Bergamo consists of two main districts: Bergamo Basso - the lower, contemporary city spreading on the Lombardy plain and Bergamo Alta - the older medieval quarter perched on a hill 1200 feet above sea level. Bergamo Basso boasts one of the most impressive art galleries in the region, while Bergamo Alta attracts visitors with its romantic towers, belfries and city walls. The French writer Stendhal described it as the most beautiful place in the world.

Bergamo Basso also has its medieval monuments. The prettiest of them are located in and around via Pignolo, a splendid street, lined with palaces on its both sides, climbing to the upper town. Near Via Pignolo are located three churches, famous for their 15th-century altar paintings by Lorenzo Lotto who was born in the city: Santo Spirito, San Bernardino in Pignolo and San Alessandro. The same artist has also created the marvelous frescoes in the church of San Bartolomeo on Piazza Mateoti, the vast, lively and main square of Bergamo Basso.

The exceptional paintings of Lotto will prepare you for Accademia Carrara, a superb regional art gallery, displaying a considerable collection of leading names and mostly many famous Venetian artists of the 15h century. Gentile Bellini is presented by several portraits, his brother Giovanni Bellini - by the mighty “San Sebastian” and Vittore Carpaccio - by the solemn portrait of the Venetian doge Leonardo Loredan. Among the other works of Venetian artists you will see paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Guardi. There are some works by famous Florentine artists too: “San Sebastian” by Raphaelo and the portrait of Giuliano Medici by Botticelli. In the gallery are displayed works by some foreign painters too.

The naturally protected from enemy attacks and strategically located hill of Bergamo Alta attracted its first inhabitants, the Ligurians, more than 3200 years ago. The celts came here late and named the settlement Bergheim or Bergem (hill town). The Romans conquered the city and renamed it to Bergom. During the Middle Ages Bergamo became an independent city state, but later was subordinated by Milan and then by Venice. Bergamo is the birth place of the 15th-century Italian condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni and the 19th-century composer Gaetano Donizetti, who died here in 1848.

The city gave to the world the medieval folk dance Bergamask and the kind of improvisational theatre, known as Commedia dell'Arte (comedy of artists).

The old town of Bergamo is surrounded by medieval city walls, built by the Venetians. Its heart is the old square Piazza Vecchia, closely connected to another pretty square - Piazza del Duomo or the Cathedral Square. Piazza Vecchia features an impressive ensemble of medieval architecture. Here you can see one of the oldest administrative buildings in Italy - Palazzo della Ragione (the Palace of Justice). You should climb the town tower on the square too. It dates back to the 12th century and reveals from its top amazing panoramic views over the city.

The proud of the neighbouring Piazza del Duomo is the Colleoni chapel with its attractive ornate exterior. It was built in the second half of 15th century to keep the tomb of condottiero (military leader) Bartolomeo Colleoni. The chapel was designed by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo, the architect who also built the Carthusian monastery of Certosa di Pavia. Next to the Colleoni chapel you will see the 14th century baptistery and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, which construction commenced in 1137. It is a matchless exampled of the Romanesque architectural style in Lombardy. You can also climb the medieval fortress La Rocca, north of the square, to enjoy wonderful views over the city. Then walk along northwards along Via Porta Dipinta to see the unique medieval frescoes in the church of San Michele and the monastery of San Augustin.

Take the funicular south of the square to reach the castle, from where more incredible views over Bergamo reveal.