"There is more time than life. Don't be in a hurry, live it moment by moment. You know she ends, but time remains." - Gabriella Zaffanella, Italian writer
Bergamo in half a day - Let's say you have booked your return flight for late afternoon. Let's say you've already seen the famous Milan and explored other beautiful cities such as Mantua or Cremona. I mean, let's say you have those five or six hours to fill, half-day holiday before returning home. Why wait at Orio al Serio airport when there is still so much to see? You can't leave without first seeing the beautiful city of Bergamo.
Of course, you may be asking yourself, "But how can you visit Bergamo in half a day?" The answer is simpler than expected, because we take care of the itinerary!
Let's proceed in order: we divide the last day of the holiday into 3 mini-tours and we pretend we have to go back to theairport by 4.30 p.m. So you won't risk missing your flight and you'll take home a few extra memories to share with family and friends. Are you ready? Then let's get started!
What to see in Bergamo in half a day
8.30-10.00 a.m. tour Piazza Vecchia, Campanone and Church of S. Maria Maggiore
We begin our lightning tour from the oldest part of Bergamo, the beautiful Upper Town. Taking the funicular passing within the mighty walls of Venetian origin, you will go back in time and admire some impressive buildings dating back to the medieval period. For example, the Bellthe very high Civic Tower whose bells toll at 10 p.m. sharp to commemorate the ancient closing of the city gates.
Old Square is also the beating heart of the Upper Town, where theat Contarin Fountaini, built in 1780, and the majestic Palace of Reason. Of equal value and beauty is the Church of St. Mary Major: inside the basilica are several works by the Lotthe grave of the famous musician Gaetano Donizetti and the Baroque-style confessional carved by Andrea Fantoni.
10 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Colleoni Chapel, Corsarola Street and Open Hill Tour
We continue our journey 'Bergamo in half a day' heading towards the Colleoni Chapelthe mausoleum dedicated to Bartolomeo Colleoni, a famous 15th century Italian condottiere. Legend has it that anyone who touches the family crest, which depicts three beautiful testicles, is kissed by good fortune.
Continuing the journey towards via Corsarola one can admire glittering shop windows displaying elegant clothes, handcrafted products and delicacies from Bergamo. A perfect route for those wishing to visit haute couture boutiques and historic delicatessen shops. Once in Apert Hillo, it is worth making a stop in the Bergomense Botanical Gardenspecialising in Alpine and Mediterranean flora.
Don't forget to have an ice cream at the old ice cream parlour and patisserie The Mariannebirthplace of the famous flavour "stracciatella". A place full of charm and wonder where we can have a quick snack before resuming our adventure.
12.30- 15.00 tour Venetian Walls, Carrara Academy, Gamec and Sentierone
The last stage of our itinerary invites us to descend along theand majestic Venetian Wallswith four imposing entrance gates, 14 defensive bastions and 6 kilometres of perimeter. From here you will arrive in the area where art takes centre stage.
Moving on from St. Augustine's gateyou arrive right in front of theCarrara Academya vast picture gallery and home to the Academy of Fine Arts. A little further on is also the Gamec, the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art that periodically hosts unique exhibitions and events.
We dedicate the last moments of the tour to a nice walk on the Sentierone and the discovery of via XX Settembre. Here is a tour of the characteristic places of Lower Townthe most modern area of Bergamo.
It is already late afternoon and you have to hurry to the airport! From the centre, just take shuttles connecting Bergamo directly with Orio al Serio. Half a day has now passed, but no one can erase the splendid memory of this city. A good excuse to return to Bergamo and take another tour!
