Cluj-Napoca; Unchartered Territory Part 5
June 2, 2024
Bergamo, Italy; The City of Two Halves Part 2
July 9, 2024Bergamo is said to occupy the site of the ancient town of Bergomum, founded by the Celtic tribe Cenomani.
North of the city, you can find The Bergamo Alps (Alpi Orobie). Situated in Northern Italy, it’s part of the Lombardy region, and generally has a mild climate.
Bergamo, Città Bassa
Bergamo is a beautiful city that will always have a place in my heart. Having visited countless times, I can’t help but to smile at the mere thought. Whether solo or with a partner, I’ve always found myself reluctant to leave this beautiful city.
Just a short train ride from Milan, San Pellegrino, and Lake Garda, it’s a great location on its own or for exploring surrounding areas.
Gallery
Downtown Charm
Città Bassa, downtown Bergamo, has a vast array of shops and Il Sentierone comes alive at Christmas with the pop-up markets, shows, and marquees for dancing. I’ve waltzed across a makeshift dancefloor with an handsome Italian, charmed a stallholder who gifted me cheese, and accidentally joined a marathon; all the while laughing and conversing poorly in Italian.
Thankfully, I escaped that particular marathon quickly but be wary when wearing sportswear; you may be mistaken for a real athlete.
Shopping
There are many boutiques dotted around offering unique fashion with an Italian touch. Escape rooms offer a quirky alternative to museums, and there are often arts and crafts workshops being held in creative hubs and shared spaces. Keep an eye out for billboards as they are usually kept up to date with local events and don’t be embarrassed to ask the barista or shopkeeper for their recommendations; most people are delighted to be able to share their city with you.
Even just mooching around you are likely to find markets in the streets or pop-up stalls at random venues.
Worst case scenario, you find no markets or pop-up events so you have to stop for an ‘uno in due (as introduced to me by a certain Northern Italian); 1 bottle of Campari in 2 glasses, topped up with white wine. Salute!
History
Twin buildings, Propilei di Porta Nuova, dominate the crossroads, resembling old temples. They were built in the 19th century on the site of an old gate of the city walls that once ran through Città Bassa.
Round every corner you will see examples of different periods of history, if architecture is your thing you’ll be in awe walking around. Emanating grandeur, Bergamo has a charm about it I’ve yet to manage to describe. Roman, Medieval, and Venetian influences mingle to create an enchanting space.
Churches
Founded in the 1300’s, La Chiesa di Santo Spirito is a quirky church many times refurbished, now boasting Renaissance and Baroque influences. The eery bronze Holy Spirit statue guarding the doorway becomes a distant thought once over the threshold, the chapels steal your attention. Flanked by detailed paintings that rival those in the Vatican, they’re true works of art. One particular altar piece is by Lorenzo Lotto, a renowned Italian artist.
More Churches
La Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano also houses more of Lorenzo’s work and is within walking distance of La Chiesa di Santo Spirito. Most churches are home to works by multiple artists, there are usually guidebooks or plaques to indicate who created each piece.
Another church I’ve visited often is Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata delle Grazie, boasting Neoclassical influence. Again, one to wander through slowly whilst savouring the artworks. At Christmas, there are usually lights strung up outside, somehow enhancing it despite not matching it.
Exquisite attention to detail can be found all through Bergamo; look closely at door frames, knockers, and windows, make sure to look up, and venture down the seemingly dead-end streets. You never know just what treasures you’ll find!
My adventures with Walkinita covered other religious sites and interesting areas during our walking lesson, but I shall delve into that in another blogpost (keep your eyes peeled).
The Football Part
When I had an Italian partner, I was taken to the Gewiss Stadium for an amazing football match, Atalanta versus Sassuolo. It's certainly a spirited affair, the Italians supported their team with vigour. Despite knowing none of the chants, I was made to feel right at home in the surging crowd, everyone looking out for each other as we all cheerfully jostled around on the stairs in excitement.
Fans of all ages start out at Il Baretto Civico 1907 , a small bar just outside of the stadium full of football paraphernalia and souvenirs. Naturally, we had to pitstop here to start our evening with a beer amongst the Ultras. Somehow, I managed to buy Atalanta espresso cups that survived until my return to England. They bring a smile to my face every time I use them.
Continued
Several drinks were consumed over the course of the evening but one of my favourite memories of the night was a cosy little bar where we drank Kahlua until close, spirited conversation flowing amongst us and our neighbours. Even if you’re not a football fan, you should go to a game and soak up the atmosphere.
Bergamo Città Bassa is also home to the official Atalanta store where I purchased a scarf. Guess that officially makes me an Atalanta fan now!
Want to keep reading? See part 2 HERE (soon!).
