Bergamo can surprise you in a thousand ways, and one of the least known is perhaps just how rich in nature she is.
The richness of the Orobian Pre-Alps, its countryside and no less than seven foundation hills make her a true lady dressed in green.
Città Alta is moreover part of a protected area-the Park of the Hills-since 1975, whose trails branch out to neighboring municipalities.
Want to explore the naturalistic side of Bergamo without missing out on historic beauty, views and little secrets like its medieval stairways?
Take this loop tour and you won’t regret it!
The first section takes you from Porta S. Alessandro to San Vigilio Hill, which has always watched over the city and the surrounding plain.
You can reach it on foot by climbing up from San Vigilio Street or by riding on the city’s second historic funicular, the San Vigilio funicular.
Both routes are very scenic.
The choice is yours!
Since you are at the beginning of a moderately challenging route, we recommend the funicular.
Once you reach the upper station, turn right and walk up the cobblestone street to San Vigilio Castle.
From the park of the same name, which holds its historic ruins, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the north side of Bergamo.
Once back down via the Castle, cross the funicular and a little further on you’ll enjoy a second stupendous view, the one from the terrace of San Vigilio Church.
The next stop on your itinerary is at the base of the Scorlazzone, one of the galletta (broken-stone bottom typical of mountain villages) stairways that in medieval times represented the main link between Upper and Lower Bergamo.
Take the narrow street to the right of the Church of San Vigilio and immerse yourself in a timeless atmosphere of old houses, gardens and fascinating views.
When you reach the end, turn right and walk down a stretch of Via Sudorno: just beyond it another small hidden treasure awaits you, the Temple of the Fallen.
Built in 1915 on the remains of the ancient church of St. Mary of Sudorno (whose altarpiece it preserves), it is dedicated to the soldiers of World War I.
From the Temple continue to the bend beyond the portico and turn right, taking Via Astino.
Here begins a new scenic stretch that will reveal step by step tree-lined parks, vineyard-covered hills and, in the distance, the valley with the Allegrezza Forest, which holds the ruins of a castle.
At the penultimate bend you will also cross the beautiful staircase of the recently restored Via Lavanderio.
The Astino Valley then opens up in front of you in all its beauty: here is theformer Astino Monastery, which in fine weather comes alive with events and excellent food and wine; here is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with its magnificent works and, opposite, the Biodiversity Valley, an oasis of conservation of the local flora that houses a section of the Botanical Garden of Bergamo.
Had your fill of nature?
It’s not over yet!
To complete the itinerary, continue along Via Astino skirting the fields of the Linificio and Canapificio Nazionale, which in spring-summer turn into a blooming expanse of flax.
At the end you will find a crosswalk and can take the path that runs alongside the Roggia Curna, part of the large irrigation system built in 1475 at the behest of Bartolomeo Colleoni.
The path comes out on Via Ripa Pasqualina: turn left and start climbing.
Soon the narrow road turns into a medieval staircase, giving you new excitement – and a great cardio workout!
At the top, at the intersection with Via San Martino, go straight for a few minutes and you will soon reach the delightful little church of St. Martin of Laziness.
Next, another intersection awaits you, this time with the Scaletta di San Martino on the right (for next time) and the Scorlazzino on the left.
Take it, go up for a short, picturesque detour and immediately descend back down San Martino Street.
From here, turning left again, you very soon reach Via Borgo Canale and another ancient little church, S. Erasmo.
Welcome to Borgo Canale, the historic neighborhood of vegetable gardens and artists!
Here, at number 14, Bergamo composer Gaetano Donizetti was born in 1797, and it is his family home that now houses the Donizetti Birthplace Museum.
But before you reach it, a stretch of road still awaits you, along which you encounter a new church: the 18th-century Santa Grata Inter Vites, named after the co-patron saint of Bergamo and decorated by Bonomini.
The particular attribute refers to its location, once open countryside planted with vines.
Arrived at the top of Via Borgo Canale, here is the starting point, largo di Porta S. Alessandro.
There is still one stage left, no less green than the others: the“Lorenzo Rota” Botanical Garden. Go through Porta S. Alessandro, turn left and walk along Via Costantino Beltrami until you reach the traffic light; here you can cross the street and face the last climb of the day, Scaletta Colle Aperto, which flanks the ancient Upper Powder Mill of S. Marco. Along the way, you will encounter more and more essences and soon you will be able to enjoy the wonderful garden of the Orto. It is well worth the effort!
Fancy reliving this splendid route, but in reverse? No problem, it’s a loop tour, so you can start it from any of its points of interest. Enjoy your walk!
