Bergamo: Private Walking Tour of the Upper Town (Città Alta)

This guided tour, led by a licensed professional tour guide, is a true journey back in time. Walking along the ancient Venetian Walls, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through picturesque cobblestone streets, you will be enveloped by the medieval atmosphere that defines this extraordinary city.

The visit begins at one of the main access points to Città Alta: the funicular and Piazza del Mercato delle Scarpe, an important crossroads connecting the Upper Town with the Lower Town and the perfect starting point to start soaking in the unique atmosphere of Bergamo Alta. Did you know that the funicular connecting the Lower Town of Bergamo with Città Alta has been operating since 1887? This means of transport was created to overcome the steep ascent leading to the historic village, making Bergamo one of the first Italian cities to adopt such a system. Even today, the funicular remains a symbol of the city and offers passengers breathtaking views of the Venetian Walls and the surrounding landscape during the ride.

From Piazza del Mercato delle Scarpe, we will venture into the ancient cobblestone alleys, discovering the city’s most iconic landmarks. Among them there is Piazza Vecchia, the true beating heart of Bergamo. For centuries, it was the center of political and civic life, and it is home of the Palazzo della Ragione, the Civic Tower—also known as Il Campanone—and the famous Contarini Fountain, donated to the city in 1780 by Podestà Alvise Contarini. On the opposite side of the square stands Palazzo Nuovo, which served as Bergamo’s City Hall until 1873 and now houses the city’s library. Just behind Piazza Vecchia, you will admire the majestic Duomo, a symbol of faith and art, and the stunning Colleoni Chapel, a Renaissance masterpiece and a proud symbol of Bergamo.

Another unmissable stop on the tour is La Rocca, where you will enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city. On the clearest days, your gaze can even reach the skyline of Milan.

Join a pleasant cultural walk through Bergamo Alta, a jewel of art, history, and culture. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will explore the city’s most iconic landmarks, uncovering secrets and curiosities that bring its past vividly to life.

Have you ever been enchanted by a place where history and beauty meet at every step? Come and discover Bergamo’s Upper Town, a journey through time suspended between sky and stone.

IMPORTANT: Not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What to Expect

Piazza Vecchia

Designed during the Renaissance, Piazza Vecchia is the heart of Bergamo Alta and one of the city’s most fascinating places. Built on the site of the ancient Roman forum, the square was once the main center of commercial life. At its center stands the Contarini Fountain, dating back to the 18th century, surrounded by historic buildings. Towering above the square is the Civic Tower, also known as Il Campanone, which dominates the scene and recalls, every evening with its 100 tolls, the city’s ancient curfew. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when the sound warned citizens that the city gates were about to close. Even today, the bells ring every evening at 10 p.m., preserving a living connection with the past and creating a unique atmosphere in the square. Another interesting detail: the current pavement, alternating white and gray marble, is not original—it was rebuilt in the 19th century to make the square even more elegant and welcoming.

One more curiosity you will discover during the tour is that beneath the Palazzo della Ragione, you can admire an ancient 18th-century sundial embedded in the pavement.

La Rocca

La Rocca of Bergamo Alta is an imposing medieval fortress located on Sant’Eufemia Hill, dominating the city below. Built in the 14th century by the Visconti, Lords of Milan, it was later expanded during the rule of the Republic of Venice to strengthen the city’s defenses. Today, La Rocca houses the Museum of the Stories of Bergamo, dedicated to local history, and offers spectacular views over the Venetian Walls, the city and the surrounding valleys.

The Duomo 

The Cathedral of Saint Alexander Martyr is the main cathedral of Bergamo Alta. Did you know it was built on the remains of a 5th-century early Christian church and that it houses the relics of Saint Alexander, the city’s patron saint, preserved in a precious altar?

The Cathedral also contains valuable works of art, including a gilded silver cross attributed to Giovanni Francesco del Maino and a painting by Giovan Battista Moroni. Another fascinating detail is that the Duomo’s bell tower is connected to the Palazzo della Ragione by a covered passage, symbolizing the strong bond between religious and civil power in the city.

The Colleoni Chapel

The Colleoni Chapel is one of the jewels of Città Alta, located next to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Piazza Duomo. Built in the 15th century, it is the mausoleum of the famous Bergamasco condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni, one of the most important figures of the Italian Renaissance. The chapel is renowned for its polychrome marble façade, a masterpiece of Renaissance art, and for its rich interior decorations, including magnificent frescoes by Giovan Battista Tiepolo. An intriguing curiosity is linked to the Colleoni family coat of arms displayed on the façade: it depicts three testicles, a symbol of virility and strength. It is said that Colleoni had a physical malformation that inspired this emblem, which later became his distinctive mark. Another legend claims that touching the coat of arms brings good luck—why not give it a try?

The Venetian Walls

The ancient Venetian Walls surrounding Città Alta were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Although they were built in the 16th century to defend the city from attacks, they never actually saw a real battle. Thanks to this “armed peace,” the walls have been perfectly preserved and today offer a breathtaking panoramic walk embracing the city and the surrounding valleys.

Historic Cafés and Shops

The Upper Town is rich in historic cafés and artisan shops that tell the story of a long-standing tradition. These places are not just spots to eat or drink, but true witnesses to the city’s social and cultural life over the centuries. Among the most famous is the renowned Pasticceria Cavour, founded in 1900—an authentic sweet corner of the city offering artisanal delights and traditional specialties such as the “Torta di Bergamo.” Another iconic venue is Caffè del Tasso, one of the city’s most famous historic cafés, located in Piazza Vecchia and known as a meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and writers over the centuries. One of the most fascinating stories linked to this café is that Mozart stopped here during his journey through Italy in 1770 and performed a short improvised concert, enchanting everyone with his precocious talent.