People who arrive in Bergamo are in for a big surprise, because very few cities can offer visitors two such different faces: the old town, on the top of a hill, which still maintains its medieval aspect, and the new city, which has extended over the planes for industrial expansion and demographical increase.
When you cross over the majestic surrounding walls (called Mura Venete, because they were built in the age when Bergamo belonged to the Republic of Venice) you enter the medieval centre. There are many sights of great beauty. From Piazza Vecchia, with the Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre del Comune, to the ancient Romanic Basilica di S. Maria Maggiore, which also contains the tomb of Gaetano Doninzetti. Bergamo, the city of Lorenzo Lotto, also contains real painting masterpieces: in the Colleoni chapel the Tiepolo frescoes, in the art gallery of the Carrara Academy the works of Raffaello, Tiepolo, Beato Angelico. Looking at the hill, Bergamo's industrialists and business men can carry on remembering their history.
The Bergamo province conceals some true marvels, which not everyone knows about but even the occasional visitor should really try to get to see. We're talking about the castles that are scattered here and there around the province.
This territory, thanks to its geographical position, has represented throughout the centuries a passage point of great historical importance for many populations. The province has withstood many invasions and dominations throughout time, following which fortifications were built with impressive towers, deep moats and drawing bridges.
For this reason, the area is still rich with ancient feudal castles, villages surrounded by walls, and noble residences which still maintain the charm and the mystery they once had. It is certainly worth dedicating some time to an out of-town itinerary to get to know these unexpected wonders.
Bergamo is a florid and refined city. Every month on Saturdays and Sundays, the squares and the palaces in the historical centre host exhibits and antique markets. The opera season at Teatro Donizetti offers various quality events.