Bergamo Tourist Attractions Top 10

The town of Bergamo in Northern Italy is one of the countries surprising little gems. Bergamo consists of a cultural sophistication mixed with a medieval charm which has made it a popular destination for tourists. The town itself has been a split level town since Roman times, today’s medieval upper town is known as (a civitas) and the modernized lower town is known as (a suburbia).

To get to the upper town from the train station in Bergamo, simply take bus number 1 or 1A and transfer for free to the funicolare Bergamo Alta. Few visitors actually make it to the lower towns open and spacious streets but it is well worth a visit. The main street in the lower town is named Sentierone (big path) and is where many of Bergamo’s locals head in the evening to shop and meet at one of the many cafes.

In the following sections we will take you through Bergamo’s top ten tourist attractions to ensure you make the most of your trip and visit to Bergamo, Italy.

1. Piazza Vechia

Piazza Vechhia in Bergamo is infact one of Northen Italy’s most theatrical squares which is surrounded by medieval stone buildings that house several historic cafes, Renaissance palaces and a spectacular 12th century tower.

2. Piazza del Duomo

This piazza or square in Bergamo is dominated by the incredible Bergamasco architecture that can be found at the entrance to Santa Maria Maggiore, the 1340 baptistery and the facade of the outstanding Capella Colleoni.

3. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica in Bergamo really is one tourist destination that should not be missed. The ceiling inside has every inch covered in magnificent frescoes and the Basilica also houses the tomb of the great composer Gaetano Donizetti. The beautiful early 16th century inlaid wood panels fronting the choir are by Lorenzo Lotto. The basilica is open 9am - noon (until 1pm on Sunday), and 3-6pm daily, entry is free.

4. Capella Colleoni

This wonderful Renaissance chapel is the anchor of the twinned Piazzas Vecchia and Del Duomo which is devoted to to the warrior lord Bartolomeo Colleoni. The chapel features reliefs and Rococo frescoes with a pink and white patterned marble facade.

5. Via Colleoni

Bergamo’s Via colleoni is the upper towns main street that is filled with shops and wine bars, charming little squares, modest medieval churches and palaces and half timbered houses. Via Colleoni is closed to the majority of traffic which makes it a pleasant street to visit and explore and where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy themselves every evening.

6. Museo Donizettiano

The museo Donizettiano in Bergamo is home to the original sheet music and memorabilia of early 19th century composer Gaetano Donizetti. The renowned composer died of syphilis in the very bed shown on display in 1848. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am - 1pm, 2 - 5.30pm. October to March the museum is closed during weekday afternoons.

7. Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

Bergamo’s gallery of modern and contemporary art features exhibitions alongside a permanent collection of works by some of Italy’s key 20th century painters including the likes of Giovanni Fattori, De Chirico, Morandi and Boccioni. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 1pm, 3 - 7pm

8. Castello

This castle located in the hamlet of San Vigilio on Bergamo’s hill was built by the venetian lords of Bergamo in the 16th and 17th centuries. Unfortunately the castle has been reduced to the romantically decrepit ruins that visitors to Bergamo can see today. The castle or Castello does however feature a public garden which boasts some truly magnificent views. The castle is open to the public 9.00am until dusk and entry is free.

9. Teatro Donizetti

The facade on this theatre dates from 1897 although the Teatro Donizetti was infact built in 1792. The building features a wonderful Neo-Classical interior which have been very well preserved. This theatre in Bergamo still consists of an annual opera season plus ballet and drama.

10. Galleria dell Accademia Carrara

This exquisite gallery in Bergamo is well known for the magnificent works it houses by early 16th century master Lorenzo Lotto. The gallery is also home to Paintings by Botticelli, Raphael, Bellini and Mantegna.