Bergamo neighborhoods offer a unique blend of history and modernity, with charming narrow streets and picturesque squares, as well as a vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular neighborhoods in Bergamo, each with its own character and attractions.
Città Alta
Città Alta, also known as the Upper Town, is the historic heart of Bergamo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval town perched on a hill is surrounded by ancient walls and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Lombardy plains. Visitors can stroll through the winding cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful palaces and churches, such as the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni. Città Alta is also home to many shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
San Giovanni
San Giovanni is a trendy and lively neighborhood located just a short walk from Città Alta. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and alternative scene, San Giovanni is home to many independent shops, bars, and restaurants. The main street, Via San Giovanni, is lined with colorful street art and graffiti, and is a popular spot for people-watching. Visitors can also explore the picturesque Piazza Pontida, a small square surrounded by charming old buildings and lively bars.
Sant’Agostino
Sant’Agostino is a charming neighborhood located just a short walk from Città Alta and San Giovanni. The main attraction in this neighborhood is the beautiful Basilica di Sant’Agostino, a church dating back to the 14th century. The church is famous for its frescoes and has a beautiful cloister. The neighborhood is also known for its traditional atmosphere, with narrow streets and small squares, as well as for its many shops and restaurants.
Brembo
Brembo is a neighborhood located in the lower town of Bergamo. It is situated in the eastern side of the city, near the Brembo river. This neighborhood is famous for its beautiful parks, such as Parco dei Colli and Parco delle Orobie. Visitors can also explore the historic center of the neighborhood, which is characterized by charming old buildings and small squares. Brembo is also home to many shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Santa Caterina
The neighborhood of Borgo Santa Caterina exudes the essence of Bergamo with its colorful storefronts, gourmet delicatessen shops, and historical architecture. It is a prime destination during the day to take in the blend of past and present, tradition and innovation, while sipping on a cup of coffee. At night, the area transforms with a variety of pubs, each with its own unique style, offering a wide selection for a night out. The district is also known for its lively atmosphere during the summer with events like “Borough’s Fridays” featuring music, local food, and socializing. Even in the winter, the district remains lively with Christmas lights that create a magical ambiance. Additionally, art lovers will appreciate the many religious buildings and artworks found throughout the neighborhood, including the beautiful Santuario dell’Addolorata.
Borgo Palazzo
Borgo Palazzo is an emerging neighborhood with charming, pastel-colored townhouses lining its narrow, cobbled streets. The area is dominated by the towering spire of the Sant’Anna church, a neoclassical structure. The main street, Via Borgo Palazzo, is bustling with pastry shops and independent fashion stores, while the covered Mercatopoli market draws crowds looking for deals on home goods. Additionally, there are a few pizzerias and traditional osterias in the area that serve comforting pasta dishes.
Valverde
Historic village rich in reminders of a bucolic Bergamo, located at the foot of the walled city outside Porta Garibaldi, connecting to Valtesse and the exit for the Valbrembana.
Interesting recoveries of ancient farmhouses and recent villas that take advantage of the great quiet of the places. Always a bit penalized by the exposure to the North (“upside down”) and the lack of services, mitigated by the historic “frasca”, now transformed into a restaurant outside the city.
One of the choices for those looking for the “city outside the city”, with a residual agricultural vocation expressed by greenhouses and vegetable gardens.
San Vigilio
San Vigilio is the neighborhood around San Vigilio Castle, a historical fortress located on a hilltop in Bergamo, 496 meters above sea level. It has served as a residence for the city’s rulers for centuries and has a strategic location for defense as it offers views of the surrounding areas, including the Mount Bastia, the villages of the old Breno valley, the Almenno plain, and the pre-Alps. The castle’s architecture features four towers and a circular design resembling a star. The castle has a long history dating back to the 6th century and has undergone several expansions and reinforcements over the centuries. During the 16th century, it was the site of multiple sieges by the French and Spanish and was later used as a tourist attraction and restaurant. The castle was bought by the municipality in 1962 and is open to the public, with the added feature of a secret passage that can be visited via guided tours arranged by a speleological group.
Colognola
Colognola is a neighborhood located in the lower town of Bergamo, in the western side of the city. The main attraction of this neighborhood is the beautiful church of Colognola, a church dating back to the 14th century. The church is famous for its frescoes and has a beautiful cloister. The neighborhood is also known for its traditional atmosphere, with narrow streets and small squares, as well as for its many shops and restaurants.
Redona
Redona is a neighborhood located in the lower town of Bergamo, in the northern side of the city. One main attraction of this neighborhood is the beautiful church of San Lorenzo Martire, a church dating back to 1260. The church is famous for its frescoes and has a beautiful cloister. The neighborhood is also known for its traditional atmosphere, with narrow streets and small squares, as well as for its many shops and restaurants.
Curno
Curno is a neighborhood located in the lower town of Bergamo, in the eastern side of the city. The main attraction of this neighborhood is the the parish church, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, which has an original core dating back to the 13th century, although it was almost completely rebuilt four centuries later.
