Bergamo is a city in Lombardy, in northern Italy, and it is made up of two parts: an upper city and a lower city. The two are easy to tell apart, and visitors often spend time moving between them, so the division shapes how a trip here feels.
The upper city
The upper city, known as Città Alta, sits on a hill and is ringed by medieval walls. Walking along the walls and through its narrow streets gives a clear sense of the old town as it was built, and the views out over the plain below are part of the appeal. The walled upper town is the place to slow down, wander and take in the stonework.
The lower city
Down the slope, the lower city, or Città Bassa, has a more open layout and a livelier pace. It is where much of the everyday life of the city goes on, and it makes a practical base for exploring both halves.
Architecture
Bergamo is known for its Venetian architecture, a reminder of the years when the city was under Venetian rule. Buildings and details across the city reflect that influence, and noticing them is one of the pleasures of walking around.
For a visitor, Bergamo suits an unhurried day or two: a morning on the walls and in the upper streets, an afternoon in the lower town, and time to look closely at the buildings. It is a destination for those who enjoy old cities, walking and architecture more than long lists of attractions.
