Bergamo: An Invitation to Discover a Treasure

Are you looking for a destination that combines history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes? Bergamo and its enchanting surroundings are a treasure waiting to be discovered.
The beating heart is Bergamo Alta, enclosed within its imposing Venetian walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: strolling through its cobbled streets is a unique experience, a real journey back to the Middle Ages. A convenient funicular railway takes you to the upper town in just a few minutes, where you can admire historic squares and unforgettable views.

But Bergamo is much more than that: the surrounding area offers a range of opportunities, from picturesque lakes, such as Lake Iseo with its peaceful Monte Isola, to green valleys, ideal for hiking and relaxing in nature. Not to mention the excellent gastronomic tradition, a real treat for the palate.

Bergamo is the perfect destination for a weekend that combines artistic beauty and tranquility.

✨ Bergamo's Must-See Places

Piazza Vecchia with the Palazzo della Ragione is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. It is the political and social heart of the city, framed by the Palazzo della Ragione, the Palazzo Nuovo (now a library), and the Fontana del Contarini.

Torre Civica (Campanone) Don't just look at it! Climb to the top (there's also an elevator!) to enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of the city and hills. If you're there at 10 p.m., you'll hear its famous 100 chimes that once signaled the closing of the gates.

Leaving Piazza Vecchia, go through the arch to enter the religious complex. Piazza del Duomo Here you will find three wonders:
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: A Romanesque masterpiece with sumptuous interiors, including the inlaid wooden panels of the choir.
The Colleoni Chapel: An absolute jewel of the Italian Renaissance, with its polychrome marble façade, where the remains of the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni rest.
Bergamo Cathedral (Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro).

The Venetian Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are about 6 km long and are the “calling card” of the Upper Town. Don't miss a walk along their perimeter to admire the view of the Lower Town and its surroundings, especially at sunset!

Take the San Vigilio funicular from Colle Aperto and climb up to Colle di San Vigilio and the remains of its castle. It is the highest vantage point in the city, offering the most complete and breathtaking view of Upper Bergamo.

🏛️ In Upper Bergamo

The Venetian Walls (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Walking along the 6 km of walls is completely free. It offers spectacular views of the Lower Town and the plain, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can walk the entire length of Viale delle Mura.
Piazza Vecchia and Piazza Duomo: Admiring the Renaissance and medieval architecture of these squares is free. You can study the exterior of the Palazzo della Ragione, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (admission to services is free, but there is usually a charge for artistic visits) and the Colleoni Chapel (admission is often free).
The Antico Lavatoio: A small, hidden corner in Piazzetta L. Angelini, charming and well-preserved, which takes you back in time.
The Rocca di Bergamo Alta: Although it houses the Historical Museum (for a fee), the outdoor gardens and panoramic walkway offer a wonderful view of the city and the Seriana Valley. Access to the green area is free.

⛰️ Mountains and Valleys

The Bergamo valleys, in particular the Brembana Valley and the Seriana Valley, are a trekking paradise and are free by definition!
Trekking on Monte Zucco (Val Brembana): If you love walking, you can climb Monte Zucco (1,200 m above sea level), a popular hike that starts from San Pellegrino Terme and offers a beautiful view of the Orobie Alps.
I Piani dell'Avaro: An easy and scenic plateau above Cusio (Val Brembana). Perfect for relaxing walks on almost flat trails in an alpine setting.
Brembana Valley Cycle Path: Perfect for a walk or bike ride (if you have one with you!). It winds along the route of the former railway line, offering an easy route surrounded by greenery.

⛲ San Pellegrino Terme

In San Pellegrino, although you cannot access the modern QC Terme free of charge, you can take a real “dip” into the Belle Époque:
Liberty Promenade: Admire the magnificent Liberty-style buildings that have made the town famous: the majestic Grand Hotel and the luxurious Municipal Casino. The casino lobby is often accessible and can be visited free of charge, with its red marble columns and central staircase.
Ponte Vecchio: Also known as Ponte di San Nicola, this historic bridge adds a touch of charm to the riverfront.
The Big Bench: Near the hamlet of Santa Croce in San Pellegrino, you will find the giant bench (Big Bench #128). Access is free and offers an exceptional view of the entire Brembana Valley.

Bergamo cuisine is rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in rural and mountain traditions. Get ready for a truly comforting and delicious experience!

🍝 First Courses (The “Must-Haves”)
Casoncelli alla Bergamasca (or Casonsèi): This is the region's signature dish. It is a type of stuffed pasta (similar to ravioli) whose distinctive feature is its filling, which combines savory and sweet flavors: meat, Grana Padano cheese, raisins, amaretti cookies, and spices. It is traditionally served with a rich sauce made with melted butter, sage, and crispy pancetta.
Scarpinòcc di Parre: A variation of casoncelli, typical of the Upper Seriana Valley. They have a ‘leaner’ filling, made with cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, simply seasoned with melted butter and sage.

🧀 Unique and Hearty Dishes
Polenta Taragna: A classic that cannot be missed. Unlike classic polenta (made with corn only), Taragna is prepared with a mixture of corn flour and buckwheat flour, which gives it its characteristic dark color. It is enriched during cooking with plenty of local cheese (such as Branzi or Formai de Mut) and butter, resulting in a thick, creamy, and rich dish.
Oselì Scapàcc (Uccellini Scappati): Don't be fooled by the name, they're not birds! They are veal rolls (or pork slices) rolled around a slice of pancetta or salami. They are cooked in a pan, often with butter and wine, and traditionally served with polenta.

🥛 Cheeses and Cured Meats
The province of Bergamo boasts numerous PDO cheeses. Ask for a cheese board to taste them all!
Taleggio PDO: A soft cheese with a washed rind, creamy and with a distinctive flavor.
Branzi and Formai de Mut: Semi-hard, flavorful cheeses, often used in Polenta Taragna.
Strachitunt: Blue cheese (similar to Gorgonzola, but less creamy) produced in Val Taleggio.
Salame della Bergamasca: A classic local salami.

🍰 Desserts
Polenta e Osei (Dessert): The sweet version of the dish of the same name is a spectacular cake. It is a sponge cake covered with yellow marzipan that simulates polenta, filled with custard or butter and jam, and decorated with chocolate or marzipan “birds.”
Torta Donizetti: A very soft doughnut-shaped dessert dedicated to the famous Bergamo composer Gaetano Donizetti. It is light, with the addition of candied pineapple and apricot and a little Maraschino or rum.
Stracciatella ice cream: Although not a historical dessert, this famous flavor was invented in a gelateria in Bergamo Alta, “La Marianna,” in 1961. A taste is a must!

Social Climate and Physical Safety
The presence of an active Bergamo Pride (since 2018) and associations such as Arcigay Bergamo Cives indicates that there is an organized, visible LGBTQ+ community capable of self-representation. This helps to create spaces for inclusion and mutual support, increasing the sense of safety within the community.
Bergamo is part of the Re.A.Dy network (Italian Network of Public Administrations Against Discrimination), which indicates the city's official commitment to inclusion and combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Safe Space Network”: Bergamo Pride has promoted a network of “Safe Spaces” that includes venues, shops, and associations that openly declare their welcome and support for the community, creating safe havens in the city.

As in all cities, there have been incidents of homophobic and transphobic aggression in Bergamo. These events, while deplorable, reinforce the need for continued activism (as highlighted in Pride's policy documents) and underscore that discrimination is still present, even though the movement is active in denouncing it.

In conclusion:
Bergamo is a city that, thanks to activism, has taken important steps towards inclusion, creating safe spaces and demonstrating an institutional commitment to fighting discrimination. The presence of a strong LGBTQ+ movement is a positive indicator of support and solidarity.