Bergamo. The history of the stone streets of the Upper Town.
A medieval town on picturesque hills. Stunning views: a panorama of the snowy Alps, vineyards, and silhouettes of ancient bell towers, the boundless Po Valley.
You will walk through the narrow streets of the old town, peek into Renaissance courtyards, and climb the 11th-century Civic Tower. Of course, visit one of the main masterpieces of the Lombard Renaissance – the Colleoni Chapel. You will see a theater named after the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti, a native of these places, as well as visit the Baroque Church of St. Bartholomew, which houses one of the most famous masterpieces of the great Venetian artist Lorenzo Lotto, “Madonna Martinengo.” Then you will ascend to the upper part of the town, which can be done by funicular. Here you will visit the magnificent Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which has no facade. Examine the mausoleum of the famous commander Bartolomeo Colleoni, which from the outside looks like a precious box made of multicolored marble and is decorated with Tiepolo’s frescoes.
In the nearby cathedral, the relics of Saint Alexander, the official patron of the city, are kept. The Old Square is the heart of the city, striking with its medieval architecture. You will see the City Council of the 12th century, proudly adorned with the Venetian lion – the symbol of Saint Mark. If desired, you can climb the ancient bell tower (entrance fee), from where a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings opens up. An equally beautiful view is available from the fortress, which also houses a memorial to all armed forces dedicated to the fallen. Not only children but also adults will find it interesting to see various combat vehicles from World War II.
You will descend into ancient crypts and visit old monasteries.
In addition, after a long restoration, one of the most famous art galleries in Italy – the Carrara Gallery – has reopened. Masterpieces: Raphael, Mantegna, Titian. This is yet another reason to visit this city.
But the main charm of a walk in Bergamo is the city itself. Every street and every corner seems to come alive from the past; here, without any decorations, one can calmly shoot historical films.
