The author’s itinerary to discover the authentic Beauty of Bergamo
Let yourself be transported on a unique journey by walking the Mile of Beauty, a signature itinerary to celebrate Bergamo Brescia Culture Capital 2023 at its best. Step by step you will encounter all the traits of Beauty to get to know Bergamo from a different perspective.
Let yourself be guided through an unusual route among noble residences, works of art, alleys, stairways and much more without forgetting, of course, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Full of curiosity, venture into a city that is waiting to reveal its best secrets and leave you speechless.
Our advice is to start from the Cittadella Viscontea in the Upper City to the foot of the Venetian Walls, but there is no fixed rule: your Mile of Beauty also works in reverse!
In Citadel Square begins the first chapter of the Mile: one of the characteristic squares of Upper Town, whose multifaceted past has left signs that are still clearly visible.
Can you spot them?
Within a few meters of each other you can find a stretch of Roman road, a postern of the ancient medieval walls and pillars from the Romanesque period, just to name a few.
All of Bergamo’s historical-scientific knowledge is also preserved here: you can’t miss an interactive visit to the “E. Caffi” Natural Science Museum, which jealously preserves minerals, fossils, animals and insects, and one to the Civic Archaeological Museum, which has grown from a simple and initial “collection of antiquities” to now hold a priceless collection.
Take the arcade located at the base of the Campanella Tower, reach Piazza Mascheroni (once called Piazza Nuova) and continue along Via Colleoni, better known as Corsarola.
Almost hidden from the comings and goings of locals, tourists and students as well as from the narrow conformation of the street, the entrances to the main centers of cultural activity in Città Alta magically open up: the Teatro Sociale and theEx-monastero del Carmine, still going strong with a rich schedule of shows and events not to be missed.
Keep going straight ahead until one of the most beautiful places in Italy opens up before you: Piazza Vecchia.
It’s time to discover the heart of Bergamo Alta!
Its grandiose monuments will keep your nose to the ground – but don’t forget to look where you put your feet, because under the Palazzo della Ragione you’ll find a rare, ancient, dark-chamber solar sundial, which guides you to Piazza Duomo.
Near the Baptistery you’ll be able to realize instead the size of what is said to be the largest bell in Lombardy, that of the Civic Tower, known precisely as the “Campanone.”
After a good fill of Beauty, locate near Palazzo della Ragione the arcade of Via Ca’ Longa, right next to the place that was already a tavern in the 15th century: this little shortcut takes you straight to one of Bergamo Alta’s most beloved views.
At the end you will find a charming tree-lined square where theAntico Lavatoio and the city’s tallest tower, the medieval Gombito tower, reign supreme. From here you can make a small detour if you wish: turn right, go up Via Mario Lupo and you will soon be rewarded by one of the most iconic views ever, that of the elegant Palazzo Terzi, whose entrance opens onto the famous terrace with statues overlooking the lower town.
Then retracing your steps, cross the small square of the Antico Lavatoio and take the last shortcut to the right, among the flower beds and steps of Piazzetta Angelini, until you reach Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe.
Located at the meeting point of the main access roads to the village, it was the place anciently dedicated to trade; still today it is an important crossroads, full of charm and secrets to discover.
Start the descent!
Take Via Porta Dipinta to the left and be captivated by its hidden treasures: from the FAI heritage-listed Palazzo and Giardini Moroni to the seemingly simple church of Sant’Andrea to the art history lesson with Lotto’s works in the small church of San Michele al Pozzo Bianco.
At the far end you will already catch a glimpse of theformer complex of Sant’Agostino, which gives its name to the monumental entrance to the village and is now home to the University of Bergamo.
Skirt it, go through Porta Sant’Agostino, descend for a stretch keeping to the left and, when you have arrived at the beginning of Via Pignolo, take Via della Noca immediately on your left; you will thus leave behind the monumental gate, with its distinctive Venetian lion, to venture along the path of one of the city’s typical medieval stairways.
Last stop of the now your Mile of Beauty.
Don’t be intimidated by the “non latius” (“no further”) engraved on the small stele at the base of the Noca and reach Piazza Giacomo Carrara.
There you’ll find yourself among the highlights of Bergamo’s artistic expression: innovation, creativity, unique collections and perspectives are just some of what theCarrara Academy and Gallery of Modern Art has to offer you.
Discover the unmissable permanent exhibitions and be fascinated by the new things these two museums always have in store for you!
Too beautiful for a single tour?
You can also make Carrara Square your starting point and walk the Mile uphill, discovering the Beauty of the city from the foot of its walls to the top of its hills.
