Bergamo in two days - attractions not to be missed

“Because he who stops has more life, but he who goes has more roads' - Francisco Gálvez, Chilean writer

Many tourists ask us if it is possible to visit Bergamo in two days. The answer is yes, you just need to know how to organise yourself. Bergamo is not only an artistic and cultural gem, it is also a tourist destination capable of striking, attracting and seducing.

A city divided into two parts, two very different environments, but both with great charm. Upper Townis a village surrounded by mighty walls, built in Roman times and later rebuilt during the Middle Ages. Lower Town is a dynamic and lively area, full of interesting shops and offers, especially for young people and tourists.

We begin our visit of this city by starting with the most significant buildings in Bergamo Alta and then descending to the main places of interest in the more modern area. Let the walk begin!

Visit Bergamo in two days

It starts from Old Squarewhich was defined by the architect Le Corbusier such as 'the most beautiful square in Europe'. This area reached its splendour especially during Venetian rule. In this large square is the Palace of Reason of communal age and the Bell, a former civic tower whose bells toll a hundred times every evening at 10pm. In the past, the ringing of the bells warned the farmers of the closure of the gates in the city walls.

This is also where the Angelo Mai Civic Librarywhich is located inside a beautiful 17th-century white marble palace, once the Town Hall. An elegant fountain stands in the centre of the square, the Contarini Fountainwhile picturesque bars and cafés enliven the entire area.

Città Alta: the charm of the Middle Ages

In the small square near the Palace of Reason then lies the magnificent Cathedral inside which you can admire the Chapel of the Crucifix (originally from the 16th century) and an apse with paintings by great artists, such as the Tiepolo. Adjacent is another noteworthy religious building, viz. the Basilica of Santa Maria MaggioreRomanesque style and dating from the 22nd century.

Inside is also the tomb of Gaetano Donizetti, composer and opera singer from Bergamo who lived in the first half of the 19th century, and his master Simon Mayr. The Colleoni Chapel and the confessional created by artist Andrea Fantoni are other reasons to visit this area.

If you plan to see Bergamo in two days, you absolutely cannot miss Open Hill and the St Alexander's Gate, where the Venetian coat of arms of the Lion of St Mark stands out. From here you can reach the funicular leading up to the San Vigilio Pass.

Also worth a visit the Gate of St Augustine and the deconsecrated church of the same name, now home to the Faculty of Humanities at theUniversity of Bergamo. It is a 24th century building with a Gothic façade and a decorated ceiling.

And finally, we recommend a stop at the Remembrance Park located on the Sant'Eufemia hill, the highest in Bergamo, and which stands near the 14th-century fortress. It is so called because many Bergamasks were shot by the Austrians for political offences during the 19th century. 

Città Bassa: Bergamo's nightlife

Moving towards Upper Townthe panorama changes, and little by little the medieval atmosphere that is so characteristic is lost. That does not, however, diminish the city's charm. The visit begins at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with the adjoining former convent, built by the Franciscans in the first half of the 15th century.

We continue through the propylaea of Porta Nuova until we reach Palazzo Frizzoni, the seat of the City Hall. The building dominates Piazza Matteotti where you can admire some important monuments such as the one dedicated to the Partisan by Giacomo Manzù and the statue of Cavour by Bistolfi.

We then move on to the Sentieronethe picturesque street with boutiques and old palaces. Throughout the year, this street comes alive with festivals, fairs and stalls. Other notable destinations include the famous Donizetti Theatrethe War Memorial Tower in Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the Cloister of Santa Marta.

If you are visiting Bergamo in two days, we finally recommend a walk in via Borgo Pignolo. This is an area of medieval origins where one can find incredible neoclassical buildings. Here you will also find the Gamec, the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Bergamo, which hosts numerous collections and temporary exhibitions.