"A city is not designed, it simply makes itself. Just listen to it, because the city is a reflection of many stories. " - Renzo Piano, Italian architect
Bergamo from above - Time passes but the city of Bergamo continues to preserve its charm and beauty. Despite the many historical invasions it has undergone, the walls surrounding this medieval town still show themselves in all their grandeur and majesty.
Also the Daily Mirror claims that Bergamo is an all-round tourist destination. Fans of video and photography, connoisseurs of the arts, lovers of history, architecture and nature can find here fun and inspiration. The enchantment of the surrounding landscape and the attractive atmosphere make the Upper Town unique.
Bergamo from above - how to reach the medieval village
You can reach the medieval village in two simple ways: using the funicular railway, which offers an interesting view of the walls from the inside, or by taking a pleasant scenic walk from one of the ladders of Lower Bergamo. In both cases, once at the top you will find along the perimeter of the walls many green areas, fountainse and benches where you can stop, relax or have a picnic.
What we propose is a tourist route that will make you appreciate Bergamo from above and discover places you may not yet know!
Bergamo from above - Convent of S. Agostino
The first observation point is theformer convent of S. Augustinenow transformed into a lively university hub. Having passed through the gate of the same name, built in the 16th century, on this first stage of our itinerary you can admire the city walls that divide the nucleus of upper Bergamo from the numerous villas and palaces perched on the hillssurrounded by green vegetation.
Bergamo from above - Colle di San Vigilio
Go past this point and follow the signs to the San Vigilio Pass (461 m above sea level), an area where the castle of the same name once stood, of which sections of the walls and the remains of four observation towers are still visible today. Near the historical remains you can stop in a large tree-lined square and admire the hills surrounding the city and the plain in the distance. Before starting the climb, make a diversion to the neighbouring borgo Canale, one of the most characteristic and rural areas of Bergamo, where at number 14 you will find the birthplace of the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti.
If you want to take a closer look at Lower Town, and – why not? – take a picturesque photograph of the city, then we suggest you head for St. James' Gate. On one side, you will see a wonderful tree-lined boulevard running along the walls, on the other the medieval centre with its ancient palaces and monuments. Tip: one of the most impressive sights is offered by the sun setting over the roofs of Lower Town. Seeing it hiding behind the hill is truly a spectacle!
Bergamo from above - La Rocca
The last stop on our journey is obviously the Rocca, located a few metres away from Old Squareheart of the medieval village. The Rocca, with its imposing tower covered in the Italian tricolour, accompanies you in the fascinating Parco delle Rimembranze: Past the regal entrance gate, you will gradually realise that you are in an open-air museum. In fact, on either side of the main pathway stand the war memorial and models of period cannons and tanks, while on the left you can visit the 19th century section of the Upper Town History Museum.
Areas far from tourist areas, hidden sites to explore, places made of light and shadow, places that will steal your heart with their scenery and silences. Fairytale scenery and landscapes provide an incredible atmosphere. At some point, you will feel as if you are taking a plunge into the past because that is what it is all about. the charm of Bergamo: Time has no power here, nor does haste!
