When searching for connecting flights, I always look towards Italy. Just to spend at least a few hours in my favorite country. That’s how I’ve visited the small but very charming city of Bergamo several times. Yes, this is the very same Bergamo where the mischievous Truffaldino—the famous Italian jester—lived.
Bergamo is located just a few kilometers from Milan-Bergamo Airport. A local bus connects the airport to the city of Bergamo—you can get there in just a 20-minute ride. Unfortunately, many people simply associate Bergamo with the airport and wait for their next flight sitting in the terminal. Don’t miss the chance to see amazing Bergamo before you board your next flight. It’s worth spending an extra 5–8 hours here.
The city of Bergamo is divided into two parts: the upper part of the city, known as “Città Alta“, and the lower part of the city, known as “Città Bassa“. The upper part of Bergamo is the old town, while the lower is the modern one, with banks, high-rise buildings, Bergamo train station, and so on.
Città Bassa Bergamo
The lower part of the city—Citta Bassa—is the modern and more commercial part of Bergamo. When you arrive in Bergamo, you need to pass through (or walk) the lower city before reaching Citta Alta. At the heart of the lower city in Piazza Vittorio Veneto stands a monument to those fallen during World War I—the Tower of the Fallen. Since 2015, after restoration, it has been open to visitors.
Citta Alta Bergamo
After a short walk through modern Bergamo, you reach the funicular station on Viale Vittorio Emanuele. The upper town, Citta Alta, is connected to the lower town by road and funicular. You can take a bus to the top, but that’s not as interesting.
It’s a different feeling when you ride up on the tram-like funicular built at the end of the 19th century. It costs almost the same as the bus, but it’s much more interesting—going up through numerous tunnels. And from the upper station, there’s a beautiful view of lower Bergamo.
Citta Alta, or the Upper Town, was built in the 17th century on a hill with a large Venetian fortress. The old town was under Venetian rule from the 15th to the 18th century, and the architecture beautifully reflects this. The city was guarded by several strategically located observation towers. After a short walk from the funicular station, you reach Piazza Vecchia.
Piazza Vecchia
Piazza Vecchia is the main square in the center of Città Alta, dating back to the 12th century. The Palazzo della Ragione and Campanone are at the center of the square. Admire the three arches of the 12th-century palace. Now, paintings from the Carrara Academy are stored here, but originally, it was the residence of the Bergamo city administration.
Climb up the Campanone (bell tower) or the Civic Tower from the 12th century to see the best view of the square and the rest of the historical center. Palazzo del Podestà was the home of the Venetian governor and the governors of Bergamo.
One of the central elements of Piazza Vecchia is the Contarini Fountain, gifted to the city by the Venetian governor at the end of the 18th century. Around Piazza Vecchia, there are several restaurants, and it’s a wonderful place to stop, have a drink or a meal, admiring the splendid views.
Colleoni Chapel
Then head to the neighboring Piazza del Duomo—the Cathedral Square, where you’ll find several architectural wonders. One of them is the Colleoni Chapel. With its red and white marble and Renaissance Italian facade, the Colleoni Chapel is one of the most amazing buildings in Bergamo.
The cathedral is known as the “Mausoleum” and was designed by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo as the tomb of Bartolomeo Colleoni, who was the commander of the army of the Venetian Republic in the 15th century. The interiors are a fantastic collection of artworks: the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, marble sarcophagi, the exquisite tomb of his daughter Medea, inlaid wooden tables.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore is considered one of the most historic and finest buildings in Bergamo’s old town and all of Lombardy. It was built in the 12th century and construction lasted over 200 years. The interiors of the basilica are stunning and leave an unforgettable impression.’
Bergamo Cathedral – Duomo
The construction of Bergamo Cathedral (Duomo) began in the mid-15th century, with changes made up until the 19th century. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander of Bergamo, the patron of the city, and serves as the bishop’s residence.
City Walls of Bergamo
Bergamo wouldn’t be the same without its impressive Venetian walls. The walls consist of 14 bastions, 2 platforms, 100 cannon embrasures, 2 armories and 4 gates—not to mention underground structures. Since 2017, the walls of Bergamo have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive walls around Bergamo Alta stretch over 6 kilometers and reach up to 50 meters high. The walls completely surround Città Alta, equipped with four gates giving access to the historical center.
Rocca di Bergamo
Then take another funicular to the highest level of Bergamo to reach the Rocca di Bergamo. This is a castle dominating Bergamo from Colle di Sant’Eufemia, offering a gorgeous view of the city and surroundings. Built on the site of Roman and Celtic ruins, the castle has long been a landmark of the city. Today, the main structure consists of a quadrangular tower with square towers at each corner.
And then go wandering the winding streets. And admire views of the city from different points along your way. Or sit in one of the cozy cafes. Just order a coffee or delicious pasta—enjoy the good weather, the flavors, and the views of Bergamo. It’s much better than sitting and getting bored at the airport.
You can also book a hotel in Bergamo. Especially if you have a morning flight.
Alternative—go to Milan or go shopping
Of course, if you have more than a day—you can go to Milan.
On the contrary—if you have a layover of only 3–4 hours, you can, instead of sitting at the airport, go shopping at the Oriocenter shopping center. It is located opposite the main entrance to the airport terminal. But you have to cross under the highway through an underpass. On foot—it’s about a 15-minute walk one way.
Here you will find various European brands, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants—the prices are lower than in the airport cafes. So, if you’re hungry, it’s better to go for a walk to the shopping mall.
How to get to Milan from Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo
You can get from Bergamo Airport to Milan city center in various ways:
- Shuttle buses Terravision or Orioshuttle – both companies take passengers to the Milano Centrale train station. Tickets with both transport companies cost €12 one way (on the website online—€10). Buses run from 4:00 a.m. to 0:45 a.m. every 20 minutes, travel time—50 minutes. Tickets are sold at the airport ticket offices with the respective names of the bus companies. If you buy a round-trip shuttle ticket at once—€16 (instead of €20).
- From the airport to Bergamo train station, urban buses from the ATB company run every half hour—ticket cost €3 one way (travel time 15 minutes). Tickets can be purchased in the machine inside the bus, paying by cash or card. ATB buses run from 5:20 a.m. to 00:30 a.m.
- For transit passengers arriving at Bergamo BGY airport and departing from Malpensa MXP (and vice versa), a shuttle bus of Orioshuttle runs between the airports—the cost is €20 each way. The journey takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. Buses run from 5:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. every 50 minutes.
Which airlines fly to Milan-Bergamo airport?
Milan-Bergamo Airport is a classic low-cost airport, serving budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Volotea, Pegasus, and others.
Useful articles and links:
- Dolomites in winter – family vacation in the mountains and skiing
- TOP 10 places to go from Milan for one day
- Best cities for stopovers – what to see in 24 hours
Route schedules and tickets for buses – on InfoBus.ua
Green Card and Travel Medical Insurance for trips abroad – online at the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel reservations and apartments – Booking.com
