Not the first time coming to Milan and need to do something different? Bergamo is the perfect solution
Have you already seen a lot of Milan and want to spend a different day getting to know a new place? Bergamo is the destination we recommend. Only an hour away from Milan, you can lose yourself in the streets of this beautiful city steeped in history. To avoid arriving there unprepared, here is a short list of what you can do.
PIAZZA VECCHIA
Once you arrive in Bergamo, the first thing to do is to take the funicular railway to get to the
highest and oldest part of the city. Once there, the most important stop is the Piazza Vecchia, built on the ancient Roman forum, around which important monuments such as the Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre Civica have been erected. In the centre of the square you can admire the Contarini fountain, built in 1780, and to the side is the Angelo Mai Library
PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE
Piazza Vecchia, 8°
The palace, built in the 12th century, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times during its long life, even changing its use, becoming a theatre, a library and a museum. But where does it get its name? Although it started out as a municipal palace, its current name comes from the period of Venetian rule when it was used as a court. In the loggia at the base of the palace you can see the Gnomone, a sundial that still accurately marks the local noon and date.
TORRE CIVICA OR CAPANNONE
Piazza Vecchia, 8A
Also in Piazza Vecchia, we can admire the Torre Civica or Campanone, which at 52.76 metres high offers a panoramic view of the old town and is an essential stop on a visit to the city. The top, which can be reached by lift or on foot (230 steps), houses the largest bell in Lombardy. Even today, at 10 p.m. every day, you can hear the hundred chimes that indicated the closing of the city gates during the Venetian rule. The ticket to climb to the top also includes a visit to the Palazzo del Podestà and the full price is €5, but there are various reductions (you can find more information here).
CAPPELLA COLLEONI
Piazza Duomo
The chapel is undoubtedly the most majestic building in Bergamo. Dating from the Renaissance period, it houses important works of art, including the equestrian statue of the commander Bartolomeo Colleoni. The chapel is open every day except Monday and admission is free, so a visit is a must. There is also a small curiosity: it is said that touching the symbol on the gate at midnight brings good luck, so why not try it?
ACCADEMIA CARRARA
Piazza Giacomo Carrara, 82
Founded in 1796 by Count Giacomo Carrara, the Accademia Carrara is today an important
museum. It is divided on two floors and the visit begins with works from the 15th century, among which we can find paintings by Botticelli, and then continues until we arrive at 19th century works, including those by Hayez. Booking is mandatory, for more information about the museum see the website.
PASTICCERIA "LA MARIANNA"
Largo Colle Aperto, 4
After strolling around the city and seeing the most important monuments, a snack break is a must. In this case there is only one possible destination: the pastry shop "La Marianna". In this historic pastry shop, we recommend the stracciatella ice cream, because it was here that this flavour was invented in 1961.
We have presented just a small glimpse of the town. In addition to the historical and cultural aspect, the city also has many shops, bars and restaurants where you can taste one of the city's main dishes: casoncelli. The city is also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Hoping that this little guide has been useful, please let us know what not to miss and come back and visit us again.
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