BERGAMO AND THE HIGH CITY

Bergamo, with its dual nature as both mountains and plains, summarizes its urban dimension.
The High City, historical and medieval, The Lower City, more functional and rich in villages.

You can reach High City in two different ways: by the funicolar, which leaves from The Lower City, or on foot and, when access is free, you can also go there by car.
The first thing that will surprise you of the High City is its Venetian Walls, declared world heritage site of UNESCO.
The High City, in fact, is surrounded by this city wall, dating back to Roman times and later rebuilt in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The High City looks like a very characteristic village , with its homes and ateliers, which have mantained their original appearance.
You can take a walk around the walls and admire the botanical gardens, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Lower City.

Once you arrive in High City by funicolar, you can head over Piazza Vecchia, where you can find the main attractions: Angelo Mai Public Library, Bergamo University, Contarini Fountain and Campanone.
Campanone is a tower which, in the past (and still today) emitted 100 hits at 22:00, to remind the inhabitants of the closing of the city gates.

Along the way to the square, you can also stop and take a look to the various shops and cafés available in the High City.
From Piazza Vecchia, walking under the arcades of the magnificent gothic palace, you can reach the Dome of Bergamo, dedicated to St. Alexander.

The cathedral is an example of neoclassical and baroque style and inside you can admire the canvases of many artists.
Next to the Dome stands the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, in Romanesque style, with inside biblical inlays of Lotto and confessional of the school Caniana Fantoni, and the Battistero, in which are preserved the remains of Donizetti, illustrious character of the city.

On the square of Dome of Bergamo, leaning against the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, you can find Cappella Colleoni, Renaissance work by Giovanni Antonio Amedeo.
Leaving Piazza Vecchia behind you, continue towards Piazza della Cittadella, where you can find Civic Archaeological Civic Museum and Natural History Museum.

Going beyond Cittadella, you will reach Colle Aperto, where you can find one of the four Bergamo gates, Porta di Sant’Alessandro.
Here you can find the Botanical Garden, location of the university faculty of foreign languages and literatures of Bergamo.

In Colle Aperto you will find a second funicolar, which will lead you to Colle San Vigilio, where you can find the homonymous castle, that in the past had defensive function.