Tucked away in the heart of Lombardy, Bergamo is a little-known treasure that many visitors to Milan overlook. Bergamo, however, is a proudly independent bit of Italian charm that should not be missed, offering so much, including its distinctive flavours, Renaissance architecture, and breathtaking views from the top of the city.
The flight from Ireland West Airport takes just over 2 hours with Ryanair, and on arrival at Bergamo Airport, there are three ways to reach Bergamo town centre. You can take a taxi or a private transfer, or catch the ATB Airport Bus to the centre of Bergamo for €3, taking just over 20 minutes. We stayed in the Winter Garden Hotel (www.wintergarden-hotel.com), which is just a 5-minute drive from the airport, and the hotel provides a regular shuttle bus to and from the airport. It’s a lovely hotel, within walking distance of the Orio Shopping Centre, one of Italy’s largest.
It has over 280 shops and 14 multiplex cinemas, making it a great place to spend 3 or 4 hours if you have some time to spare. It has all the big brands such as Apple, Lego, Calvin Klein, Hollister, Guess, and so much more. You can spend the entire day window shopping or walking through the numerous food outlets with plenty of ice-cream parlours, delicatessens, cafes and small stands serving freshly made pizzas!
So onto Bergamo Old Town, the older district, called the Città Alta, sits on top of a hill encircled by Venetian walls (named a UNESCO World Heritage site!) and can be reached by funicular from the newer district below, called the Città Bassa. One of the must-do activities is riding the funicular from Città Bassa to Città Alta. This charming old cable car has been connecting the lower part of the city to the historic upper town since 1887, providing not only a convenient way to climb the steep hill but also breathtaking panoramic views along the way. It costs just €3 for a return trip. Once at the top, the main attractions are in the central area, Piazza Vecchia. This is also where you can find the Torre Civica. For €5, you can climb the tower and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Bergamo.
Up in the Città Alta, you’ll stroll through narrow medieval streets surrounded by ancient Venetian walls. It’s ideal for history buffs or anyone looking for a peaceful spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Once you reach the summit, make sure to take a stroll along the Venetian Walls, which encircle the Città Alta and span more than 6 kilometres of stone. Built during the 16th century, when the Venetian Republic ruled Bergamo, these walls were intended to keep invaders out and demonstrate a little bit of Venetian might.
After enjoying the views from the walls, I’d recommend returning to Piazza Duomo to see the city’s churches. The Cappella Colleoni is a personal highlight; it is so magnificent that it could easily be mistaken for Bergamo’s main cathedral. This eye-catching chapel, with its striking red-and-white marble facade, steals the show by showcasing some of Italy’s finest Renaissance art and architecture. Just a stone’s throw away is another stunning piece of Italian architecture, the Duomo di Bergamo (Bergamo Cathedral), which is a little more understated but equally impressive. It’s a wonderful part of Old Town Bergamo, steeped in history.
Whilst in the square area, it is impossible to overlook the Campanone, a large medieval bell tower that has been watching over Bergamo since the 12th century. The largest bell in Lombardy is located inside. When the city gates were about to close, it used to chime 100 times at 10 p.m. They are still carrying out this custom today, so fast forward to that point. The bell starts ringing out 100 times at precisely 10 p.m. every night.
There are also some beautiful cafes and restaurants located in Città Alta, all very reasonably priced (starter, main course and a glass of wine for just €30). You can enjoy excellent, authentic Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza, a cappuccino and a fresh croissant, and people-watch in the beautiful, cobbled central square. An important point to note is that you can’t leave Bergamo without having some stracciatella gelato, especially when you’re in the city where this delightful treat was born! There’s no better place to experience it than La Marianna, the very spot where stracciatella ice cream was invented back in 1961 – you’ll do well to find a nicer ice cream anywhere in the world!!!!!!
Bergamo offers a unique blend of two worlds: Città Alta, with its medieval architecture and panoramic views, and the vibrant heart of Città Bassa, with its bustling cafés and modern vibe. Bergamo, and in particular Città Alta, is a must-see for a short break, and with flights twice weekly from Ireland West Airport with Ryanair, it combines beautiful weather, stunning architecture and delicious food – all very reasonably priced. Book your flights now on Ryanair.com or chat to your local travel agent for an all-inclusive package