Bergamo: discovering the Lower Town

Bergamo is composed of two distinct parts: the Lower Town and the Upper Town. The most touristic and well-known is obviously the Upper Town, and many tourists decide to dedicate their day to its discovery – but this does not mean that the Lower Town is not worth a visit.

Located beneath the hills, the Lower Town is the most modern part of the city, characterised by a lively urban atmosphere and a multitude of attractions to explore.

It is a destination that has always something to offer: whether you are interested in history, culture, gastronomy or shopping, here you will find what you are looking for. With its welcoming atmosphere and countless attractions, this charming Italian city knows how to make you fall in love at first sight.

The Lower Town of Bergamo – Things to do

The Lower Town has wide streets with elegant buildings, shops, churches and theatres. There are also magnificent museums in this area of Bergamo, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy art and culture:

the Accademia Carrara with artworks by Lorenzo Lotto and Giovanni Battista Moroni;
the Adriano Bernareggi Museum of Sacred Art;
the Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GAMeC) with artworks by Kandinskij, Balla and Boccioni.

There are several other must-see attractions that will make your stay unforgettable. Let’s discover them here below.

Historic centre, funicular and what to eat

Walking through the streets of the historic centre. Wandering through the cobbled alleys of the historic centre of the Lower Town is a unique experience. You can admire the Renaissance architecture of the churches and palaces and at the same time discover small shops, cafés and restaurants offering local specialties.
Riding the funicular to the Upper Town. A ride on the historic funicular is a must during a visit to Bergamo. This attraction takes you to the oldest part of the city, the Upper Town, where you can admire the medieval walls, walk along the ancient streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the Padana valley.
Enjoying typical dishes from Bergamo. Bergamo is famous for its rich gastronomic tradition. You can stop at a local trattoria to taste specialties such as casoncelli (stuffed ravioli), polenta taragna (polenta and various types of cheese inside it), different kinds of cheese including taleggio, branzi and classic polenta. The meal can also be accompanied by a glass of red wine from the region.
Enjoying the nightlife. The Lower Town offers a vibrant nightlife with a wide selection of bars, pubs and nightclubs. A walk along the Sentierone (Bergamo’s salon) and via Sant’Alessandro will give you the opportunity to find the perfect place to sip a cocktail while admiring the beauty of Bergamo.
Shopping in Via XX Settembre. Shopping enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to take a walk along Via XX Settembre, one of the main shopping streets in the Lower Town area. Here you will find a variety of shops, from fashion boutiques to exclusive designer shops and the most famous brands.

The Lower Town of Bergamo – Things to see

Torre dei Caduti. Among the highlights of the Lower Town it is worth mentioning the Torre dei Caduti, a monument dedicated to the memory of the First World War fallen soldiers. Inside there is a museum with a thematic itinerary of the city, and at the top there is a terrace to enjoy the view from above.
The Churches. There are several churches in the Lower Town, some of which are home to artworks by Lorenzo Lotto, one of the great Italian Renaissance/Mannerist painters. Four are the main ones not to be missed: the Church of Santi Bartolomeo and Stefano, the Church of Santo Spirito, the Church of San Bernardino in Pignolo and the Church of Sant’Alessandro della Croce.
The Donizetti Theatre, the Piacentiniano Centre and the Dolphin Fountain can also be admired along the way.
The GAMeC Museum. The Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Bergamo is the ideal place for contemporary art lovers, with its temporary exhibitions and permanent collection, which includes artworks by both Italian and international artists.
The Accademia Carrara. Art lovers should not miss a visit to the Accademia Carrara, a prestigious art gallery housing a vast collection of masterpieces by renowned Italian artists, including Raphael, Botticelli and Bellini.

Useful Information

Bergamo is easily connected by the international airport of Orio al Serio, now Italy’s third largest airport, which is located close to the city. Once there, it is possible to travel comfortably by public transport, including buses and funiculars.

An excellent solution for visiting both the Upper and Lower Town in a short time, especially if you do not have much time and have opted for a quick ‘hit and run’ stay, is certainly to book a Tuk Tuk tour, to explore even the smallest hamlets and enjoy breathtaking views directly from the Venetian Walls.

Very comfortable and easy to drive, these eco-friendly vehicles offer maximum comfort and freedom even in the Lower Town area, without the stress of having to look for a parking spot and at the same time avoiding the risk of entering restricted traffic zones.

Bergamo offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, from mid-range hotels and bed&breakfasts to luxurious five-star establishments. It is advisable to book everything in advance in order to ensure the best possible experience.

To fully enjoy everything that Bergamo has to offer, we recommend dedicating at least two or three days to visiting the city. In this way you will have time to explore the Upper and Lower Town without being in a hurry.