Bergamo
brimming with possibilities
Bergamo was a city Simon happened on when looking for a late warm weekend in 2022. The only criteria being the anticipation of a bit of winter sun, and the ability to fly from the local airport. Bingo Bergamo! The flights were perfect - leaving after work on the Thursday, returning late on the Sunday giving us the maximum time for the weekend. The flights have since changed so arent quite as friendly for a short break but it was good whilst it lasted and we have used it as the start and end for longer jaunts.
The city is in two parts - the main city and Citti Alta, the old town. We have not been in the main city except to catch a train preferring the windy cobbled streets of the old town.
What to do Bergamo
There is a long list of things to do in Bergamo. We have been there three times and there are still things I havent seen and places I want to revisit.
On our last visit we were having a meal in Il Sole ( more on this place later) and sat next to a couple that turned out to be newly weds from Norway. We had a great evening of conversation about the pro's and con's of our livining in our respective country's.
During a lull in the conversation one of the party commented on 'there not being a lot to do in Bergamo'. After reeling of a list of places we had visited that they hadn't yet come across it became clear that they had either not researched their destination - or being newly weds- had not left their hotel long enough to see the sights!
Getting from the airport to Citti Alta
The journey from the airport to Citti Alta is approximately 30 mins either via taxi or the bus. We took a taxi the first time as it was late when we arrived at a cost of 25 euros, but in reality using the bus is so simple that we have never done this again. A bus ticket costing c3 euro's each is money back in the pot for enjoying ourselves.
The only thing to be aware of with the buses is that at certain points during the year they stop going to the top of Citti Alta late in the evening. Dont panic though as the last stop for the bus during this timetable is the funicular which runs to the early hours of the morning.
Our top five things to do in Bergamo:
1. Take a trip on the funicular - this runs from both the main city to city alta and from city alta to the castle. If you are feeling like you need the steps walk up to the castle and get the funicular back down. The views are awesome
2. Take the elevator up the clock tower and wander around the museum.
3. Visit the photographic museum - this is such good value - you get the history of Bergamo, the history of the camera and a walk around the fresco's in the courtyard
4. Eat pizza from xxx shop - it is the most fantastic pizza - you can eat in or take away and sit in the square soaking up the sun.
5. Walk the city walls and join the crowds of lovers watching the sunset - the light is spectacular
So what are the highlights of Bergamo
Walk the walls of Citti Alta - you can pretty much walk all the way around the old city by following the wall - from each vantage point you will see amazing views varying from snow clad mountains to the sprawling mass of the main city and finally the eastern view where you can watch the sunset over the silhouette of Milan.
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