Bergame: Italy’s Hidden Gem Rising in a New Light

What Exactly Is “Bergame”?

“Bergame” often appears in trending searches—but what does it refer to? In Italian, Bergame is Bergamo, a city in Lombardy, northern Italy, famous for its art, history, and growing reputation for quality of life.

The city is split into two parts: Città Alta (“upper town”), perched on a hill, with ancient walls, narrow streets, and medieval architecture; and Città Bassa (“lower town”), which holds the modern city life—shops, business, hospitals. The contrast is part of its charm.


---

Why Is Bergamo Trending Right Now?

Several recent developments have pushed Bergamo into the spotlight:

It topped a recent “quality of life” index in Italy. According to Il Sole 24 Ore, Bergamo leads among Italian provinces when evaluating well-being, education, environment, healthcare, safety, and culture.

The city continues to expand its travel connectivity, especially through its airport (Milan-Bergamo, also known as Orio al Serio), adding more direct flights to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Tourism is recovering strongly. Places like the old city walls, ancient churches, lovely piazzas, and culinary offers (cheese, salami, pasta) are drawing travellers seeking authentic Italian culture off the beaten path.


So for many, Bergamo is no longer just a stop-over airport—it’s becoming a destination in its own right.


---

What Makes Bergamo Special

1. The Architecture & Heritage

Città Alta is one of Bergamo’s main draws. Built on a hill and surrounded by Venetian walls, its medieval towers, cobbled alleys, and churches like Santa Maria Maggiore add a sense of timeless elegance. The views over the plains below are breathtaking.

2. Culture & Lifestyle

Despite its industrial roots, Bergamo has invested in culture, education, and sustainability. Locals take pride in preserving green spaces, maintaining safety, and promoting local artisans. Street cafés, artisan shops, and local markets make appreciating Italian daily life easy.

3. Travel & Access

The Milan-Bergamo airport is a major low-cost hub. New routes to and from Eastern Europe and flights from places like Fès in Morocco help bring more visitors. Also, flights between London and Bergamo are among the cheaper international options.


---

Challenges Beneath the Surface

Bergamo’s rise doesn’t come without hurdles:

Managing tourism: Every city with historic centres must balance preserving its heritage with welcoming tourists. Overcrowding, wear on heritage sites, and maintaining authenticity are issues.

Infrastructure pressure: A growing number of visitors strains public transport, roads, and airport capacity.

Weather & seasonality: Winters can be cold and damp; summer heat and crowds come together which can make travel less comfortable.



---

What to Do If You Visit

If Bergamo is on your travel radar, here are places and tips worth considering:

Walk the old walls around Città Alta for panoramic views at sunset.

Visit Santa Maria Maggiore and the Piazza Vecchia, the historic heart that feels like stepping back in time.

Try local cuisine — Bergamo’s cheese, breads, salumi, and polenta are regional highlights.

Ride the funicular up-and-down between the two parts of the city—it’s short, scenic, and gives a taste of old world charm.

When flying in, consider staying in Bergamo rather than just using it as a transit hub for Milan.