So, now it's Monday afternoon and all our plans are laid. That means tomorrow is Tuesday, our last full day here in Bergamo and we have not yet truly been to Bergamo because we have not been to Citta Alta, the Upper Town, the whole reason Mom came here in the first place. Every day she has asked us if we have gone yet but really, there hasn't been time. But, Mom is very tired after our BIG day on Monday and goes back to the hotel to pass out so now, it's time!
From every place in the lower town of Bergamo, you can see the incredible old city on the hill. We could see it from Mom's hospital room, from our hotel, from the street market, everywhere. We will find out later that this is by design but the effect is a constant alluring call to get up there and see it for myself.
Sara has offered to give us a free tour on Tuesday but I can't wait. We leave Mom napping away, grab the #1 bus across the street and within 15 minutes are up the hill in the old city. We figure we can explore and shop on our own today and tomorrow get the full scoop on the art and history from Sara.
The bus winds its way up the hill, stopping to let off a bunch of college students. There are several Universities in Bergamo and two are in the old city. I can't help thinking how great it would be to study abroad here (and no, not just because of the very handsome Italian men!)
It was a Celtic settlement before the arrival of the Romans in 49 BC. Over the centuries it fell under various rulers and is now a beautifully preserved medieval city. There are three rings of walls, the Roman, the Medieval and the 16th century Venetian. It was recently designated a Unesco world heritage site. The alleyways and squares are so beautifully preserved.
It is uncrowded or at least it was when we were there, and there are lovely shops and restaurants. A dig for Roman ruins was being conducted near the cathedral, and everywhere you are surrounded by fantastic fountains and hand wrought iron, medieval archways and bell towers. It is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
In Piazza Vecchia at 10pm every night the bell still tolls 100 times like it has since the 12th century, to remind people that it's time to come back inside the walls or be locked out for the night. Maybe I should try that!
These photos are from the gate of the Capella Colleoni, the mausoleum of Bartolomeo Colleoni.
THe three raised bumps on the gate to the Colleone mausoleum are shiny and bright from people touching them as they walk through the gate. Colleone was an incredibly rich and powerful man and all around stud, and his prowess reached mythical proportions. This from Sara: "There is some evidence in addition to the myth that he actually had three - and I don't mean eyes." People, mostly men, touch the three dabs hoping some of that will rub off on them. Not ashamed to tell ya, I touched those three balls too!
The cathedral and mausoleum were both just stunning and filled with tapestries, intricate inlaid wood panels, and an explosion of baroque paintings and carvings. So many pictures of the city to share below. It’s the kind of place that makes you you want to stay a while.
2025-02-06