Bergamo Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Bergamo

The first thing you notice about Bergamo is topography. Situated at the foothills of the Italian Alps, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Bergamo has been divided into two parts, the Upper Town and the Lower Town (Città Alta and Città Bassa), since the 15th century. The flat Lower Town rises steeply to the Upper Town, perched on a picturesque hill's crest.

Historically, Lower Bergamo, in the valley, developed as a commercial hub, while Upper Bergamo was the seat of the ruling nobility and the heart of religious and cultural life. Today, the Upper Town (Città Alta) is home to famous landmarks such as the cherished Old Square (Piazza Vecchia) and the gazing heavenward Bergamo Cathedral (Duomo di Bergamo). Encircling the historic center Venetian Walls (Mura Veneziane di Bergamo) bear witness to Bergamo's fortified past; their weathered stones embrace centuries of resilience and fortitude.

Bergamo's history can be traced back to the pre-Roman era when Celtic tribes inhabited the area. The Romans later conquered the region and established a city called "Bergomum", in the 1st century BC.

The name "Bergamo" is believed to originate either from the Celtic word "berg," which means "fortification" or "abode", or the same Germanic word for "mountain." The latter, if paired with "heim", gives us the "mountain home". Over the centuries, Bergheim had evolved into Bergamo.

During the medieval period, the city emerged as an important commercial center. Throughout its history, Bergamo was ruled by various powers, including the Venetian Republic, the French, and the Austrians. In the 19th century, during the Italian unification process, Bergamo became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Adorning the cityscape, the venerable 16th-century bastions of the Fortress of Bergamo (Rocca di Bergamo) stand as a sentinel of the past, guarding its secrets, while offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. It also houses a museum exhibiting historical artifacts related to the Italian unification.

Enveloped in architectural opulence, the Colleoni Chapel (Cappella Colleoni) is an ornate ode to the indomitable spirit of its patron saints, Bartholomew, Mark the Evangelist, and John the Baptist. Amid the sacred treasures of faith, the nearby 12th-century Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) reigns supreme.

The cobblestone lanes of Bergamo, where the echoes of centuries resonate, beckon travelers to embark on a journey through time. If you wish to lose yourself amid the labyrinthine alleys replete with stories and thus get closer to discovering the soul of Italy, this self-guided walk is for you.