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Città Alta: Bergamo's Historic Heart

Explore Città Alta, Bergamo: a captivating medieval village with Venetian walls, offering history, culture, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Città Alta, Bergamo's Upper Town, is a captivating medieval village perched atop a hill, encircled by Venetian walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its cobbled streets, historic palaces, and charming squares, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views.

A brief summary to Città Alta

  • Bergamo, Province of Bergamo, IT

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the cobbled streets and staircases of Città Alta.
  • Take the funicular for a scenic and convenient way to reach Città Alta from the lower town.
  • Visit Piazza Vecchia, the heart of Città Alta, and admire the surrounding historical buildings.
  • Climb the Campanone for panoramic views of Bergamo and the surrounding landscape.
  • Explore the Venetian walls for scenic walks and stunning vistas.
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Getting There

  • Funicular

    From Bergamo Bassa (lower town), the Funicolare Città Alta is a convenient and scenic option. The funicular station is located near Galleria Conca D'oro on Viale Vittorio Emanuele II. A single ticket costs €1.70 and can be purchased at the station. The ride takes a few minutes, delivering you to Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe in Città Alta.

  • Bus

    From the Bergamo train station, take bus line 1 directly to Città Alta. The bus ride costs €1-€3. Get off at the 'Colle Aperto' stop, near San Alessandro Gate. From there, it's a short walk to the heart of Città Alta. A 24-hour ticket for €5 covers travel to/from the airport and throughout the city, including funiculars.

  • Walking

    For a more immersive experience, walk from Bergamo Bassa to Città Alta. Several stairways and paths connect the two towns. The walk is steep and takes approximately 20-30 minutes, but offers rewarding views along the way. Be prepared for uneven surfaces and steps.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Bergamo Bassa to Città Alta. A taxi ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes and costs around €7-€11. Taxi ranks are located outside the train station and in major squares.

  • Parking

    If driving, limited parking is available in Città Alta. During peak hours and on weekends, access to Città Alta by car is restricted. Parking is available at Parcheggio Città Alta, Parcheggio Porta Sant'Alessandro, and Parcheggio Tre Armi, with hourly rates around €3-€3.40. Be aware of the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) and its restrictions.

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Discover more about Città Alta

Città Alta, the Upper Town of Bergamo, is a mesmerizing journey back in time. Enclosed by imposing 16th-century Venetian walls, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this hilltop village offers an unforgettable experience. Wander through its narrow, winding cobbled streets, discover architectural gems, and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era. Piazza Vecchia, the heart of Città Alta, is surrounded by historical buildings, including the Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre del Campanone, and the Biblioteca Civica Angelo Mai. The Contarini Fountain adds to the square's charm, making it a perfect spot to relax and admire the surroundings. Don't miss the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel, showcasing exquisite sacred art. For panoramic views, ascend the Campanone, Bergamo's tallest tower, or explore the Rocca, an ancient military citadel. The Venetian walls themselves offer scenic walks with stunning vistas. Città Alta is easily accessible by funicular, a charming way to ascend from the lower town, or by foot, for a more immersive experience.

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