Flight to Milan Bergamo (BGY) starting at €39.99*

Bergamo, Italy, is a quaint town in Lombardy bordering Milan and Lake Como in the northern part of the country. It is the perfect town to stop by on your tour in the north of Italy. The province of Bergamo has a population of half a million, making it the fourth-largest city in the region. Despite its size, it is a major economic centre in Lombardy that serves as a transport hub connecting Italy to the rest of Europe. The city is divided into two by the Venetian walls, with the old historic town being Citta Alta, while the lower part is Citta Bassa.

Bergamo was the seat of Lombard Duchies in the middle ages before becoming part of the Austrian empire in the 19th century. As a tourist destination, the city is rich in historical and cultural sites with perfect weather for vacation. Your holiday is incomplete without a stroll around the Venetian walls that enclose the city's historical part. The Republic of Venice built the walls in the 15th and 16th centuries with a star-shaped design and pointed towers. You can walk around the Viale Della Mura to see some parts of the walls. However, there is an impressive stretch at Porta San Giacomo.

The old town has numerous historical attractions to keep you busy. For instance, the Piazza Vecchia is a delightful square surrounded by beautiful buildings like Campanone Torre Civica and Pallazo della Ragione. The court has a decorative fountain in the middle and numerous cafes or restaurants perfect for enjoying delicious cuisines and the fine Bergamo weather.

When you walk south of Piazza Vecchia, you will find the Basilica of St Mary Major. The church is an architectural treasure and a significant landmark in the city. Its construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 14th century. At the doorways, you will find gothic canopies and decorative porches with marble arches and statues. The interior features impressive décor from the ceiling to the walls and arches. At the Basilica, you can visit the Colleoni Chapel and the Baptistery of St Mary Major that hosts religious bas-reliefs of the life of Christ. The old town gates surrounding the Venetian walls still stand to date. For instance, the Porta San Giacomo is a beautiful marble gatehouse divided by ornate columns. You can walk along the arched walkway to the gate and look at the modern Bergamo city centre.

The charming Bergamo city has numerous activities to do. You can walk the streets of the old town and discover various hidden gems around the city. The old town is a series of magnificent squares, lovely buildings and impressive monuments. Strolling around the city allows you to hop into a museum or grab a coffee in the cafés. The Bergamo shopping centre has numerous boutiques and souvenir shops. You can explore the street markets and find something to take back home.

While the city has multiple transport modes to get to Citta Alta, the best way to appreciate the city's history is to take the funicular railway. It has been in operation for hundreds of years, transporting people between the modern and old city. While it has been modernised to speed up travel, the funicular has a rustic feel and provides stunning views of the surrounding areas.

Since Bergamo is the birthplace of Stracciatella Gelato ice cream, make sure you taste some. The classic gelato ice cream features vanilla ice cream with chocolate fillings. Italy is also a hub for pasta sauces, and Bergamo's famous pasta style is Casoncelli, a stuffed pasta dish with pancetta, butter sauce and sage. Apart from pasta, you should try the smooth and creamy polenta. It is served as a side dish, porridge or for making delicious cakes. If you are a food lover, you will have a fantastic time in the city. Most restaurants serve a range of Italian cuisines and Bergamo food specialities. The old town serves classic dishes, while the modern city has a blend of contemporary and traditional dishes. Make sure you savour Italy's best wine during your holiday. However, if you are not a wine enthusiast, Bergamo has excellent beer. The Indipendente Elav craft brewery at the heart of Citta Alta provides a range of draft beers made from vines. Make sure you book a Eurowings flight on your next Bergamo holiday and enjoy affordable rates.