All excited to board the train to a new destination, Bergamo. Marianne and I were so happy to have our friend Cori along for the ride. We arrived in Milan and quickly got changed to get to the train station. No time for the weary to get any sleep.

We are off to find the hidden gem one hour outside of Milan.

BERGAMO

Bergamo is known as the medieval heart with contemporary soul with towers, historic villages, churches, funicular railways and stairways climbing through greenery and unexpected views of the surrounding plains and mountain. We were so thrilled to engulf ourselves with the beauty and history of Bergamo.

Citta Alta Bergamo

Bergamo is a two-tiered city: up on the hill is the Citta Alta (Upper Town) with a medieval center, while down below is the Citta Bassa (Lower Town) which is the modern town. We mostly explored Citta Alta. We took the funicular up.

As soon as we got off the funicular, we found the streets charming, the shops inviting and lots to see.

After a little bit of shopping, we decided to stop for a refresher! It was about 90 degrees out. We were so lucky that restaurants and shops were open. Today was August 15, which is The Ferragosto celebration. It marks the height of summer in Italy. Italians celebrate Ferragosta by downing tools, taking the day off, and heading for the coast or the cool mountain air. As soon as we arrived at our hotel, we knew something was different. It felt like a ghost town, no on was on the streets, everything was closed.

After a cold drink, we set out to see Alta Citta.

Citta Alta is a tangle of narrow streets lined by ancient buildings. It is surrounded by the 16th-century Venetian Walls.

From the photos above, you might think we were by ourselves, you would be mistaken. Citta Alta was very crowded. We enjoy walking the streets off the beaten path.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a beautiful church in the middle of the historical Citta Alta. The church certainly had a stunning interior.

After visiting this beautiful church and walking the streets, we decided to take another funicular up to see the fabulous view from the top of Bergamo.

It certainly was a great way to end the day at Bergamo by enjoying the magnificent panoramic view from above.

Bergamo was a constant surprise with every turn. It definitely was one of the hidden gems of Italy.

We had a full happy day in Bergamo. A city with two hearts and one soul: it combines Italian charm with modern elegance. The train ride back to Milan was just what we needed!

GRAZIE BERGAMO PER LA BELLISIMA GIORNATA

Thank you Bergamo for a beautiful day!