Discover Bergamo!

What to expect

Iconic and hidden places of the Upper City
In ancient times Bergamo was called the 'City of a Hundred Towers'. You will admire those that have survived in their original form, and I will reveal many facts that you won't find in ordinary guidebooks.
We'll discover 'spicy' houses with special chimneys, the first launderette, and an ancient blacksmith's workshop where local craftsmen still work.
I will also show you the house where the famous architect Giacomo Quarenghi was born, thanks to whom in the early 19th century a Russian princess from a noble family met the Bergamo marquis and after the wedding moved to his homeland. Thus Bergamo forever became related to Russia. The palace of the Italo-Russian family, where their descendants still live, is securely hidden, but we will definitely find the square where it is located. I will tell you about the connection between Bergamo and Florence.
If you wish, we will visit a pastry shop where the famous 'Stracciatella' ice cream, known worldwide, was created, and have a cup of aromatic espresso in a 15th-century cafeteria frequented by global celebrities when they visit Bergamo.
In addition, the program includes:

• San Vigilio Castle - the oldest building in Bergamo. From its height you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps, the Astino monastery, and the Byzantine church, emerald hills and villages in the valley of two rivers.

• Venetian Gates - built in the 15th century on the site of Romanesque churches, they will remind you of the time when Bergamo was under Venetian rule. From here we will admire a panoramic view of the Lower city and the valley towards Milan.
• Military Citadel - here you will hear about the rule over Bergamo by the famous Milanese family Visconti.
• New Square will impress you with ancient buildings adorned with romantic frescoes.
• Rocco Tower Fortress - a sacred place from ancient times, where first Celtic tribes and then Romans lived. From the fortress towers we will have a view of the St. Francis monastery and the entire medieval part of the Upper city.
• Old Square - the heart of ancient Bergamo. Here you will see the bell tower-clock, the Old and New Town Halls, a fountain with sphinxes, the captains' palace and sundial with all zodiac signs.
• Cathedral Square - here you will find the 'rocking' Baptistery, the funerary chapel of the condottiere Colleoni and the Cathedral - Duomo. You will visit one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and admire its treasures.
• Pink Square, where you can admire ancient frescoes and find the 11th-century Church of the Holy Cross.
• Arena Square - where real gladiatorial battles took place, and then the temple 'Of Desperate Hearts' was built.
• St. Alexander Square - we will discover the remains of the first Christian church, an ancient city map, and an elegant Art Nouveau style villa. You will be pleasantly surprised by what is now inside the walls of this residence.

Secrets of the Lower city
You will visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, which houses an ancient collection of frescoes, and I will tell you about the one considered miraculous.
Discover the elegant district with arches and columns and admire the monasteries of St. Bartholomew and St. Stephen. You will also see the two 'youngest' towers, built in the early 20th century. You will be fascinated by the design of the first bank, in the park of which you will find a funny sculpture created based on Greek mythology.
Additionally, I will tell you the fascinating story of the 19th-century theater and show the monument to composer Donizetti and his museum. Finally, I will reveal the secret of where in an ancient café you can taste a cake dedicated to a famous Bergamo resident.

Extended version
Optionally, for an additional fee, you can extend the tour by another 2 hours and visit the Artist Quarter and the Quarter of Knowledge, as well as the ancient district of St. Leonard. And on the charming Pontida Square, you will see two medieval churches, a fountain, and the personal palace of the local duke.
At the Holy Spirit Square, we will be impressed by the decoration of the eclectic church, and in the Park of Modern Sculpture - by works of the most famous Italian masters and a collection of ancient marionettes - burattini, located nearby. Visit a 12th-century female monastery. And finally, find Harlequin - Truffaldino among the Art Nouveau style buildings.