The Ultimate Bergamo Walking Tour: Exploring the Charm of This Italian Gem
Introduction
Next, we visit one of the most beautiful and historical town in Italy which is located in Lombardy region of Northern Italy known as Bergamo. It holds a perfect combination of histories, traditions, and terrains that are well concealed from the world. This text, therefore, will focus on enabling anyone who wants orient them their initial walking tour in Bergamo depending on the amount of time they wish to spend.
1. A Short Guide to Bergamo’s Città Alta: Upper Town of Italy
Your starting point of the walking tour is Città Alta, the higher district of Bergamo. Stroll through the stone paved roads, appreciate the ancient castles around the town and the breathtaking view of the distant valleys. Do not leave without visiting the Piazza Vecchia which is considered as the central place of the upper town hosting the Palazzo della Ragione and the huge Torre Civica.
Highlights:
- To one’s surprise, experience the gathering of opulent art treasures inside the Basilica: the fantastic paintings, splendid frescoes and the wood carving art.
- Rocca di Bergamo: This is a medieval fortress which will provide great views of the lower part of the town.
- Colleoni Chapel: Visit one of the most beautiful and famous chapels in the town, decorated with marble sculptures and marvellous paintings.
2. La Città Bassa: Explore the Lower Town
Once you have been done with the visit to the upper town, descend and visit La Città Bassa, the new town of Bergamo. Take a relaxed walk at the primary street of Naples known as Viale Vittorio Emanuele II with stylish shops, cafes and gelaterias. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and even feel how people live there.
Highlights:
- Art and history: There are lots of sightseeing opportunities that are relevant to art and history lovers in Bergamo, such as Accademia Carrara – an art gallery which introduces you to the masterpieces of Italian art and keep specimens of works by Botticelli and Raphael among others.
- Donizetti Theater is a splendid neoclassical building which is an opera house – It is named after the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti.
- Piazza Pontida: Have a coffee break or even a delicious Italian meal at this beautiful square with cafe and restaurants.
3. Walk the Ancient City Walls
Among locals who aim to immerse themselves in the charm of the city, they should not ignore the ancient city walls of Bergamo. These preserve structures offers excellent views of the upper and lower parts of the city, and give one a bird’s eye view of the town.
Tips:
- Starting your walk from Porta San Giacomo, you should follow the trail marked on the map.
- Do not leave your camera at home because there are several scenic viewing points where you might take snaps.
- It is advised to wear comfortable shoes since there are some steep parts to run.
4. Discover Bergamo’s Gastronomy
Traveling to a new place is not just a mere visiting of different sites and attractions but indeed tasting the taste of that place. Bergamo is no exception! Well, time to take at least a small step away from exploring the city on foot and focus on food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dish Description
Casoncelli alla Bergamasca Tasty pasta pocket filled with blended and minced ingredients including cheese, bread and meat stuffing.
Polenta e Osei A kind of favoured local desert comprising sweet polenta and marzipan birds.
Sciatt Fried pancakes that included pieces of coarsely grounded buckwheat cracker topped with melted cheese.
Conclusion
Going for a walking tour in Bergamo provides an opportunity to delve in the history of the town and view the picturesque sceneries of Italy with cultural flavor. Walking through the beautiful region, every corner one turns, whether in Città Alta or La Città Bassa provides an enchanting view. Therefore, don your most comfortable shoes, take a piece of paper with the map of the city, and start wandering around the wondrous streets of Bergamo.
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