A Day in Bergamo

Today is my first time visiting the city of Bergamo, about 40 km northeast of Milano. I took the train to Bergamo this morning and was there by 10am. Then it was a short bus ride up the hill to Bergamo Alta, the upper part and historic center of Bergamo. My friend Olga had suggested going here as she had visited here and thought I would enjoy it. She was right!

It is one of those towns built on a hill, but by now the steps and inclines don’t bother me anymore. I loved walking around and finding the Rocca high on a hill. From there I had a panoramic view of the city, as well as a quiet atmosphere in the park surrounding the fortress.

The narrow streets and shops were exactly as Olga had told me, and Piazza Vecchio was a wonderful spot to people watch. There were flowers everywhere in a multitude of colors, and I could smell the freshly baked pastries on every street. Although there were other tourists there, it was not very crowded.

There are two funiculars there, and I was going to take one up to the highest point and see Castello San Vigilio, but like most shops in Italy, even the funicular was closed between 1 and 3. I noticed the prices here were lower than in Verona and there were clothes hanging out once again on balconies and beneath windows.

After awhile I needed a rest from walking and also was a little tired so I had lunch, a pomodoro and mozzarella bruschetta, at Ristorante Campanello and it was just enough.

Olga, thank you or telling me about this wonderful place! I will have to come back again to enjoy more of this special place.

On the train ride back to Verona, I noticed all the grape vines and farmers cutting their fields of grain. The train is good for being able to see a lot of the area. After returning to Verona I went to Piazza delle Erbe for my last evening there, and enjoyed dinner at Ai Lamberti.