Bergamo

Access

Bergamo is well served by connections: the railway station provides lines to Milan, Brescia and the Val Brembana, while the motorway network includes the Turin-Milan-Venice-Trieste. The international airport of Orio al Serio, just a few kilometres from the centre, is a strategic stopover for the whole of Lombardy and one of Italy's main airports in terms of passenger traffic.

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Introduction

Bergamo is an important urban centre in Lombardy, capital of the province of the same name, located about 50 kilometres north-east of Milan. The city is located on the edge of the Po Valley, where the flat terrain meets the foothills of the Orobic Pre-Alps. This geographic position gives it an articulated landscape: on one side the hilly and mountainous areas that protect the upper part of the city, on the other the plain that opens up towards the south.

Description

Bergamo's origins date back to Celtic and Roman times, but it was in the Middle Ages that the city took on particular importance. The Upper City, perched on a hill and surrounded by mighty 16th-century Venetian walls (now a UNESCO heritage site), preserves the medieval and Renaissance core with churches, palaces and cobbled streets. The Lower Town has developed since the 19th century and is now the administrative and commercial centre, with a wealth of cultural spaces, theatres and museums.

The municipal territory is divided into numerous historic districts and villages. Bergamo has been an important strategic and commercial point for centuries, thanks to its position along the links between the plain and the Alpine valleys. The city was marked by Venetian domination, which left an indelible imprint on its architecture and town planning.

In economic terms, Bergamo experienced strong industrialisation between the 19th and 20th centuries, with sectors related to mechanics, manufacturing and textiles. Today, the economy is diversified and includes services, technological innovation, tourism and a lively network of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The city retains a rich cultural tradition. Among the most significant monuments are the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colleoni Chapel, the Cathedral and the Donizetti Theatre, named after the famous Bergamasque composer Gaetano Donizetti. Museums and cultural institutions, such as the Accademia Carrara and the GAMeC, make Bergamo a centre for ancient and contemporary art. Local traditions are also reflected in the cuisine, with typical dishes such as casoncelli, polenta taragna and cheeses from the surrounding valleys, including the renowned Taleggio.

The surrounding area offers many opportunities for hiking. The Seriana and Brembana Valleys, with mountain itineraries, refuges and ski resorts, can be easily reached from the town. The proximity to the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo (Bergamo Hills Park) makes it possible to explore trails and green areas within walking distance of the city centre, making Bergamo a meeting point between the city and nature.

Information

Area: 40.16 sq km
Altitude: 249m
Maximum elevation:
 Number of inhabitants: 119125
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Neighbouring municipalities: Azzano San Paolo, Curno, Gorle, Lallio, Mozzo, Orio al Serio, Paladina, Ponteranica, Seriate, Sorisole, Stezzano, Torre Boldone, Treviolo, Valbrembo