Bergamo overview

Gazing smugly at the distant skyscrapers of Milan from Bergamo’s hilltop is reward in itself for departing the big city madness. Comprising two towns, Bergamo is a fascinating blend of Renaissance and medieval, with ancient stone walls lining the road to the old town where a funicular leads down to the San Vigilio old quarter. The lower town is a hotchpotch of dull modernity best appreciated from the higher ramparts. Bergamo was historically controlled by Venice before the arrival of Napoleon and the identity of the old town has been largely left untouched over time. Tourists still flock to the iconic piazzas and basilicas to enjoy the grand countryside views, though the nearby Bergamo Alps have begun to draw a more yuppie crowd seeking rock climbing and skiing adventures. If you can navigate the congested traffic of the old town, the rewarding vistas from the hilltop are jaw-dropping.