Car Hire Bergamo - Mini guide to Bergamo

Bergamo is an extremely pretty old town in Lombardy on the edge of the Alps, with little traffic, an historic old town, and pleasant streets.

Most of Bergamo’s major sites are located in the Citta Alta (upper town) which is the historic heart of the city and linked to the more modern new town by funiculars as well as roads. Essential viewings here include the Palazzo della Ragione with its 12th century portico and the lovely early medieval church of Santa Maria Maggiore. One of Bergamo's most important tourist attractions is located outside the town wall on Via della Nuca - the town's 200-year-old art gallery, the Accademia Carrara, which contains works by Botticelli, Bellini, Mantegna, and many other masters.

Citta Alta is a lovely area to stroll around in, and for those who like green spaces there is a park at the base of the Rocca, as well as a Botanical Garden. A pleasant walk can also be had in the small hilltop settlement of San Vigilio, which contains the grassy ruined fortress of Castello, complete with superb mountain views.

Bergamo is a haven for designer shopping, although traditional handicrafts can be purchased in the old town. For food lovers, pastries and sweet delicacies are a speciality but there are also many top-end restaurants serving the best in northern Italian cuisine.

One hour outside Bergamo is Milan, which makes an interesting excursion to shop for designer items, sip cappuccinos, visit the cathedral or maybe watch the famous football teams. The scenic beauty of Lake Como is also a short drive away.

Bergamo is an hour away by train from Milan and they run hourly. Frequent services also go to Brescia. Buses run regularly between Bergamo, Milan and Como. Buses also run every half hour from Orio al Serio Airport which has frequent flights to other Italian and European cities.