San Vigilio Bergamo: a view from Bergamo to infinity

The City I più letti

11 October 2024

The Colle di San Vigilio, located in Bergamo Alta, is one of the most impressive areas in the city. It dominates the surrounding landscape, offering a breathtaking 360° view that extends from Milan to the Città Bassa, as well as over the Orobic valleys of Bergamo and even as far as the Monviso Mountain range, which is over 240 km away.

Easy to reach thanks to a picturesque funicular railway that departs from the Upper Town, the hill represents an oasis of peace just a few steps from the historic centre. On top of the hill there is the San Vigilio Castle, a fortress dating back to the Middle Ages, built to defend the city from attacks, and a couple of well-known restaurants with a particularly romantic atmosphere, where you can taste local gastronomic specialties.

San Vigilio Castle – its history

People think that the first fortification on this almost 500-metre-high hill was a Roman watchtower. The first reference to a fortification in this area dates back to the 6th century. Over the following centuries, a small chapel was built in the proximity of the castle, which in the year 889 was conquered by the Frankish troops of Arnulf of Carinthia, the Carolingian king of eastern France.

Due to its strategic importance, in the year 1166 the rulers of the city of Bergamo commissioned the construction of a new castle in order to replace the old one. After the Visconti family took over, they began to expand and strengthen the castle until its completion in 1335. The 15th century witnessed the beginning of the Venetian Republic‘s domination, with several sieges by French and Spanish troops.

With the construction of the Venetian Walls in the city of Bergamo, San Vigilio Castle underwent significant changes: its central tower was demolished in order to create an underground tunnel connecting it to the city’s northern bastion.

The castle maintained its importance as a strategic stronghold even in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was controlled first by French and then by Austrian troops – until, in the 20th century, it was acquired by the municipality of Bergamo which converted it into a tourist attraction.

San Vigilio Castle

How to get there

As it is a public park, San Vigilio Castle is free and easily accessible. In winter, opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in summer from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To get there from the historic centre of Bergamo, you have to pass through Porta Sant’Alessandro, one of the four gates giving access to the Città Alta. The gate was built in 1561 by the Republic of Venice, and on it you can admire the symbol of the Lion of Saint Mark.

In front of the gate there is the San Vigilio Funicular, which has been operating for over a century, having been inaugurated in 1912, with a closure period of 15 years between 1976 and 1991. The funicular line is 630 metres long and it takes less than three minutes to reach the top of the hill.

Once off the funicular, you leave the terminal and take the uphill path immediately to the right that leads to the top of the castle – strictly on foot!

San Vigilio seen from Bergamo

San Vigilio – things to see

Even though only some parts of the ancient walls and towers are left today, the site is a place of great charm, surrounded by a green park and lush gardens. Walking along the trails around the hill will allow you to discover hidden corners and experience an atmosphere of peace and history. The Bergamo Speleological Group Le Nottole offers guided tours (booking required) to explore the secret passage that once served as a link between the castle and the Fortress of San Marco in the Upper Town.

There is also a church here dedicated to Saint Vigilius – San Vigilio, a holy bishop of Trento – the structure was erected in his honour in the 8th century. Though not a large building, its architectural simplicity reflects the sense of recollection and spirituality that characterises places of worship surrounded by nature. Over the centuries, the church of San Vigilio has been maintained by the Dominican friars and by the religious order of the Humiliati.

This hill is also the ideal starting point for hikes in the surrounding area, with trails winding through the hills and offering spectacular views, especially at sunset. And because of its location, San Vigilio is often a favourite spot for both locals and visitors to admire the fireworks during the city’s celebrations and to indulge in a romantic dinner for two in one of its delicious restaurants.

The view from San Vigilio

Ristorante Pizzeria San Vigilio

Located on top of the hill, this restaurant is a perfect fusion of local gastronomic tradition and contemporary elegance, offering guests a unique experience for both the palate and the eyes. The food at Ristorante San Vigilio is characterised by the promotion and valorisation of products coming from the Lombardy region, with a menu that pays homage to the authentic flavours of tradition.

Dishes such as casoncelli alla bergamasca or brasato al vino rosso – beef braised in red wine – coexist in harmony with more innovative proposals that enhance the chef’s creativity and the attention to detail. The quality of the ingredients is the focus of this gastronomic offer, with fresh, seasonal products.

This restaurant has a sophisticated and cosy atmosphere, with furniture that combines classic elegance with modern design elements. The large windows will give you a breathtaking view of the city and of the surrounding countryside, right in front of you as the sun sets, creating an evocative setting that is just as suitable for a romantic dinner as it is for more formal events.

Popular with both locals and tourists, Ristorante San Vigilio is a must for anyone who wants to discover the authentic flavours of Bergamo, surrounded by a setting of exceptional beauty.

Baretto di San Vigilio

Just a few steps from the funicular terminal you will find the Baretto di San Vigilio, a cosy, retro-style venue that has been passionately run by the Acquaroli family for many years. The menu at Ristorante Baretto in Bergamo has been praised by the Michelin guide for its generously sized dishes, which are linked to tradition but dressed with a modern touch.

With its spectacular summer terrace overlooking the city, it can be considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Bergamo. The Acquaroli family also took over the management of the La Ripa restaurant, located at the foot of the hill near the starting point of the funicular railway leading to the top.

Relais San Vigilio

The Relais San Vigilio is a charming boutique hotel that is also located on the San Vigilio hill, housed in the former military building of the castle. This relais is a clever combination of historic architecture and modern comfort. The rooms are beautifully furnished, mixing contemporary design elements with traditional materials, such as stone and wood, in order to maintain the rustic charm of the area. Every detail is designed to offer an exclusive and sophisticated experience.

The location of the Relais is perfect for those wishing to explore both the medieval heart of Bergamo Alta and the scenic paths winding around the hill. The funicular, which connects San Vigilio to the lower town, makes all the main tourist attractions easily accessible, such as Piazza Vecchia – the Old Square – and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.