Bonus: Panorama Bergamo
The approach to the castle, this is the ideal vista. The beautiful panoramic view of the city may be seen if you stroll the route leading to the castle. When you arrive at the castle, you will see the same view. However, because the castle is so busy, this route allows you to enjoy the vista much more easily.
Ristorante la Tana – Dinner Option 1
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A terrific place to savor traditional Bergamo food with a perfect balance of flavor and culinary skills. This restaurant, located a few steps from the upper town’s historical core, serves several traditional Bergamo cuisine as well as more modern and unique meals. Traditional and unique foods are served here, however, the prices are a little steep. It is really worth their caliber!
The dishes are stylish, savory, and tastefully presented: the ideal location for visitors who want to sample the region’s traditional cuisine. They also provide allergen-specific menus.
Remember to make a reservation before you go. A gratuity is not expected. However, if you are pleased with the service, you may tip.
Golden Checklist
- See – The nice view the restaurant offers.
- Taste – You must try the Casoncelli Bergamaschi. Also, their desserts are highly recommended.
- Do – Get recommendations from the waiters. Check out the menu.
- Don’t – Watch out for allergens in the food you choose.
Trattoria Sant’ Ambroeus – Dinner Option 2
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A very good spot for a perfect and romantic evening in a great location for lovers of classic Italian cuisine. Excellent restaurant in the heart of Bergamo’s historic district. Food that is both delicious and of high quality. Are you passing through Bergamo? You should absolutely pay us a visit.
Trattoria Sant’Ambroeus is a charming trattoria in the heart of Bergamo Alta. It clearly serves high-quality refined food, and the service is exceptional, with servers following you through each meal.
P.S: You must make a reservation. The tip is required.
Golden Checklist
- See the coffee with the bakery at the end.
- Taste – You should definitely try the truffle risotto. The restaurant is a bit pricey but it is worth it.
- Do – You can get meal suggestions from the staff. They know best.
- Don’t go without a reservation.