Sitting atop a hill in northern Italy, Bergamo is relatively undiscovered. As it's off the beaten track, that does mean fewer crowds during peak seasons, which is part of its appeal. Bergamo is also packed full of grand buildings, glorious examples of fine art and breathtaking attractions.
Bergamo’s bold basilica
Stroll around Bergamo and you’ll be inspired by its magnificent buildings. You’ll want to see and experience everything - but one thing you can't miss is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Imposing from the outside, the interior is intricate with artwork and frescoes, giving every inch color and life. The level of detail is staggeringly impressive.
Other notable landmarks are close - next door, in fact. To one side is the elegant Colleoni Chapel while across Piazza Duomo is the ornate Duomo di Bergamo, the cathedral.
Give yourself plenty of time just to wander around Bergamo, noting the contrast between the city's two levels. In Citta Alta, meander through the streets, pausing to relax in the picturesque Piazza Vecchia. Listen to the soothing hum of passers-by and the bells of the cathedral when you stop at a traditional trattoria for lunch.
In Citta Bassa, the pace changes from relaxed to vibrant. Here, you'll find a varied retail area with many well-known high street stores sprinkled along Via XX Settembre.
The underground world
Delve below ground level and you'll discover a secretive world concealed underneath the city's streets.
There's a fascinating network of underground tunnels beneath the upper town, and inquisitive visitors can access them through guided tours. Walk under the Venetian Walls to see some remarkable features including stalactites, suspended from the vaulted ceilings, hanging at three meters in length, and the Fountain of Lantro, a vast water tank that was part of an aqueduct serving the town.
The eerie San Giovanni Casemate housed soldiers during wartime. Peer through the cannon openings and imagine what it must have been like during a time of conflict. The cannons are no longer there but the strange atmosphere conjures up the distant sounds of battle and the whiff of gunpowder.
Make for Milan
Bergamo is so close to Milan that a trip to the city known as the fashion capital of Italy is a must. Milan is traditional, cosmopolitan, fast-paced and cultural all at the same time, a wonderful city. Head to its iconic landmark, the Duomo. This is Milan's cathedral, the second largest church in Italy. Take a guided tour up to the rooftops and terraces, admiring the Duomo's spires as they rise majestically into the skyline. Plan ahead and bag a ticket to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, which houses The Last Supper, Leonarda da Vinci's magnum opus.
Spend the afternoon window-shopping in Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's ultra-chic fashion district, boasting illustrious names including Prada, Gucci and Versace. In the evening, dine on delicious street food fresh from the famous Luini in the Centro Storico and indulge in creamy gelato before taking in a performance at Teatro La Scala, one of the world's finest opera houses.
Book car rental from Bergamo Airport to explore not only one of Italy's most underrated cities but the delights of the Lombardy region and its legendary lakes too.