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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Bergamo.
Nestled in the heart of Lombardy, Bergamo beckons with its medieval charm, artistic delights and culinary gems – a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Bergamo:
1. The Upper Town (Città Alta)
The Upper Town (Città Alta) is the historic center of Bergamo, Italy, located on a hill overlooking the modern city.
What to see or do: The Upper Town is rich with history, culture, and stunning architecture.
Visitors can explore the Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the Upper Town, which features the Palazzo della Ragione, a 12th-century palace.
The Duomo, or cathedral, is also a must-see, as well as the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most impressive churches in the city.
The Campanone, a bell tower with stunning views of the city, is also a popular attraction.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the chance to try some of Bergamo’s traditional cuisine, such as the polenta e osei, a dish made with maize flour and a variety of roasted birds.
Additionally, the city’s famous gelato is a must-try.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, visit the Upper Town early in the morning or late in the evening. Additionally, travelers should be prepared for uphill walking and wear comfortable shoes.
Finally, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
2. Piazza Vecchia
A picturesque square in the heart of Bergamo’s Upper Town, featuring stunning Renaissance architecture and historic landmarks.
What to see or do: Marvel at the ornate façade of the Palazzo della Ragione, visit the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and climb the Torre Civica for spectacular views of the city and surrounding hills.
Take a leisurely stroll through the square and enjoy a gelato or a coffee while soaking up the charming atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The stunning Fontana del Contarini, an elaborately decorated fountain located in the center of the square. The adjacent Palazzo Nuovo also features a beautiful courtyard and art gallery.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the late afternoon or early evening for a romantic and peaceful experience. Avoid weekends and peak tourist season to avoid crowds.
Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the cobbled streets of Bergamo’s Upper Town can be steep and challenging.
3. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a beautiful church located in the heart of Bergamo’s old town.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture of the church, including the impressive façade. Step inside to see the intricate frescoes and artwork adorning the walls and ceilings.
Marvel at the ornate decorations of the altar and chapels.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the famous painting, “Madonna and Child with Saints,” by Lorenzo Lotto, located in the sacristy behind the high altar.
Insider travel tips: Visit the church early in the morning to avoid crowds. If possible, attend a Mass or a religious service to fully appreciate the spiritual significance of this holy place.
Dress conservatively and respectfully when visiting.
If you climb up to Bergamo’s old fortress, make sure to stop by the basilica on your way down to enjoy the breathtaking view of the church from above.
4. Rocca di Bergamo
A medieval fortress located in the city of Bergamo, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle grounds and museum, which features historical artifacts and art exhibits. The fortress also offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Don’t miss: The Torre del Gombito, an ancient tower located within the fortress walls. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps and steep climbs to reach the tower. Avoid visiting during peak tourist season to avoid crowds and long lines.
5. Bergamo Cathedral (Duomo di Bergamo)
A stunning Roman Catholic cathedral located in the heart of Bergamo’s historic city center.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive Renaissance architecture and beautiful artwork inside the cathedral, including the famous painting by Lorenzo Lotto called “The Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
” Visitors can also climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the city.
Don’t miss: The 15th-century Cappella Colleoni, a small chapel adjacent to the cathedral that boasts exquisite frescoes and ornate decoration.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting the cathedral early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. Also, dress modestly as it is a religious site.
Visitors should be aware that the cathedral has limited hours on Sundays and during religious holidays.
6. Colleoni Chapel
A stunning Renaissance chapel located in the Città Alta (upper town) of Bergamo, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate façade of the chapel, which is adorned with red, white, and black marbles and features numerous statues and reliefs.
Step inside to see the chapel’s richly decorated interior, which includes frescoes by artists such as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and ceiling paintings by Andrea Previtali.
Don’t miss: The tomb of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a Venetian mercenary who was a patron of the arts and a powerful figure in Bergamo during the 15th century.
The tomb is located in the center of the chapel and features a stunning equestrian statue of Colleoni.
Insider travel tips: The chapel can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, make sure to dress appropriately as the chapel is a religious site, so shoulders and knees should be covered.
Finally, be prepared to climb a lot of stairs to reach the Città Alta, as there are no elevators or escalators available.
7. Accademia Carrara
Accademia Carrara is an art museum in Bergamo, Italy, that houses a collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at masterpieces by Botticelli, Bellini, and Raphael. The museum also features works by famous Italian painters, such as Tintoretto, Tiepolo, and Canaletto.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the stunning portrait of Isabella d’Este by Titian and the Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints by Lorenzo Lotto.
Insider travel tips: – Entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month.
8. Campanone Tower (Torre Civica)
Campanone Tower, also known as Torre Civica, is a historic tower located in the Citta Alta (Upper Town) of Bergamo, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Bergamo and the surrounding landscape. The tower also houses a museum on the history of Bergamo.
Don’t miss: The bell inside the tower, which weighs over 10,000 pounds and chimes twice a day.
Insider travel tips: – Try to time your visit with the ringing of the bell to get the full experience.
9. Palazzo della Ragione
Palazzo della Ragione is a historic building situated in the heart of Bergamo’s medieval district, also known as Città Alta.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the grand halls and admire the impressive architecture of this landmark building, which dates back to the 12th century.
The central hall is particularly notable, with its soaring vaulted ceiling and impressive frescoes depicting the signs of the Zodiac.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Palace’s courtyard, which features an awe-inspiring sundial, and take a walk around the building to admire its exterior, which boasts intricate detailing and grand archways.
Insider travel tips: To experience the Palazzo with significantly fewer crowds, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours.
Additionally, visit the Palazzo with a local guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of this landmark building.
10. San Michele al Pozzo Bianco
San Michele al Pozzo Bianco is an ancient church in the lower part of Bergamo.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the unique architecture of the church and admire its beautiful frescoes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning high altar and the intricate carvings and sculptures.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the evening when the church is beautifully illuminated, making for a truly magical experience. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as walking up to the church can be a bit of a climb.
11. Teatro Donizetti
Teatro Donizetti is an opera house located in the heart of Bergamo, Italy. Built in 1780, it has been beautifully maintained over the years and remains one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
What to see or do: Visitors can attend performances of opera, ballet, and classical music throughout the year. The theater’s calendar includes both renowned international productions and local performances.
Don’t miss: Be sure not to miss the opportunity to see a performance in this exceptional setting. The luxurious interior, with its red velvet seats and gilded balconies, is a feast for the eyes.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, book your tickets in advance and choose seats in the central section towards the front. If you’re on a budget, you can often find last-minute discounts on tickets for certain performances.
Don’t forget to dress up for the occasion – Teatro Donizetti is a formal venue and guests are expected to dress appropriately.
12. Parco dei Colli
Parco dei Colli is a vast park located in the hills of Bergamo, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park’s lush greenery while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
The park is also home to numerous walking trails, picnic areas, and lookout points for nature lovers.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the adjacent Caffe del Parco restaurant, which offers an excellent selection of local food and wine as well as breathtaking views of the city and the mountains.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience in Parco dei Colli, visit the park during the early morning or late afternoon hours when the temperature is cooler and the crowds are thinner.
Additionally, bring comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen as the park can be quite hilly and exposed to the sun.
13. Sentiero dei Castelli
Sentiero dei Castelli is a hiking trail that connects the castles above the town of Bergamo in northern Italy.
What to see or do: The trail provides stunning views of the medieval castles, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys. Hikers can explore the ruins of six castles, including the Castello di San Vigilio and the Castello di Rocca Calascio.
The trail also passes by historic churches and elegant villas.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stop at the panoramic lookout points for incredible views of the surrounding area. Don’t miss the Castello di San Vigilio, perched on a hill overlooking the city of Bergamo.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trail can be steep in some places. Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no shops or cafes along the route.
Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. And don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery along the way.
14. Botanic Garden Lorenzo Rota
Botanic Garden Lorenzo Rota is an urban oasis in the heart of Bergamo, Italy.
What to see or do: The garden boasts an impressive collection of more than 1,200 plant species, including Mediterranean and Alpine flora. Visitors can explore the garden’s various sections, including the medicinal plant garden, the rock garden, and the butterfly garden.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the garden’s cherry blossom trees in full bloom in the spring.
Insider travel tips: The garden is free to enter and is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
It’s also conveniently located near Bergamo’s old town, so consider combining a visit to the garden with a stroll through the historic streets.
15. Museo del Novecento in Villa delle Rose
Museo del Novecento is an art museum located in the stunning Villa delle Rose, a historic building in Bergamo.
What to see or do: The museum offers a vast collection of Italian art from the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Some of the famous artists featured in the collection are Umberto Boccioni, Giorgio Morandi, and Filippo De Pisis.
Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibits, workshops, and educational activities.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive works on display is a large mural by Giacomo Balla, a pioneering artist of Futurism.
It’s a colorful and dynamic representation of a train station in Turin, and has a mesmerizing effect when seen up close.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays, and it’s recommended to check the schedule for temporary exhibits before visiting.
Additionally, the audio guide can be rented for a fee, but it’s worth it for a deeper understanding of the works on display.
Finally, remember to take some time to explore the beautiful gardens and surroundings of the Villa.