Bergamo, Italy 🇮🇹 – The Most Beautiful Hilltop Town You’ve Never Heard Of | Walking Tour 4K HDR

Bergamo, Italy 🇮🇹 – The Most Beautiful Hilltop Town You’ve Never Heard Of | Walking Tour 4K HDR

Hello friends and welcome to Bergamo, a historic gem in Lombardy, Northern Italy. The city is divided into two parts: Città Bassa, the modern lower town, and Città Alta, the medieval upper town. Città Alta sits on a hilltop and is surrounded by impressive Venetian walls. Ahead is Porta San Giacomo, one of the medieval gates that once controlled entry into the upper town. Porta San Giacomo is one of the most iconic gates of Bergamo’s Venetian Walls. Built in 1592, it was the fourth and last gate added to the city’s fortifications under Venetian rule. Built in 1592, it was the fourth and last gate added to the city’s fortifications under Venetian rule. Made entirely of white marble from Zandobbio, it stands out from the other gates, which were built mostly in stone. Above the arch, you’ll notice the Lion of Saint Mark, Venice’s symbol, carved in relief as a reminder of Venetian power. These fortifications were built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century to defend the city. The Venetian walls stretch for over six kilometers and remain almost perfectly intact. Passing through these gates, visitors are welcomed into centuries of history. These streets were once crowded with merchants, nobles, and pilgrims. Unlike other gates, Porta San Giacomo became less used for heavy traffic in later centuries and more of a scenic promenade. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Bergamo, offering sweeping panoramic views over the lower town (Città Bassa) and all the way to the plains. Notice the colorful shutters and stone details typical of Lombard houses. Walking this cobblestone streets feel like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Every stone here carries the memory of centuries of daily life. Founded as a Celtic settlement, Bergamo later became a Roman municipality around 49 BCE. After the fall of Rome, Bergamo passed through Gothic and Lombard rule, eventually becoming a free commune in the 12th century. Rivalries with nearby Milan shaped much of its politics. Bergamo came under the Republic of Venice, which transformed it into a fortified stronghold. The famous Venetian Walls, still intact today, date from this time. After Venice fell, Bergamo passed briefly to Napoleon, then to Austrian control, becoming part of the Lombardy-Venetia Kingdom. Bergamo earned the title “Città dei Mille” (“City of the Thousand”) for the volunteers who joined Garibaldi’s expedition in 1860, a key moment in Italy’s unification. Today, it is a thriving cultural and economic center, balancing the medieval Città Alta (upper town) with the modern Città Bassa below. We arrive at Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, once the bustling shoe market of medieval Bergamo. Its name comes from the medieval shoe market once held here, where cobblers and merchants gathered daily. Many houses have arched entrances, once used by craftsmen and merchants to display their goods. Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe is the starting point of the historic funicular, built in 1887, which still links the lower town with the upper city. It was a major innovation, allowing people to easily climb the steep hill between the lower and upper towns. Watch as the funicular car glides up the hillside, carrying passengers into the heart of Città Alta. Even now, the funicular is both a practical transport system and a charming symbol of Bergamo’s heritage. Today, cafés and small shops give the square a lively atmosphere, while still recalling its historic role. Narrow streets branch out from here, leading deeper into Città Alta. Shops and cafés here preserve the atmosphere of an old Italian town. This lively road connects Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe with the heart of the old town, Piazza Vecchia. A splash of history in the heart of Bergamo – Fontana del Gombito has been quenching the city’s thirst since the Middle Ages. The fountain dates back to the 13th century, making it one of Bergamo’s oldest public fountains. It’s right by Torre del Gombito, a medieval tower built in the 12th century. The street is always alive with people, giving it a vibrant, welcoming energy. The narrow alleys often open into small squares or hidden courtyards. Every corner tells a story of resilience, beauty, and heritage. Many piazzas here feature fountains that once supplied water to local residents. Bergamo’s charm lies in its balance of grandeur and simplicity. Notice the mix of stone and plaster façades, showing layers of history. The sound of church bells has marked daily life here for centuries. Walls here are often covered in ivy and moss, softening their medieval strength. Time feels slower here, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy. The upper town’s elevation offers refreshing breezes in summer. Torre del Gombito was built in the 12th century and reaches, today, a height of 52 meters compared to the original 64 meters. The tower has retained its original appearance, characteristic of medieval defensive constructions. Exploring Città Alta on foot reveals new details at every turn. Shops here sell local specialties, from handmade pasta to Bergamo cheeses. Piazza Vecchia is the civic heart of the upper town. The Torre Civica, or Civic Tower, rises nearby, once used to call citizens together. The square is often described as one of the most beautiful in Italy. The atmosphere here is elegant yet relaxed, a perfect balance of history and daily life. In the center of Piazza Vecchia you can admire the Contarini Fountain, donated to the city in 1780 by Podestà Alvise Contarini, the Doge of Venice. The square feels like a stage where architecture, history, and daily rhythms come together. The Palazzo della Ragione, built in the 12th century, dominates this square. The Civic Tower is one of the city’s most fascinating attractions, with its 52.76 meters height and unparalleled panoramic views of the city and the Orobian Pre-Alps. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries by the powerful Suardi family, it originally served as a tower house. During the Middle Ages, noble families competed in building taller and taller towers, a symbol of prestige and power. From here you can access Piazza Duomo, the religious heart of Bergamo. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was begun in 1137 and is richly decorated inside.Beside it stands the Colleoni Chapel, a Renaissance masterpiece built in 1472. The façade, made of red and white marble, dazzles with geometric patterns.Inside lie Colleoni’s tomb and beautiful frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro completes Piazza Duomo’s ensemble. Rebuilt in the 17th century, it honors Bergamo’s patron saint, martyred in the 3rd century. The chapel is a symbol of power, faith, and artistic brilliance in Bergamo. This is the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Bergamo’s greatest treasure. It was begun in 1137 in the Romanesque style and expanded over centuries. The basilica is famous for its richly decorated interior, with tapestries and wooden choir stalls. Composers Gaetano Donizetti and his teacher Simone Mayr are buried inside. Here faith, art, and history meet in a small but powerful space. Every corner is dominated by stunning architecture that tells a story. We now step inside the Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro, Bergamo’s main church. Its interior reflects the grandeur of Baroque art, with gilded details and frescoed ceilings. The play of light on marble and gold creates a solemn yet uplifting space. Every element here was designed to inspire devotion and awe. Side chapels display beautiful altarpieces, created by masters of Lombard painting. This cathedral is both a place of worship and a symbol of Bergamo’s deep faith. In the same square we find the elegant octagonal Baptistery. Its delicate Gothic forms and statues celebrate the sacrament of baptism. Piazza Vecchia was praised by architect Le Corbusier as “the most beautiful square in Europe.” Facing the square stands the Palazzo Nuovo, or New Palace. Construction began in 1604 and continued for more than two centuries. Piazza Vechia is often frequented by street artists. Despite its name, Palazzo Nouvo is now over 300 years old, a masterpiece of Renaissance style. Piazza Vecchia embodies the spirit of Bergamo: timeless, welcoming, and full of life. For centuries, this building housed the city’s government and civic offices. Today it serves as the Biblioteca Angelo Mai, Bergamo’s most important library. The library preserves priceless manuscripts, rare books, and historic archives. The crowd and energy here reflect Bergamo’s role as a meeting place through the centuries. Today, the alleys invite quiet exploration and discovery. Bergamo balances medieval heritage with the life of a modern Italian town. These narrow lanes were once vital routes for traders and local families. Small gardens and terraces often hide behind these high stone walls. Shops here often sell regional products like cheese, polenta flour, and cured meats. Città Alta is also famous for trattorias serving polenta, a regional specialty. Bergamo is the birthplace of stracciatella gelato, created here in 1961. The scent of fresh bread and espresso fills many of these medieval streets. Bergamo’s nobility often competed through the beauty of their homes. Colorful plaster was common in Renaissance Bergamo, though little survives. Some windows are framed with elaborate stone moldings, symbols of wealth. Here stands the Torre della Campanella, the Bell Tower of the Citadel.
The tower was built in the 14th century, when the Visconti ruled Bergamo. Its bell marked the hours and called soldiers and citizens to attention. The square was named after the Mascheroni family, an important noble lineage of the city. Elegant palaces with Renaissance and Baroque façades surround the square. Local artisans and farmers gather here, offering products made with care and tradition. In the center of Piazza Mascheroni stands an ancient cistern, once vital for daily life. It was built to collect and store rainwater for the inhabitants of Città Alta. Before modern aqueducts, cisterns like this were the only reliable water source on the hill. A taste of Bergamo: local cheeses, cured meats, and homemade specialties on display. We now arrive in Piazza della Cittadella, once the heart of Bergamo’s Venetian fortress. This square served as a military and administrative center during the Venetian Republic. Notice the harmonious symmetry of the square, reflecting its strategic and aesthetic design. Step inside the Museo Civico to explore centuries of local culture and craftsmanship. It preserves Bergamo’s rich history, from ancient artifacts to Renaissance art. Today, Piazza Mascheroni has a calm and inviting atmosphere, with cafés and restaurants under the arches. It feels less crowded than Piazza Vecchia, giving visitors space to pause and enjoy the setting. Many façades reveal faded frescoes that once brightened the town. Città Alta’s urban design reflects both defense and community life. The silence of these lanes invites reflection as you walk. You may notice reused Roman stones in medieval walls — history built upon history. These stones testify to Bergamo’s ancient origins long before Venice. Many noble palaces of Venetian families still stand in Città Alta. Every corner offers a new perspective on this layered city. The contrast between tight alleys and vast views defines Città Alta. Every street in Bergamo feels like a stage set for history. Quiet side alleys provide a peaceful contrast to the lively squares. The contrast of Città Alta and Città Bassa symbolizes Bergamo’s dual character. The blend of stone, greenery, and sky defines Bergamo’s beauty. Bergamo is also the birthplace of Gaetano Donizetti, the famous opera composer. The city celebrates its musical heritage with annual Donizetti festivals. Opera and choral music still resonate in Bergamo’s theaters and churches. Bergamo’s upper town was never conquered by force thanks to its strong walls. Legends say spirits of ancient defenders still walk these alleys. These lanes still follow medieval layouts, twisting to match the hillside. Parco di San Giovanni is both a historical landmark and a beloved recreational spot. The park’s elevated position makes it a perfect lookout point for photography and sightseeing. Parco di San Giovanni offers panoramic views over Bergamo and the surrounding plains. From the Venetian walls, sweeping views extend across Lombardy’s plains. Visitors enjoy shaded paths, scenic terraces, and a sense of calm above the bustling city. In the distance, rolling hills remind us of Bergamo’s rural roots. Bergamo’s walls, built in the 16th century, remain almost entirely intact. Some of these homes belonged to Venetian administrators during the 16th century. UNESCO recognized these Venetian walls as World Heritage in 2017. Milan lies less than an hour away, yet Bergamo remains distinct. The atmosphere mixes timeless history with daily routines. Wine from nearby valleys complements Bergamo’s rustic cuisine. Agriculture and trade sustained this city for centuries. Local cheeses, like Taleggio, come from valleys just beyond the walls. These flavors tie Bergamo to its Alpine surroundings. The interplay of food, art, and faith defines Bergamo’s culture. From here, you can glimpse the green hills wrapping around the city. These valleys carried silk and wool, which made Bergamo prosperous. Walking here is both a journey through space and through time. The walls themselves once bristled with cannons and soldiers. Yet they never faced a major battle, standing more as a deterrent. Bastions still show angled designs to deflect cannon fire. The engineering reflects Venice’s determination to hold this city. This blend of defense and domestic life defines Bergamo’s character. This is the essence of Città Alta: timeless, living history. Families stroll here in the evenings, enjoying the panorama. Bergamo is at once fortress and garden, city and village. This harmony makes it one of Italy’s hidden jewels. Its walls, streets, and squares invite you to return. This timeless city remains a bridge between past and present. From these points you see both the medieval skyline and modern Bergamo below. Here stands a Renaissance palace, now housing civic offices. Elegant proportions reflect humanist ideals spread from Florence. Notice how olive and cypress trees punctuate the hillside gardens. Mediterranean and Alpine climates meet uniquely in Bergamo. As the walk concludes, the spirit of Bergamo lingers on. Thank you for joining this journey through Bergamo’s Città Alta. May these streets inspire you to discover the beauty of Italy in person. I want to thank you for staying until the end of the video. Don’t forget to press the like and subscribe buttons. 😊🙏 Your support means the world to us, it inspires and fuels our passion to create even more beautiful journeys for you to enjoy. Every like, comment, and share means so much to us. See you in the next video.👋😊

📌 Location : Bergamo – Italy
Date recorded: May 2025
Weather ☀️ 27°C / 81°F

Step back in time as we explore Bergamo’s charming Città Alta, the historic upper town perched on a hilltop in northern Italy. In this walking tour, we’ll wander through cobblestone streets, Renaissance piazzas, and centuries-old city walls while soaking up breathtaking views of the Lombardy countryside.
Highlights in this tour:
Piazza Vecchia – the heart of Città Alta
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore & Colleoni Chapel
Venetian Walls – a UNESCO World Heritage site
Hidden alleyways, artisan shops & local cafés

Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or simply love virtual travel, this video captures the timeless beauty, history, and atmosphere of Bergamo’s most enchanting district.

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