"You have the impression that as you pass by, the hand on your watch stops. It is the old time that has set its spell there and for centuries and centuries it has stood still." - Aldo Nove, Italian poet
10 fantastic views of the Upper Town – Rich in history and centuries-old traditions, the medieval part of Bergamo, known by everyone as Città Alta, is one of the most important tourist destinations of the Lombardy region. Not everyone knows, however, that alongside the famous constructions that like Old Squarethe Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapelmany are the hidden corners full of enchantment, mystery and magic.
For this reason, we decided to write a list of the 10 most beautiful places in the Upper Town. A series of streets, views and stairways from which to take beautiful photographs and discover lesser-known routes. Some suggestions for admiring the combination of history and nature and preserving unforgettable shots.
Here, then, are the 10 most picturesque views of Bergamo:
Via San Matteo alla Benaglia, Bergamo
Our photographic itinerary begins in the Polaresco area, where we find the Portone della "St. Matthew's Stongardaa fortified gate built in 1256 to protect the western side of Borgo Canale.
Beyond the gate, walk towards Via Strada Vecchia and the crossroads, where a picturesque little chapel stands out. Then, continue to the right towards Via San Matteo della Battaglia. Here, around 1848, the Counts Benaglio, a historical family from Bergamo, renovated one of the old medieval palaces. They therefore decided to transform it into a villa, at the side of which stands the charming little church of San Matteo.
Staircase in Via del Paradiso, Bergamo
We continue our journey by visiting the setlist of Via del Paradisowhich owes its interesting name to the former headquarters of the Religious and Missionary Community of Paradise, now unfortunately lost.
This staircase boasts well 250 steps that climb the various slopes and separate the Borgo di Santa Lucia from the terraces of Via Tre Armi. Halfway along the route we find a flat clearing, which becomes a wonderful panoramic terrace from which to photograph vegetable gardens, villas and terraces.
Via della Noca, Bergamo
Located between the famous Accademia Carrara art gallery and the Porta Sant'Agostino, the way of the Noca takes its name from its geographical position. It means in fact spur of a hill and indicates that artificial rise of land built at the time of the construction of the city walls.
This regular climb, on either side of which are rows of trees and stone walls, leads to the oldest part of Bergamo. Once past Porta Sant'Agostino, the so-called 'Fara'community meeting place and a magnificent vantage point from which to admire the monastic complex of the Upper Town.
Scaletta delle more, Bergamo
This route begins in front of the main entrance to the Italcementi swimming pools and in about fifteen minutes leads to the Borgo Canale area. Vegetable gardens, gardens and rural settings dot the staircase, consisting of 245 steps and jokingly nicknamed 'Ladder of Love'.
In Via Borgo Canale, the enchanting landscape gives way to the fascination of history. Here you can visit the birthplace of the great composer Gaetano Donizettithe church of Santa Grata 'Inter Vites' and the site of the former Organ Factory in the former Casa Vela.
Scaletta di Fontanabrolo, Bergamo
We start our walk from Via dello Statuto, right in front of the Italcementi sports complex, and go as far as Via degli Vegetable gardens in Borgo Canale. It takes about twenty minutes to climb this impressive staircase, which climbs a height difference of about 109 metres.
The Fontanabrolo line-up, which initially looks like a simple asphalt road, offers various naturalistic views and is an excellent starting point for arriving at the gates of Città Alta.
Via Sudorno, Bergamo
It is about 1.6 km long and can be walked in less than half an hour, via Sudorno winds through the slopes that slope down from the San Vigilio hill to the Astino Valley. A pleasant and relaxing walk to the panoramic terrace of San Vigilio.
In addition, this location is home to the Temple of the Fallen (1915-1916) which houses a splendid painting of Jesus between Mary and St Anne. There are also several places to stop and take a picturesque photograph of the Upper Town skyline.
Astino Monastery, Bergamo
After walking up via Sudorno, until you reach the complex of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus ('Mother Clelia' House), which today also houses a kindergarten, you can descend to the left, following the cobbled road leading to the Astino Monastery.
This monastery is indeed a precious architectural jewel built in 1070 by some Benedictine monks belonging to the Vallombrosian Congregation. Restored in 2015, the Monastery of Astino stands in the valley of the same name, rich in history, winegrowing traditions and lush vegetation. A bucolic setting not to be missed!
Salita dello Scorlazzone, Bergamo
The Scorlazzone climb is a picturesque staircase that is the natural continuation of the 'Scorlazzino' climb, in the direction of San Vigilio Pass.
After leaving behind via SudornoThe route winds its way between stately palaces and verdant gardens, first skirting high stone walls and then becoming a comfortable mule track. This is the ideal place from which to take beautiful photographs of the Astino monastery complex and the fascinating landscape offered by the hill of St Sebastian.
Via Lavanderio, Bergamo
One of the most characteristic areas of the Upper Town is certainly via Lavanderiowhose name derives from the old wash-house, located near meadows and cultivated fields, where peasant women once went to wash their clothes and have a chat.
The entire area, which is located in the western hills, is completely surrounded by nature, and thanks to the presence of old farmsteads and cobbled streets, is reminiscent of the customs of the rural world. Continuing along the route, we come to Via Generale Marieni, a continuation of Via Torni, which leads to the German Pasture.
Pascolo dei Tedeschi, Bergamo
It is called the Germans' Pasture, the approximately 3.5-kilometre-long road from the Sombreno area, a hamlet of Paladina, at the foot of Mount Giussa, allows you to arrive in the vicinity of Colle dei Roccoli, and then to San Vigilio.
A series of hairpin bends lined with low stone walls and surrounded by greenery lead to Città Alta and offer enchantingly beautiful natural views. This climb, with an average slope of 7% (and peaks touching 17%!) is quite a challenge. An impressive route recommended for cyclists and walkers.
To discover all the steps and the most suggestive views of the Upper Townvisit this page: Photographic itineraries Bergamo
