Bergamo: Private Walking Tour of the Lower Town

Bergamo is a city that tells centuries of stories, where beauty and culture intertwine at every corner.
When people think of Bergamo, their minds immediately turn to the renowned Upper Town (Città Alta), with its medieval walls and charming historic squares. Yet there is another side of the city that deserves to be discovered: Lower Town (Città Bassa).

Bergamo Bassa is the most modern and lively part of the city, offering a striking contrast to the historic Upper Town. This area captivates visitors with its elegant architecture, bustling streets, stylish shops and a contemporary atmosphere deeply rooted in history.

Many visitors focus their time exclusively on Città Alta and its rich past, but to truly understand the soul of Bergamo, it is essential to explore the Lower Town as well. Today, it is the beating heart of daily life, where history, art and modern living blend seamlessly and harmoniously.
Here, among elegant shopping streets, historic cafés and places filled with memories, you’ll enjoy a vibrant atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of overcrowded tourist destinations.

A guided walking tour is the perfect way to experience Bergamo Bassa in all its beauty and character, uncovering its hidden gems and letting yourself be charmed by its timeless appeal.

You will meet your tour guide in Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi, right in front of the railway station. From here, you will walk along one of the city’s most iconic streets: the famous Sentierone, specifically Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII.
As you stroll along this avenue, you will discover its history, its transformation over time, and why it is now considered one of the city’s most important hubs. You’ll walk beneath elegant porticoes, past historic cafés and traditional shops, soaking in the authentic atmosphere of Bergamo, far from mass tourism.

The walk continues to the Bastions of Porta Nuova, built in 1837 in neoclassical style to celebrate the official entrance of Ferdinand I of Austria into the city the following year. From here, you’ll begin to admire views of the hills of Città Alta.Beyond Porta Nuova, you will discover other iconic landmarks such as the Donizetti Theatre, the Torre dei Caduti, erected as a memorial to the fallen, and many more highlights.
The final—but no less important—stop is Via XX Settembre, one of Bergamo’s most important pedestrian streets and the undisputed symbol of shopping in the city.

This will be an engaging and enriching walk, with pleasant stops to admire the fascinating neoclassical and Art Nouveau (Liberty) architecture along the route, while savoring the true Italian atmosphere.

Visiting Lower Bergamo is a wonderful opportunity to discover a part of the city that has so much to tell. Every step reveals captivating stories, intriguing curiosities, and little-known details. Don’t miss this unique experience!

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

What to Expect

The Sentierone

The guided tour begins in the square in front of the railway station and leads you onto the famous Sentierone, one of the most important and elegant streets symbolizing Lower Bergamo. Originally an open-air market, it is now a lively meeting place infused with timeless elegance.

Built in the 19th century, the Sentierone’s quadriportico was once the social hub of Bergamo’s bourgeoisie and remains the nerve center of city life today. Walking along this avenue, you will pass historic shops and renowned cafés, breathing in the atmosphere of a bygone era while admiring architectural styles that reflect the city’s transformation through the centuries.

Bastions of Porta Nuova

At the end of the Sentierone, you’ll encounter imposing architecture: the Bastions of Porta Nuova, known locally as the Propilei. In medieval times, this area marked the city’s main entrance.

From here, a spectacular view opens onto the hills of Upper Bergamo, crowned by the ancient Venetian walls, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This panoramic spot is perfect for photos and for admiring the harmonious balance between Lower and Upper Town, which together create a perfect union.

Did you know that Porta Nuova was built for a king? Your guide will reveal this and many other fascinating anecdotes.

Donizetti Theatre

One of the main highlights of the tour is the renowned Donizetti Theatre, named after the Bergamo-born composer Gaetano Donizetti, a leading figure in Italian opera. During the guided visit of the exterior, you will discover the theatre’s history.

Originally built in the 18th century as a small public theatre, it evolved over time into one of Italy’s most important stages. Today, its architecture and decorative details can still be admired, and its deep connection to Bergamo’s musical heritage is sure to leave you enchanted.

Torre dei Caduti and Piazza Dante

The walk continues toward the Torre dei Caduti, erected in 1924 in memory of the Bergamo soldiers who fell during the First World War. This impressive monument is a true symbol of the modern city, with its clock overlooking Piazza Vittorio Veneto, serving as a landmark for locals. During the visit, you’ll learn interesting facts about its construction and its role in telling Bergamo’s 20th-century history.

Crossing the street, you’ll reach the renovated Piazza Dante, characterized by harmonious geometric lines and captivating perspectives. The square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Palace of the Public Prosecutor and the Chamber of Commerce, while at its center stands the beautiful Triton Fountain, a masterpiece by Gian Battista Caniana. Curious to discover what lies beneath the surface of the square? Join the tour and find out.

Via XX Settembre: the Shopping Street

Lower Bergamo is also a paradise for shopping lovers.

Here you’ll find one of the city’s main streets and the ultimate symbol of shopping in Bergamo. During the guided tour, you’ll stroll along Via XX Settembre, a famous pedestrian street lined with fashionable boutiques, artisan shops and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Bergamasco dishes and much more.