Città Alta: The Crown Jewel of Bergamo

• 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/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• 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
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

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

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh/ah]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh kohs-tah]
• 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 dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-djoh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

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

Città Alta, the upper town of Bergamo, has its roots in the ancient Roman settlement of Bergomum, established around 196 BC. The strategic hilltop location allowed for defensive advantages and control over the surrounding plains, making it a vital military and administrative center in the region.

During the Middle Ages, Città Alta flourished as a free commune. The 12th and 13th centuries were marked by the construction of defensive walls, which still encircle the city today. The city became a hub for trade and commerce, with its wealth reflected in the grand architecture of the time, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel.

In 1428, Bergamo came under the control of the Venetian Republic, which lasted for over 200 years. This period left a profound impact on Città Alta's architecture and urban planning. The Venetians fortified the city further, enhancing its defensive structures, and brought a cultural renaissance that enriched the arts and local governance.

The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw Città Alta transitioning through various political regimes, including the Napoleonic occupation. The fall of the Venetian Republic and the subsequent annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century marked significant shifts in governance and culture, leading to a renewed focus on Italian nationalism.

Throughout the 20th century, Città Alta maintained its historical charm while adapting to modernity. The establishment of the funicular in 1887 allowed easier access from the lower city, fostering tourism. Città Alta has become a vibrant cultural hub, hosting events like the annual Bergamo Film Meeting and showcasing its rich artistic heritage.

Città Alta is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Bergamo. Visitors can take the funicular railway from Città Bassa, which operates frequently and offers stunning views of the city during the ascent. Alternatively, buses such as Line 1 connect Città Bassa to Città Alta, with a travel time of about 15 minutes. For those arriving by train, Bergamo's train station is in Città Bassa, and the funicular is a direct route to the old town.

Città Alta is best explored on foot due to its cobbled streets and historical sites. While public transport options are limited, the funicular is a great way to travel to and from Città Bassa. Bicycles can be rented, but the steep terrain may be challenging. For those with mobility issues, consider using taxis or rideshare services, which can navigate the narrow streets.

Città Alta is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. While violent crime is rare, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas like Piazza Vecchia and during festivals. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep valuables secure. It's advisable to stay alert in busy tourist spots.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance. Emergency rooms are available at the nearby Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout Città Alta, where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes as the streets are steep and uneven. Avoid overly casual attire when visiting churches. Religion: Do be respectful in religious settings; cover shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers; don’t eat or drink in the funicular. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buona sera' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as casoncelli and polenta. Don’t waste food; it’s respectful to finish what you order.

To experience Città Alta like a local, visit the small artisan shops along Via della Rocca and taste local wines at local enotecas. Participate in local festivals, if your visit coincides, for an authentic cultural experience. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional trattoria and engage with locals who are often happy to share their stories and recommendations. Don't miss the sunset from the Venetian Walls for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.