What to See in Bergamo: must-see attractions and places

Bergamo is a city with multiple facets, suitable for visitors of all ages who can find attractions, places to enjoy excellent cuisine, and shops capable of satisfying every need. Ask the staff at our B&B Hotel for advice on what to see in and around Bergamo; you'll discover the many monuments and museums of this city in Lombardy and the villages of the Bergamo area!

What to see in Bergamo Alta?

Bergamo is divided into two distinct parts: Bergamo Alta (Upper Bergamo) and Bergamo Bassa (Lower Bergamo). The former, built on San Vigilio Hill (where the ruins of the ancient San Vigilio Castle are located), preserves its ancient character and is one of the few Italian cities to have kept its Venetian walls, dating back to the 16th century, intact. A walk on the walls, perhaps at sunset, is always very evocative. With its medieval imprint, the upper city has its fulcrum in Piazza Vecchia, with the Contarini fountain, the Civic Tower (or Campanone), and the Palazzo della Ragione. A walk near the square allows you to visit the Duomo di Sant’Alessandro, admire Lorenzo Lotto's inlays in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (where the opera composer Gaetano Donizetti, a native of this Lombard city, is buried), the Colleoni Chapel, and reach Piazza della Cittadella, where the city's main museums are located: the Civic Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Natural Sciences. The historic center of Bergamo Alta is a true immersion in art, among medieval palaces, towers, and monuments.

What are the best itineraries in Bergamo Bassa?

The lower city, on the other hand, has taken on a more modern appearance. Born from the development of some villages that led from the hills to the plain, over the years it has seen architectural interventions keeping pace with the times. The central district was built in the early 20th century by Marcello Piacentini, who designed the institutional buildings that can still be observed. However, some ancient buildings survive, such as the Donizetti Theater (from 1800), the Church of Saints Bartholomew and Stephen, and the Church of Santo Spirito. There are also parks, equipped for children's entertainment. The funicular that connects the upper and lower cities is in Borgo Canale, rich in panoramic views of the plain where Lake Iseo is located, an excellent destination for a day trip. The lower city is also suitable for those who want to combine travel with shopping, as the center hosts Bergamo's "fashion quadrilateral."

Are you looking for accommodation in the area? Discover our hotels in Bergamo.