Explorations of a city with gorgeous churches, multiple fortifications and view of the Alps.
Unfortunately, Bergamo was my last stop on a 7-week journey around Italy. Fortunately, I chose the perfect place to spend my last day. Bergamo is an easy journey from central Milan by train, but worlds apart. Milan is hustle and bustle, but Bergamo is a more chill, fun place to explore.
The city, like many other cities in Italy, has a Lower City and an Upper City (Città Alta). The Upper City is on a hill with fortifications surrounding it. I went straight there, catching a bus from the train station.
Wandering Jana Porta San Giacomo, a very impressive main gate to the Upper City.
Wandering Jana The fortified Upper City. In the 16th century, Bergamo was on the western edge of the territory of the Venetian Republic. Walls built during this time by the Venetians are considered part of a UNESCO world heritage site.
Wandering Jana The Upper City has multiple terraced areas due to its steep slopes.
Wandering Jana Possible old market turned bar.
Wandering Jana Fontana di San Pancrazio and the Torre del Gombito.
Wandering Jana One of the most unique things I found in Bergamo is the Lavatoio di via Lupa. Most houses didn’t have running water and this was built at the end of the 18oos to serve as a place to do laundry.
Wandering Jana Neoclassical building near the cathedral. There were public fountains built into the building.
Wandering Jana The Baptistery on the Piazza Duomo Bergamo Alta.
Wandering Jana The 12th century Palazzo della Ragione.
Wandering Jana The Cathedral of Bergamo next door. The neoclassical facade was only completed in 1889.
Wandering Jana The Cathedral is actually the plainest church on this piazza.
Wandering Jana Still fancy with all its Baroqueness.
Wandering Jana Very fancy.
Wandering Jana Back outside to the piazza. The Colleoni Chapel (right), a Renaissance era mausoleum in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (left).
Wandering Jana Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is absolutely ridiculous inside.
Wandering Jana Originally built in the 12th century, the basilica outside is Romanesque and the interior is super Baroque.
Wandering Jana This is what I meant about the Cathedral being the plain church.
Wandering Jana That dome is stunning.
Wandering Jana Some of the pre-Baroque frescos.
Wandering Jana On the other side of the Palazzo della Ragione is the Piazza Vecchia.
Wandering Jana Palazzo Nuovo, on Piazza Vecchia.
Wandering Jana Moving on in my wander. Torre della Campanella is now part of the various civic museums of Bergamo.
Wandering Jana The very cute Porta del Pantano Inferiore.
Wandering Jana Piazza della Cittadella.
Wandering Jana I’m heading up to an area outside of the city walls. Santa Grata Inter Vites.
Wandering Jana The Upper City.
Wandering Jana I got a bit adventurous and took a funicular up to a castle.
Wandering Jana The views from up here are amazing.
Wandering Jana Castello di San Vigilio isn’t the most impressive castle, but the views from it are spectacular.
Wandering Jana Mountain views.
Wandering Jana A few snowy mountains poking through in the distance.
Wandering Jana The former Monastero di Astino as seen from above.
Wandering Jana Last views before heading back down.
Wandering Jana Oh, look another castle. Rocca di Bergamo, from the 14th century.
Wandering Jana Great views from here as well.
Wandering Jana I started to walk down to the Lower City in order to see San Michele Al Pozzo Bianco.
Wandering Jana It’s a 8th century church rebuilt in the 14th century.
Wandering Jana It has some interesting frescos.
Wandering Jana The crypt.
Wandering Jana Little chapel.
Wandering Jana About to exit the Upper City.
Wandering Jana A Venetian-built gate complete with a Venetian lion, the symbol of the Republic of Venice.
Bergamo was a fantastic end to a 7-week long journey. I visited so many places on that trip that it has taken several months to write about them all. By the time this post goes live in October, there is a good chance that I already bought the plane ticket to my next European destination. I already know where I’m going.
Check out my next update where I explore Congaree National Park!
or
Start at the beginning of this adventure.
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