Bergamo
What a blast from the past! I haven’t been to this cute city since many years, and the idea of spending less than 24 hours there, as the starting point for another country, was a brilliant idea. Bergamo is so ideal for a cosy weekend and it’s convenient if you want to escape or avoid staying at Milan and it is really fascinating.
But BE CAREFULL, Bergamo Cittá Alta is where you should go and have your day there! Why? Because this higher part of the city, the old borgo, is the best part of it. Where everybody arrives (by car or better by the funicular), in search or a great walk at the old city, some good Bergamasco restaurant, a good shopping at boutiques ir even better some amazingly good cantinas for wine!
The ancient medieval origins are clearly visible in the Upper Town of Bergamo, the original nucleus of the city and today exclusive historical center, composed of ancient palaces and historic houses, evocative and perfectly preserved. The Venetian Walls, an impressive 16th-century building that has recently become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the setting.”
Stay
We chose to stay of course at Citta Alta, and particularly at Hotel Piazza Vecchia and we couldn’t have done a better choice. A very elegant small hotel, at the very very centre of the borgo, with nice big rooms and cosy bathrooms. We loved the breakfast and all the atmosphere, the staff is so friendly and warm, ready to advice the best restaurants and things to see. We had a great sleep, and there was not any noise, despite the fact the the hotel is situated at the main street of Citta Alta. We really can’t wait to go back and get pampered with its hospitality.
“Bergamo, is characterized by cobblestone streets, encircled by Venetian walls and accessible by funicular. It’s home to the Duomo di Bergamo, the city cathedral. Also here are the Romanesque Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the grand Cappella Colleoni, a chapel with 18th-century frescoes by Tiepolo.”
Eat & Drink
During our unique day at Bergamo, we had a gorgeous traditional lunch at the cosy restaurant Il Sole, where we tried at Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, original homemade pasta, the most authentic one of the city. Casoncelli were created as a way of using leftover pork and beef, and over the years other ingredients have been added, and you will find them at all restaurants, but at Il Sole they were really yummy and the perfect start of our lunch. We then had a delicious osso bucco, some greta affettati with local cheese and amazing wine! Our lunch was very satisfying!
VK Travel TIP: while strolling around the centre of the upper city, you will easily find amazing little places, to shop your italian delicacies to bring home. Prosciutti, cheeses, wines, the famous local salami. You can try on the go some delicious panini or pizza, and go on with your walk. Bergamo has so much to offer to visitors, and it shows especially on weekends, when also Italians come to see the city!
We can also recommend Pasticceria Donizetti, especially for wine lovers. It is place with numerous wines from all over the world, but surely pick your favorite Italian wine to enjoy accompanied by some nice local food. Via Gombito, the main cobblestone street, is full of tasty places, bakeries, gelaterie, trattorie, and many boutiques of “moda italiana” and bars.
Bergamo is no doubts a city that can be explored and enjoyed in 1-2 days, its famous squares and the Basilica are like masterpieces, you can’t go wrong if you choose it for a nice weekend! I hope to be back once again!
