What can I say about Bergamo, Città Alta? Really, all that needs to be said is WOW! After spending a week in Portovenere relaxing by the sea, we weren’t too keen to return to a big city, so we booked 2 nights in Bergamo before heading to our final destination of Milano. What a great decision.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the reason we came to Bergamo
All we knew about this medieval town was that it had a spectacular Duomo, especially when viewing it from the Campanone (tower) across from it. What we didn’t know is that the inside was even more remarkable.
We have seen our share of beautiful churches, but this one took our breath away. It is stunning. With its multicolored ceiling highlighted with over the top gold, this Duomo will leave you in awe!
Bergamo is a place for night owls
The upper towns main corso is alive with locals and visitors strolling up and down its length. It is a bit slower getting up in the mornings, (good luck getting a cappuccino or espresso before 7 am) but they do stay up late into the night. The streets are full until after midnight and it’s not uncommon to see kids playing in the piazzas at 10:30 pm.
The shops and restaurants are many and the Piazza Vecchia is a great meeting place for everyone. Contarini Fountain is by Italian standards a bit underwhelming, however this does not diminish how popular it is. Everyone who steps up can’t resist dipping their hands into the water, splashing it on themselves and taking a sip.
Where are the cats?
When we put together a photo spread to feature in our blog, we tend to add a pic or two of the local felines. Why? Well, we love cats (and dogs too).
Over the last two days we haven’t seen a single cat. No pictures of cats, no cats in windows, not a cat hair on anyone’s black pants! It’s weird.
What they do have is dogs, lots of dogs. Owners of big dogs and owners of very little dogs all walking the streets for their daily meet and greet in the Piazza. I guess this may explain the lack of cats!
Put Bergamo on your must-see list
If you’re in or around Milan and want a great day trip give Bergamo a look. Better yet, stay there a couple of nights to get a feel of this great old city on the hill, you won’t be disappointed.
Beautiful Cathedral !!! And another beautiful Italian city !!! Is there an ugly city there? !!! I have always been in love with Italy for its great contribution to world culture, but today, thanks to your comments and photographs, I am really mad and eager to visit that divine country !!!
Maya,
Grazie! A lifetime is not enough time to see all the wonderful cities, art and beautiful sites… but you really must experience this awesome country and it’s culture at least one time.