Best Things To Do In Bergamo, Italy: A Tale Of Two Cities

1. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

A majestic structure located in Piazza Duomo, Basicila di Santa Maria Maggiore is one place you don’t want to skip on your trip to Bergamo. As the most beloved church in the city, any local will be happy to help you find your way here. Red and white marble lions guard the side entrances and direct you in.

Inside, you can admire the breathtaking Tapestries of Santa Maria Maggiore and the striking marble sculpture of the funeral monument to Gaetano Donizetti. Take your time exploring, as there’s plenty of beauty to see inside. A visit to the city definitely won’t be complete unless you’ve crossed the basilica off your itinerary!

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Address: Piazza Duomo, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy

Website: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

2. The Bergamo Cathedral

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The Bergamo Cathedral has a Latin cross ground plan and is a Roman Catholic Cathedral that is dedicated to Saint Alexander of Bergamo, who is the patron saint of the city. It houses numerous artifacts such as goblets, crosses, and the Tiara of Papa Giovanni XXIII. This object is one of the most treasured items and it is made out of gold, pearls, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds on a silver mesh.

Bergamo Cathedral

Address: Piazza Duomo, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy

Website: Bergamo Cathedral

3. The Cappella Colleoni

It has been noted that the Cappella Colleoni is one of the most impressive buildings in Bergamo. Its facade is made out of red and white marble, its interior holds some incredible works of art, and throughout the property is wood carved benches. The style of the Cappella Colleoni Church is an octagonal dome, lantern cusp, and polychrome marbles.

Cappella Colleoni

Address: Piazza Duomo, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy

4. The core of the Citta Alta

Piazza Vecchia represents the core of Città Alta. It is one of the most popular places for citizens to meet up with friends. With its unexpected geometric opening, it has alleyways and narrow streets leading to it, and it’s a wonderful spot to sit and admire the beauty of Città Alta.

Piazza Vecchia

Address: Piazza Vecchia, 24129 Bergamo, Italy

Website: Piazza Vecchia

5. The spirit of Bergamo

Borgo Santa Caterina has been described as the spirit of Bergamo with its bright windows, shops and its historical buildings. It is a very lively area, especially in the summertime when they have festivals and events happening. It is a perfect harmony of the past, present, and innovation as you look around and enjoy a traditional Bergamo dinner or a coffee at a cafe in the afternoon.

Borgo Santa Caterina

Address: Borgo Santa Caterina, 24124 Bergamo, Italy

Website: Borgo Santa Caterina

6. Eastern end of the Citta Bassa

The Church of Saints Bartolomeo and Stefano, is located at the end of the eastern end of the Sentierone promenade. The church provides the backdrop to Citta Basta. The church from the outside has different construction periods. The façade is done in a baroque style, the portico on the left was renovated in 1942, and the side overlooking the Tasso was made during the 19th-century. Inside there are some beautiful 18th-century frescoes, and it is difficult not to be drawn straight to the magnificent altarpiece; Madonna with Child and Saints painted in 1513.

Church of S. Bartolomeo

Address: Via Torquato Tasso (In town, distinguishable by context) - Sentierone, Bergamo, Italy

Website: Church of S. Bartolomeo

7. Right in the middle

Borgo Pignolo is placed in between Bergamo Alta and Bassa. The beauty of Borgo Pignolo is that it allows the mix of ancient art with contemporary art, with the succession of art galleries and shops. Borgo Pignolo from Bergamo has been nicknamed the “Village of Knowledge”; The Alta has the headquarters of the Department of Humanities of the University of Bergamo. The bassa has an incredibly picturesque sequence of Renaissance palaces, craft workshops, and historic houses, one being the most prestigious venues in the city, the beautiful Palazzo Agliardi.

Borgo Pignolo

Address: 24121 Bergamo, Province of Bergamo, Italy

8. The historical lower section of Citta Bassa

The medieval street of Bergamo links the Citta Bassa at the beginning of the Citta Alta. You will then come to a clearing that stands the church of St. Alexander of the Cross. It was named “the Cross” because it was built at the intersection of four medieval villages. It has some of the most significant pieces of art in Bergamo, which are the two works by Gian Battista Moroni; “Coronation of the Virgin” and the “Crucifixion with Saints Sebastian, Giovan Battista.” Inside the first of three chapels, there is the empty urn of the tomb of St. Alexander. His remains are now kept in the Cathedral of Bergamo. In the second chapel is the altar completely composed of precious marble, carved and polychrome. It was painted by Andrea Fantoni in 1729, and it’s considered to be unique for its expression of great craftsmanship.

St. Alexander of the Cross

Address: Via Masone, 23, Bergamo, 24121, Italy

Double identity

Bergamo’s defining feature is its double identity. The ancient, medieval feel of Upper Town, Città Alta, a tangle of tiny streets, up on a hilltop that is surrounded by Venetian walls, largely towers over the modern Lower Town, Città Bassa, which has more of a modern, bright feel with restaurants, shops and bars. Both areas of Bergamo will give your vacation a twist on two cities.