June 2012

Very quick visit, so more of a photo essay…

Bergamo is in 2 main parts – high and low towns. The low town is the more modern and where most of the ‘regular’ shops are, high town has more crafty type shops and a reasonable selection of places to eat; being aimed at tourists they can be at the more pricey end, but are not excessive – kept in check by plenty of competition.

Citta Alta (High Town) restaurant recommendation: Cooperativa. Been open for some 30 years and frequented by the locals and high town workers. In a small alley way (Vicolo Santa Agata), just off Via Colleoni (one of the main roads running from Piazza Veccia). Looks like a bar when you walk in, but restaurant to the right and outside terrace to the left. Good prices and choices.

The upper and lower parts of town are connected by a funicular railway – this was built to encourage people to stay in the old town, as the population was being drawn away to the newer parts. If you use the funicular, stop for a drink in the upper arrivals hall cafe before moving on; it has great views out over the new town.