Bergamo: A Hidden Gem Nestled in the Italian Alps

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vor-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vor-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vai vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la Polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vor-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Bergamo's origins date back to ancient times when it was founded by the Celtic tribe of the Cenomani. By the 2nd century BC, it became a Roman municipality known as Bergomum. The city was strategically located along important trade routes, which facilitated its growth and prominence in the region.

During the Middle Ages, Bergamo became a fortified city with impressive defensive walls. In the 12th century, it fell under the control of the Lombard League and later the Visconti of Milan. The medieval architecture of the Upper Town (Città Alta) remains a testament to this era, with its narrow cobblestone streets and defensive structures.

In 1428, Bergamo came under the rule of the Republic of Venice. This period marked a time of prosperity and architectural development. The Venetians constructed the famous Venetian Walls, which still encircle the Città Alta. These walls are a UNESCO World Heritage site and an enduring symbol of Venetian influence.

The late 18th century brought significant change to Bergamo as it became part of the Cisalpine Republic under Napoleon Bonaparte. This era saw the dismantling of some of the city's fortifications and the beginning of modern urban planning. Bergamo's integration into the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy introduced new administrative and social reforms.

Bergamo played a pivotal role in the Italian Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. In 1859, the city joined the Kingdom of Sardinia, which later became the Kingdom of Italy. Bergamo's citizens actively participated in the struggle for unification, and the city earned the nickname 'Città dei Mille' (City of the Thousand) in honor of the volunteers who joined Giuseppe Garibaldi's expedition.

The 20th century saw Bergamo evolve into a thriving industrial and cultural center. The city expanded beyond its historic core, with new neighborhoods and infrastructure. Despite modernization, Bergamo has preserved its rich heritage, blending the old and new seamlessly. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, culinary traditions, and historical landmarks.

Bergamo is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) is only 5 km from the city center and offers numerous international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach the city center. If you prefer traveling by train, Bergamo's main railway station is well-connected to Milan, Brescia, and other major cities in Italy. Additionally, the city is accessible via major highways such as the A4, making it convenient for those traveling by car.

Bergamo is divided into two main areas: Città Alta (Upper Town) and Città Bassa (Lower Town). Public transportation is efficient and includes buses and funiculars that connect these two areas. The ATB (Azienda Trasporti Bergamo) operates the local bus and funicular services. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also an option. For those who prefer exploring on foot, many attractions in Città Alta are within walking distance. Renting a bike is another great way to explore the city.

The official currency in Bergamo, as in the rest of Italy, is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, making it easy to withdraw money as needed.

Bergamo is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular destination, it’s important to be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be mindful of your belongings. While Bergamo doesn't have specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. This number can be used to reach police, medical, and fire services. Bergamo has several hospitals and clinics, including the Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, which is well-equipped to handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Italians take fashion seriously, so avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and beachwear when in the city. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove hats when entering. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses and funiculars. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like polenta and casoncelli. Don’t rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Italy. Also, avoid asking for modifications to traditional dishes.

To experience Bergamo like a local, take a stroll through the bustling Piazza Vecchia in Città Alta and enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the many cafes. Visit the local markets, such as the Mercato del Carmine, to purchase fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals, who are often happy to share insights about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss a visit to the Rocca di Bergamo for panoramic views of the city. For a unique experience, attend a local festival or event, such as the Donizetti Opera Festival, which celebrates the city's rich musical heritage.