Bergamo Hotels

Blissful Bergamo

A real-life tale of two cities, Bergamo is one of Italy’s most surprising treasures – and nothing like the “surprising treasure” your cat leaves lovingly on your doorstep! Very much alive and not at all furry (except after a particularly big night in one of its many fantastic bars), Bergamo is a scenic wonderland resting in the foothills of the Alps in the picturesque Lombardy region.

Bergamo is divided into the upper and lower parts of town, so make sure to ride the funicolare (a fancy word for tram) from the gorgeous hilltop Cittá Alta (upper town) to the bustling modern Cittá Bassa (lower town). Bergamo is famous for its medieval charm and a stroll to the small village of San Vigilio will not disappoint.

Bergamo’s Top 10

Bergamo History

• Cittadella – This 14th-century fortress in the upper city is largely unchanged.
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – In 1137, construction began on the existing edifice of a church from the 7th century.
• Rocca – This castle in the upper city was built in 1331.
• Palazzo del Ragione – The seat of local government when the city was a free commune in the 12th century.
• Battistero – This ancient baptistery dates back to the 14th century.

Bergamo Art & Culture

• Cappella Colleoni – A showcase of Renaissance art and architecture containing the tomb of a local historic personage, Bartolomeo Colleoni.
• San Michelel al Pozzo Bianco – This church preserves many of the paintings of Lorenzo Lotto.
• The Caffi Natural Science Museum – The local natural history museum that displays fossils from prehistoric times.
• Bergamo Poesia – An annual poetry reading.
• Accademia Carrara – An art school and gallery, this edifice contains art spanning centuries of Italian history.

Bergamo Shopping

• Vineria Cozzi – The pasta and rice are popular, and you can sample the wines for free in the courtyard.
• Antica Hosteria del Vino Buono – Try authentic local dishes like the cheese-covered casoncelli here.
• Da Vittorio – This inexpensive inn also operates a restaurant downstairs.
• Tresoldi – Take a break from shopping to enjoy warm, freshly homemade bread.
• Orio Center – Near Bergamo’s airport, this is the largest shopping mall in the region.

Gay & Lesbian Bergamo

• The City Sauna – This gay sauna offer massages for guests over the age of 18.
• Cruising Canyon – As the name suggests, this bar is a great cruising spot for gays.
• Bomberos – A gay-oriented discotheque open to locals and tourists alike.
• Divina Fashion Bar – An LGBT bar in Bergamo.
• Mamo’s Bar – A gay bar that caters to lovers of American style and music.

Bergamo’s Events

Late-February brings Bergamo’s Carnival. A million times better than your best friend’s fancy-dress night, this parade will knock your socks off (assuming they’re part of your costume).

Bebop your way over to the Clusone Jazz Festival in mid-June.

Pirouette into the Danza Estate – Contemporary Dance Festival in Upper Bergamo between June and July.

Film buffs, be sure to make it along to the International Art Cinema Festival from mid- to late-July.

Bask in the glow of the festive wonderland that is Bergamo’s Christmas Village from late-November – complete with wooden chalets and an open-air ice-skating rink.

When To Go

If you love the cold, look no further than Bergamo in winter. And don’t forget to check out the many ski resorts just out of town!

Summers in Bergamo can be quite warm, particularly in July, with temperatures reaching an average of 27°C (82°F).

Spring and autumn are the best times to soak up the magical scenery. The milder temperatures are perfect for walking through town.

Getting Around

Bergamo is not large, so easily the best and most scenic way to get around is on foot.

The hills up to the upper town can be quite tiresome, so the funicolare is your best bet to rest your legs.

Bergamo also has an excellent bus system, and the same ticket can be used on both buses and the furnicolare.

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