Visit Bergamo: Italy’s Top Cultural Destination For 2023

Italy is famous for some of the most iconic sites in the world, including Venice and its canals, Rome and the Colosseum, Milan with its cathedral and Pisa with its famous leaning tower. Meanwhile, many American travelers head to the popular European country each year to visit these locations during the summer months. However, like a number of other countries, Italy has become concerned that overtourism could damage its historical monuments. In fact, some cities, like Venice, are tackling the problem. However, Italy has many more historic and beautiful cities to explore, including its latest Italian Capital of Culture, Bergamo. Read on to find out more.

Bergamo,  Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2023

The lesser-known city of Bergamo, located 40 km (25 mi) from Milan, has been officially declared Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2023 by National Geographic. The city has a rich heritage and boasts spectacular views of the Orobic Alps, in the alpine region of Orobie in Lombardy in Northern Italy.

Meanwhile, the coveted title is given to cities that have historically contributed to Italian identity and culture in general. Previous award holders include beautiful Parma and upcoming tourist destinations, like Procida, a small island in the Bay of Naples.

Now, it’s time for Bergamo to top the list, along with its sister city of Brescia. However, Bergamo is the one that truly stands out as the more picturesque town spread on a hilltop and enclosed by medieval walls.

This beautiful destination is often overlooked by travelers in Northern Italy, as they head to Milan or Lake Garda or Lake Como. In fact, Bergamo receives only around 2 million visitors each year. While that might sound a lot, when you consider that Italy received an amazing 64.8 visitors in 2022, it is only a tiny portion of the pie.

What does Bergamo have to offer?

The city is divided into two parts – Lower and Upper Bergamo. However, it is best known for the upper part, or Città Alta. This is Bergamo’s walled, historic core which recently attracts many history buffs. Meanwhile, the reason for this is that in July 2017, UNESCO classified the Venetian defensive systems of Bergamo as a Heritage Site. The classification went to confirm the underrated city’s relevance as a center of the arts and culture, as it has been since the Middle Ages.

The fortified citadel of Upper Bergamo boasts perfectly-preserved cobbled alleys, lined with typical pastel-colored façades. The cathedral stands here with its beautiful Duomo standing high above the central piazza. Meanwhile, this is surrounded by restaurant and café terraces, as well as more monuments of the city’s past.

How long should you spend here?

Bergamo is a small and compact city, with most attractions located in the Upper City. For that reason, you could “do” the city in one day. However, spend at least three days here, taking full advantage of everything the city has to offer. On top of this, spend some time exploring the surrounding Bergamo province with its beautiful landscapes and quaint villages.

Find out more about Bergamo on the destination’s official tourism website here.