The Rural Iowan: Day Trip: Milan to Bergamo

Bergamo: An Historic Walk in the Altitudes

At just about 25 miles northeast of Milan sits the Italian city of Bergamo, and it is the place to be on sunny, pleasantly warm Sunday in March. Reaching Bergamo from Milan is easy, quick, and inexpensive; thus, making it the perfect day trip destination. It only took the group of six (Nico, Vir, David, Dani, Manu, and myself) a short ride on the green metro line to the Porta Garibaldi train station, a €4.55 train ticket (that's right...an one-way ticket for under €5) using an automated ticketing station, and an one hour long train ride to reach the remarkable Italian town.

Sources say Bergamo is the 2nd most visited city in the Lombardy region...right after Milan, of course. The most distinctive characteristic of the city happens to be the city's two centers; Citta Alta, the historic part situated on top of a hill surrounded by 17th century defensive walls, and Citta Bassa which is the newer area wrapping itself around the base of the hill. The upper and lower sections of the city are connected with roads, stairs, and a cable car making it easily accessible for anyone.

Citta Alta is above the wall; Citta Bassa sits below

Pretty much the entire day was spent up in the historic Citta Alta section of the city. One of the most spectacular sights I've seen since my arrival in Italy is the La Rocca di Bergamo (The Fortress of Bergamo). The medieval castle with its towers and thick walls depict history quite well....dominance and authority. Today, it is a fantastic observation point providing scenic,panoramic views of Bergamo.

Panoramic view of Bergamo

View of Citta Bassa from la Rocca

View of Citta Alta from la Rocca

Just as in Milan, and I assume other Italian cities, the cathedrals were extravagant. In Bergamo, I visited two of the more prominent ones...the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cathedral of Bergamo. Both located right next to each other near the town square, Palazzo della Ragione which sits on the location of the old town square called Piazza Vecchia.