Bergamo
A historically rich medieval city, once a part of Venice
The city of Bergamo is perched atop a hill just within a 30-40 minute train or car ride from Milan. The fourth largest city in Lombardy, it is located at the foot of the Alps.
Bergamo is the second most visited city in the region after Milan thanks to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine and easy connections. Just 30 minutes from Milan, Bergamo has its own international airport ten minutes away. The city is at the foothills of the Orobie Alps, popular with Italian skiers given their proximity to Milan.
For 400 years, from the early 15th century, Bergamo was a part of the Republic of Venice. The Venetians built a stone wall around the Citta Alta perched on a hill above the rest of town. Piazza Vecchia, in the heart of the Citta Alta, is a great starting point for exploring Bergamo, branching off into a network of narrow and distinctly medieval, winding cobblestone streets.
The modern Citta Bassa (Lower City) is not without its charms, boasting a good collection of parks, galleries, museums and fashion boutiques and general 19th-century chic.
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History & Culture in [locality]
The remote origins of the city of Bergamo can be perceived in its own name, probably a combination of the Germanic words Berg (mountain) and heim (house). Bergamo's hilltop location has always been a defensive advantage, meaning that it has been occupied for centuries.
The first settlement we have remains of was a Celtic village that succumbed to the Romans in the year 49 BC. They enlarged the town, now called Bergomum, which had around 10,000 inhabitants under Roman rule, but it was raided by Attila in the 5th century.
In the early Middle Ages, Bergamo was the seat of one of the most important Lombard duchies in northern Italy. In the 9th century, it was conquered by Charlemagne who turned it into a county and, in the 11th century, it became an independent commune that took part in the Lombard League, fighting to defend the Kingdom of Italy against the threat of the Holy Roman Empire dominated by the Hohenstaufen dinasty. From 1264, Bergamo was under the rule of Milan and the Visconti family, who fortified the citadel.
However, in the early 15th centuries, Bergamo fell under the control of the Venetian Republic until the late 18th century, becoming the westernmost outpost of this territory. The Venetians fortified the town to counteract possible attacks from other regions of Italy.
Napoleonic rule was imposed on Bergamo in 1797 while in 1815 it was assigned to the Austrian Empire. Under Austrian government, the town's industrial development began with the installation if the first textile factories. The city played a vital role during the Italian unification or 'Resorgimento'. It was called the 'Città dei Mille' in honour of 'I Mille', the most important voluntary contingent in Garibaldi's army, because around a sixth of them came from the city. Garibaldi liberated Bergamo in 1859 becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy and, after, the Italian Republic.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Sights in Milan
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Biblioteca and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Ambrosian Library and Art Gallery), Milan - Centre
The Ambrosian Library & Art Gallery, named after Ambrose the patron saint of Milan, opened in 1618 and is the city's oldest museum. The beautiful palace, as well as the world-class collections of paintings, manuscripts and books are well worth a visit.
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Rocca Borromeo Castle, Angera
The fortified castle of Borromeo sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town of Angera and is one of the best-preserved castles in the region. There are spectacular views of Lake Maggiore and across to the Alps, meaning it was an important strategic location.
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Triennale di Milano (Triennale Design Museum), Northwest Milan
The Triennale is a design museum and events venue located in the Palazzo d'Arte, on the grounds of Milan's Parco Sempione. The Palazzo's ground floor open-plan showroom has a surface area of around 2000 m2 and was once home to Milan's huge design cultural event held every 3 years.
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San Nazaro Maggiore Basilica, Milan - Centre
This basilica was originally built by St Ambrose, in the 4th century, and contains the remains of the Apostles, John, Andrew and Thomas, as well as those of San Nazaro. Some remains of frescoes can still be seen despite many changes to its original structure over the years.
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Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, Northwest Milan
This Dominican convent, included in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites List, was built between 1463 and 1481 under the promotion of Duke Francesco Sforza. Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Last Supper fresco is located in its refectory.
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Villa Reale (Royal Palace), Monza
Built at the request of empress Maria Theresa of Austria as a summer residence for her son Ferdinand, this royal palace was designed to imitate Lombard villas. The palace and its extensive gardens are now part of Monza Park.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Milan
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Terrazza Gallia Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Located at the luxury Excelsior Gallia Hotel, this rooftop restaurant boasts a menu created under the consultancy of three-Michelin starred chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea and the Lebano brothers. They serve modern Italian cuisine with a focus on the Lombardy region.
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Il Baretto Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Il Baretto has been running for over fifty years, delighting the great and the good of the city for half a century. The sophisticated, old English club house decor is host to a refined menu taking cues from Milanese and international cuisine.
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Palazzo Parigi Restaurant, Milan - Centre
The elegant style and furnishings, the neoclassical pieces of art decorating the walls and the hand-painted high ceiling is a dramatic yet fitting setting for the fantastic food of the Palazzo Parigi restaurant. And when the weather is fine, the relaxed atmosphere of the private garden terrace provides an alternative atmosphere for visiting diners.
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Rubacuori Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Michelin-starred experience that draws on the experimentation of the Venissa culinary approach. The enchanting decor completes the tone for dining in a very unique setting.
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VUN Restaurant, Milan - Centre
This elegant and sophisticated restaurant is located in a luxury hotel right in the heart of Milan and has been awarded a Michelin star. They serve traditional Italian dishes with innovative touches using local fresh ingredients.
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Armani Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Part of the Armani Hotel Milan, this Michelin-starred restaurant takes a modern approach to classic Italian wining and dining. The stylish decor has been designed to the smallest detail by Giorgio Armani himself.
Things to do in [locality]
Things To Do in Milan
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Villa Paradiso Golf Course
This 18-hole, par 72, golf course was designed by Franco Piras and realised in 2002.
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Lake Maggiore Express
This round trip by boat and train, taking in the main sights and towns is a fantastic way of seeing the area around Lake Maggiore.
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Monte Tamaro
Monte Tamaro rises 1,961 metres above the lake and in this beautiful hilly area there are plenty of wonderful trails and hikes. Notably it is the starting point for the Tamaro-Lema hike. This peak is also worth visiting for the contemporary and innovative Santa Maria degli Angeli church designed by Mario Botta and painted by Enzo Cucchi. It sits on the edge of the hillside with amazing views. There is also an adventure park and mountain bike trails. Something for everyone.
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Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Course, Lake Como
An Old England styled public golf course set prestigiously on the shores of Lake Como.
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Ranch Barlot Horse Riding
Heading up the hills from Lake Garda is the beautiful Monte Baldo region of sloping forests, lush greenery and flowing rivers.
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Trenino di Orta
The great little trains of Orta tour around this part of the lovely lake, taking in the main square of Orta San Giulio, the holy mountain of Sacramonte and its chapels, and the painted village of Legro. It's a great way of seeing this outcrop of land and is a big hit with children.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Milan
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Mio Bar, Milan - Centre
Located in the historic centre of Milan, in front of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this is one of Milan’s hottest and trendiest bars in the city at any time of the day.
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Alcatraz Nightclub, Northwest Milan
One of the most renowned music venues in Milan, at this nightclub you'll be able to see big live rock concerts during the week, while during the weekends it turns into a disco.
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Le Biciclette Bar & Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Located in south-central Milan, this former cycle shop is a funky art bar decorated with old bicycles and is a great place to enjoy an aperitivo, a tasty dinner or start your evening.
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La Chiesetta Bar, Northwest Milan
This unconsecrated small church was built at the end of the 18th century and, in 2006, it was converted into a bar. With a unique atmosphere, this bar is specialised in beers, cocktails and shots.
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Basso Bar, Milan - Centre
This historical Milan club is known for its cocktails, notably its 'Eat and Drink' ('Mangia e Bevi') cocktail, and claims to have invented the Negroni Sbagliato, made not with gin, but with spumante!
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Terrazza Aperol Bar, Historic Centre of Milan
Overlooking the cathedral, this first-floor terrace is a great place for a relaxed aperitivo enjoying one of Milan's most typical drinks, an Aperol spritz.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Milan
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Melia Milano Hotel, Milan - Centre
Located in one of the fastest growing areas of Milan this 5 star hotel is in a great position for access to the Congress centre, Expo & the San Siro football stadium.
Price: €3,243
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C-Hotel, Cassago Brianza
This uber contemporary hotel has been designed with the intention of creating a centre of comfort and tranquillity.
Price: €2,793
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Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Milan - Centre
A refined and sophisticated hotel housed in four 18th century buildings, the service and atmosphere is as expected from the international luxury hotelier group, Mandarin Oriental. A Michelin-starred restaurant and extensive luxury spa are the highlights.
Price: €18,579
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Town House 12 Hotel
The hotel offers contemporarily designed rooms and a little enchanting veranda. An ideal location if you are visiting one of the many Milan fairs.
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The Gray Hotel
There is no shortage of colour or style in this design hotel, looking out on the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Price: €6,461
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3Rooms Hotel
The famous Corso Como 10 opened this intimate hotel in 2003, offering just three modern suites.
Price: €3,340
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Milan
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Malpensa Shuttle
Shuttle company offering regular services from Malpensa airport to Milan central train station via Milano Fiera, as well as to Milano Fiera Rho, Linate airport, Bergamo and Monza.
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Orio Shuttle, Bergamo
This company offers coach airport transfers from Orio al Serio airport to Milan central station, Malpensa airport, Bergamo and Monza.