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
A historically rich medieval city, once a part of Venice
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.
History & Culture in Milan
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 Milan
Sights in Milan
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Ca' Granda Old Hospital, Milan - Centre 
Ca' Granda Old Hospital, Milan - Centre
Former Renaissance hospital, now Milan's university building
The building of the Ospedale Maggiore, commonly known as Ca' Granda, was ordered by Francesco Sforza in the 15th to bring Milan's thirty hospitals into one place. The vast construction was designed by Tuscan architect Filarete, known for his work on the Castello Sforzesco and the cathedral.
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Musei dei Castello (Museums in the Sforzesco Castle), Northeast Milan
A top curator, art historian & museographer have joined forces to create innovative exhibits
The Castello Sforzesco incorporates a whole host of museums inside with exhibitions that range from prehistoric and Egyptian archaeological materials to paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, manuscripts, furniture, musical instruments, stamps, coins, medals and much more.
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Torre Branca (Branca Tower), Northwest Milan
Gain perspective on the city of Milan with a panoramic view
The Torre Branca (named after the liquor company that restored it in 2002) offers visitors a panoramic view point in the city. At 108.6 metres, the iron tower is the fourth highest structure in Milan, located in the city's most expansive park, Parco Sempione.
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San Siro Stadium and Museum, Northwest Milan
One of Europe's most illustrious sports stadiums
The Giuseppe Meazza stadium or San Siro (as it is better known) was conceived exclusively as a football venue. It was built to host the tempestuous and bi-annual games between the city's rival teams - AC Milano and Inter (F.C. Internazionale Milano).
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Galleria Blu, Milan - Centre
First gallery in Milan, home to works by many prominent artists
This gallery is the oldest in Milan, originally founded in 1957, and initially focussed on post-war avant-garde.
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Fabbrica del Vapore Gallery, Northwest Milan
Contemporary art gallery and cultural space
Located at an old industrial facility, this multifunctional space is managed by Milan Town Council and open to all. It has a gallery exhibition space and offices of 200m2.
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Dining in Milan
Restaurants & Dining in Milan
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Terrazza Gallia Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Gourmet restaurant near the train station in Milan
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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Seta Restaurant, Milan - Centre
An Italian dining experience directed by renowned head chef Antonio Guida
The 2-Michelin-starred Seta restaurant located in the Mandarin Oriental Milan hotel is a new kid on the block for the Milanese restaurant scene. An open-plan kitchen gives guests a peak of how the stunning dishes are prepared and a more complete experience to their choices.
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Il Baretto Restaurant, Milan - Centre
A part of Milanese gastronomic culture
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
A sumptuous dining experience of classic Italian inspiration
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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VUN Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Michelin starred restaurant right in front of Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle
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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Rubacuori Restaurant, Milan - Centre
Fine dining in Milan, inspired by Venice
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.
Nightlife in Milan
Bars & Clubs in Milan
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Mio Bar, Milan - Centre
Chic bar in front of Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II
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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Radetzky Cafe & Bar
Famous cafe and bar in Brera district
This super-cool cafe/bar, whose name is taken from the Austrian General who ruled over Lombardy, is frequented by the Brera fashion and arts crowd and is a great place to unwind. It has an old-world feel, fantastic aperitivo and superb brunches. Best enjoyed in summer.
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Just Cavalli Nightclub, Northwest Milan
Famous bar & restaurant designed created by Roberto Cavalli
This club was created by the famous fashion stylist Roberto Cavalli and is located within the largest city garden, Parco Sempione.
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Basso Bar, Milan - Centre
The origins of the Negroni Sbagliato cocktail
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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Bhangrabar Bar
Indian cocktail bar with a great aperitivo
This Indian bar offers a great selection of cocktails, many based on Indian spirits, serves a good aperitivo buffet and has African-themed evenings, as well as DJ sets late into the evening.
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Cuore Bar, Southwest Milan
Cocktail bar in the heart of Port Ticinese
Meaning "heart", this vibrant, friendly, atmospheric spot is worth seeking out down a side street for its changing interior, DJ sets and mixed clientele.
Things to do in Milan
Things To Do in Milan
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Idroscalo in Festa
Enjoy the summer sporting activity at Milan's 'beach'.
This large lake, on the eastern side of Milan, was originally built for Mussolini as an airport for seaplanes. Now it is a park for sporting activities and a summer meeting place. Boasting a beach, swimming pools and plenty of open space for walking and cycling as well as other team games, its bursts into life in summer and is a perfect family afternoon with a picnic on a hot day.
Hotels in Milan
Hotels in Milan
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Grand Hotel et de Milan
5-star luxury hotel in the centre of Milan
This is Milan's oldest hotel, opened in 1863, and then named the ”Albergo di Milano”. Its has been a sort of 'annex' to La Scala for many years - with some rooms even having adjoining doors to the theatre.
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Chateau Monfort Hotel, Milan - Centre
Milanese five-star fairytale hotel
Exquisite attention to detail and fantastical decor makes the Château Montfort a stand out place to stay in the centre of Milan. A stay here will conjure up any number of enchanting childhood tales.
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Four Seasons Hotel
Luxury 5-star hotel in a historical 15th-century building
This indulgent hotel offers classical Renaissance charm, allowing you the chance to dream under the frescoes and vaulted ceilings of a former 15th-century convent. And it is located just steps from Milan's couture houses and financial district, on the exclusive Via Gesú, between Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
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Town House Galleria Milano Hotel
5-star luxury hotel located inside Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle
Superbly located in the heart of Milan, inside the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, just few steps away from Duomo square, this hotel holds on to its history while providing world-class and design accommodations. The 58 rooms and suites with a stunning view inside the Galleria offer an intimate and elegant hideaway in the historical centre of Milan.
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Westin Palace Hotel
5-star luxury hotel in the centre of Milan
This regal hotel offers elegant rooms, some with views of the Duomo and has a large private roof terrace, ideal for aperitivo.
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Excelsior Gallia Hotel, Milan - Centre
Luxury 5 star hotel in the centre of Milan
Originally opened in 1932, the hotel has been completely renovated by renowned Milanese designer Marco Piva. An architectural jewel of Belle Époque grandeur, Piva has created an extraordinary new destination in the city of style.
How to get to Milan
Transfers for Milan
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Airport shuttle from Malpensa to Milan centre
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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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Direct shuttles from Orio al Serio to Milan, Bergamo & Monza
This company offers coach airport transfers from Orio al Serio airport to Milan central station, Malpensa airport, Bergamo and Monza.
