by Karen Bryan

Unique Points Bergamo is a beautiful city, with a medieval hilltop old town. It is easily reached by Ryanair flights from Glasgow, London, Paris, Girona, Brussels, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Stockholm, making it an ideal short break destination. The airport is near the city and can be reached by regular buses, costing around one euro. The walled old town, reached by funicular, is well preserved. The Academia Carrera is said to be one of the best collections of art in Italy. The surrounding countryside is very beautiful; there are churches in many small villages with medival frescoes and paintings. Nearby is Lake Iseo, which has the largest lake island in Europe. The famous Valpolicella and Franciacorta wines are produced locally. North of the city are the Pre Alps and the Valle Brembana.

History of Bergamo
Bergamo is a real life tale of two cities: Bergamo Alta, the beautiful walled hilltop medieval city, and Bergamo Bassa, the lower city, built mainly at the beginning of the 20th century. Bergamo has long been acknowledged as a beautiful city. The 14th century Italian scholar, poet and humanist, Francesco Petrarca remarked, “I shall always remember the image of Bergamo, Italy’s alpine town.” This is praise indeed as Petrarch is regarded as one of Italy’s great scholars and a leading contributor the in the development of the Renaissance.

Bergamo, originally known as Barra, is said to have founded by Cydno, the son of the founder of the Liguri family. The Etruscans turned the city into a fortress in the sixth century BC. Its location made it ideal as they could see right over the plains below and spot any advancing enemy. Later that century the city was taken over by the Cenomani Gauls, who renamed it Berghem (‘city on the mountain’). The spread of the Roman Empire brought about a slight change in name to Bergomum and it was during this period that the first walls were built around the city. The city was dominated by the Longobards and Franks before becoming a free town in the 12th century. However for several centuries from 1428 the Venetians dominated Bergamo. This was a long period of social, political and cultural wealth. The walls were rebuilt in the 16th century by the Republic of Venice. During the French Revolution Bergamo was part of the French Cisalpine Republic. After the Congress of Vienna the Austrians ruled until the unification of Italy in 1859.

The heart of the old town is 15th century Piazza Vecchia. The main entrance is the Sant’Agostino’s gate, the walls extend for more than five kilometres and there are four gates. The portico of the Palazzo della Ragione, which sits in Piazza Vecchia, dates from the 12th century. The potico leads in to the Piazza del Duomo. Here is the church of Santa Maria also dating from the 12th century. The church has an octagonal dome. There are still traces of the original frescoes depicting the “tree of life”. The wooden confessional was produced in 1705 by Andrea Fontani. Bergamo’s favourite musical son Donizetti’s tomb is at the back of the church. Gaetano Donizetti was born in 1797 just outside the city walls, at the start of Borgo Canale. He produced more then seventy compositions “Elisir d’Amore” (1832) “Lucia di Lammermoor” (1835). It is said that he was always emotionally attached to Bergamo. The Donizetti Theatre, named in his honour, hosts an international piano festival.

Colleoni Chapel is another fine example of Rennaisance architecture. Bartolomeo Colleoni, born in Bergamo, commissioned this as his tomb. The building was completed in 1476. Colleoni is portrayed on a golden horse. He is usually referred to as a “soldier of fortune”, a less harsh description than mercenary. This may be because he was regarded as fairly respectable, as although he changed sides, he never committed any treacherous acts or rape and executions in the defeated territories. His father was attacked and murdered when Bartolomeo was young, by the Duke of Milan. He spent several years as a young man serving in various armies. At the age of 32 he joined the army of the Venetian Republic. He was also known for his work on agricultural improvements made to the land on the estates given to him as reward by the Venetians.

The Venetian Lorenzo Lotto worked here in 1525. Lotto’s work encompassed the work of Bramante, Raffaello and Leonardi. Lorenzo Lotto spent 12 years working in Bergamo. Although originally from Venice, he considered Bergamo to be his spiritual home, appreciating its down to earth approach to religion and faith. In 1525 he worked on the Episode from the life of Mary in the Church San Michele al Pozzo Bianco. Several churches in Bergamo are adorned with his altarpieces. Itineraries on a Lotto theme can be found here.

Accademia Carrara is one of the most important galleries in Italy. It was founded in 1796 by Count Carrara. It now houses more than 18000 pieces, including pieces by Botticelli, Raffaello,Bellini and Donatello. There are also works by foreign artists such as Rubens and Clouet.

The Accademia is also the Bergamo Museum. There are paintings depicting the town from the 15th to the 19th century. The Gallery of Modern Art is nearby.

The Gruppo Guide Città di Bergamo, tel 035 249553, offer half day and full day tours. They have English, German, Spanish and French guides.

Every Sunday from 25th April 2004, you can take a guided tour of historic homes in Bergamo, the Tour Dimore Storiche. A ticket for all five residences cost 16 euros, for three residences the cost is 12 euros.

Accommodation in Bergamo

Hotel Cappello d’Oro
This four star hotel is in the centre of the lower town, a few minutes walk from the funicular railway up to the old town and the railway station. The rooms are very comfortable with tea and coffee making facilities. Prices start from 150 euros per night for a double room and buffet breakfast. Residence Giva This renovated traditional apartment block is located around 500 metres from the centre of Bergamo and around one kilometre from the medieval part of the city. Bergamo is an ideal base from which to visit the Lakes, Verona and Milan. There are frequent trains to most destinations or if you prefer to tour by car, parking is available close to the residence. The apartments are elegantly furnished. An apartment for two costs 100 euros per night or 500 euros per week. Castello di Grumello, near Bergamo The rooms inside the castle cost 82 euros per person per night, including breakfast. If you stay in a room in the grounds, in a 19th century building 50 metres from the castle with view of the vineyards, the cost is 60 euros per person per night.

Where to eat in Bergamo Da Vittorio, Viale Giovanni XX111 21, tel: 035 218060. This is a long established restaurant in the old town. A few of their specialties are oxtail tureen, pumpkin flowers in sauce as well as outstanding seafood. It is an unpretentious family run concern.

Lio Pellegrini, Via San Tommaso 47, tel 035 247813. This restaurant is situated in a 16th century sacristy, close to Accademia Carrara in the lower town, it has a lovely garden for summer dining. They serve numerous types of pasta and some really tempting desserts.

Ol Giopi e la Margi, Via Borgo Palazzo 27, tel 035 242366 This popular restaurant is decorated in typical country style and waiting staff wear traditional costume. They havea good choice of menus , a business lunch, a traditional meal and three gastronomic menus. The menus change every season. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evening and Mondays.

Osteria San Rocco, Via S Rocco, 11 Rancia, tel 035 510067 This restaurant is situated in the hills, five kilometres from Bergamo. You can view the menu on their website.

Day trips from Bergamo

Crespi d’Adda

This factory and village was built in the late 19th century by the Crespi family as an industrial utopia. The life of the workers, their families and the community were planned in order and harmony. In theory ensuring that the workers would be productive and content and the factory owners could make a healthy profit with a clear conscience. The experiment ended in the 1920s but the village, now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is still inhabited, predominantly by the descendents of the original village. The factory is still operational, producing cotton textiles. The village is around a half hour drive from Bergamo. It can be reached by public transport, you take the Autostrade bus direction Milan, you get off at the Capriate bus stop and then it’s a twenty minute walk to the village. You can read more about the village on their website.

Castello di Grumello

This castle overlooks the village of Grumello del Monte and the surrounding vineyards. The parish church in the village dates form the 7th century. It is in the heart of the Valcalepio region. The castle has a long and bloody history. However in the 18th century the castle was transformed in to a noble residence. The tower, the back gate, the Knights Hall and the cellar still remain from the original medieval fortress.

If you call ahead, tel 035 442 0817, you can arrange a visit to the wine cellar and the castle. They will explain how the wine is made and tasting of the various wines. This costs eight euros per person. There is also a pleasant walk through the vineyards to the crest of the “Colle Calvario”.

Lake Iseo

The lesser known, smaller Lake Iseo is ideal for a day trip from Bergamo. You can read more about the lake in my guide.

If you have a hire car you can drive around the Lake in a day. You can reach Iseo town by bus from Bergamo. On specific Sundays in 2004, the 5th, 9th and 19th, there is a trip from Bergamo to Lake Iseo. You travel by regular train from Bergamo to Palazzo, where you pick up the Treno Blu to Sarnico. There are four options available once you arrive at the Lake, including a visit to the lake island, Monte Isola.

Valle Brembana

The valley consists of several smaller valleys.

The Val San Pellegrino Terme: San Pellegrino is best known for its sparkling water. At the end of the 19th century San Pellegrino was the most visited spa town in northern Italy. There were art nouveau hotels and a casino designed by Romolo Squadrelli. The casino is now a conference and exhibition centre. The Val Serina has an unusual landscape for the Orobic Prealps with jagged white peaks. Bracca mineral water springs from the Bracca ravine. At the top of this gorge the valley widens and there are some rare wild flowers. The Gromo castle overlooks the River Serio has an intact 13th century tower. To visit you must telephone the Posta Castle Restaurant, tel 0346 41002.

Cornello dei Tasso is a well-preserved medieval village. It was an inn station along the main trading route. In the lower part of the village is the market square with its arches and merchants’ lodgings, some still bearing the coat of arms of the Tasso family. The village was home to the Tasso family who are said to be the inventors of the postal service. At first mail was carried by foot, later the service started to use horses with despatch riders and then mail coaches. A private company was formed, the Compagnia dei Corrieri, which won contracts to carry mail in the Republic of Venice and later in the 15th century, contracts in the Papal States and the Hapsburg Empire. Val Taleggio e Brembilla is nicknamed the Cheese Valley, as traditional cheeses are produced here. Formai de Mut is a rich, half cooked paste cheese with a delicate scented flavour. During the summer it is made in alpine huts, near the high grazing pastures. Taleggio cheese is a rich soft paste cheese made with whole cows’ milk. One of the characteristic dishes of the region is Polenta Taragna, where the cheese is melted with butter in the maize porridge.

Val Fondra is on the eastern side of high part of the Bremba Valley, traditionally the location of ancient mines and forges. The ski resort of San Simone and Foppolo are in this valley.

The Museum of Christmas Cribs, Museo del Presepio, in Brembo di Dalmine, is unique with over 800 cribs on display. There is even an electronic crib covering 80 square metres, with a seventeen minute spectacle. In December and January it is open on Sundays and public holidays form 9.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 19.00. The rest of the year it is only open on a Sunday 14.00 – 18.00. The museum is around ten kilometres from Bergamo.

Useful Information

Bergamo Tourist Office, Viale Vittorio Emanuele, (the main road from the station up to the old town), tel 035 230 184.

Karen is a travel writer and consultant specialising in planning tailor made travel to undiscovered Europe. Her site is http://www.europealacarte.co.uk

Article source: Expert Articles

More about Bergamo:
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By Michael Thomson

Beautifully historic yet so fashionably up to date, Italy has all the components of the Dolce Vita in good measure – good food, good wine and beautiful people impeccably attired in the latest fashions.

Weather
Italy is a long country running from the mountainous north down to the sunny south kissed by the Mediterranean. So there are wide regional differences in climate. Generally the most pleasant time to visit Italy is during autumn and spring.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Italy hotels.

Rome: the home of renaissance
Rome, the capital city of Italy, is world famous for its history and monuments – the Colosseum, the Vatican City to name a few. With so much art, culture, history and religion, Rome is an unforgettable destination.

Transport: how to get there and around
The international airport is situated 16 miles out of the city centre and is served by a regular train service which runs every hour into town. Many of the bus services run from the main station near Stazione Termini. The Metro service also connects with Termini.

Weather
The weather does vary according to the time of year. The summer can be extremely hot and the Winter brings a chill. During the rest of the year temperatures are pleasant with a mild climate.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Hotels in Rome.

Attractions & Events
*During the Holy Week at Easter time, the city is crowded with Catholic pilgrims visiting the churches and the Vatican to see the Pope. There is also a procession on Good Friday from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill.

*The streets come alive from June to September when the Romans celebrate Estate Romana (Roman Summer) with outdoor theatre, concerts and cinema

*Late night shoppers should head to Rome during September for Notte Bianca (white night). Stores, galleries and museums stay open through the night until 8am in the morning!

Milan: city of design and innovation
Milan is all about lifestyle. Who needs beautiful buildings if you’re going to shop all day or spend you hours in a theatre, cinema, night club or restaurant?

Transport: how to get there and around
There are two airports serving Milan, for international flights there is Malpensa airport and domestic is Linate airport. You can also get to Linate airport from some European destinations.

The train station known as Stazione Central connects to an extensive network to get you in and around Milan. The city also boasts underground trains, trams and buses.

Weather
The weather in Milan can be described as temperate most of the time, with the exception of the occasion heat wave.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays
The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Hotels in Milan.

Attractions & Events
*The Festa del Naviglio starts at the beginning of June and brings ten days of performances, music and parades.

*Enjoy live music in November with The Milan Jazz Festival.

*There are celebrations on 7 December with the Festa di Sant’Ambrogio. Milan`s La Scala opera house also opens its season on this day.

Cheaper than Hotels offers cheap Italy hotels. Check out the hotels in Rome
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

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by TJ Tierney

Milan is the business hub of Italy and a very busy city to visit at any time of year.

Home to the Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci, Milan has a rich history in art and has some of the most priceless works of art on display in its galleries. The art galleries of Milan also reflect the history of the city, but be advised, if you do plan to visit some of the galleries book in advance.

Photograph by Trey Ratcliff

Milan`s main attraction, The Duomo is the third largest church in the world, and took nearly 450 years to build. The construction of the Duomo began in 1386 and was completed in 1805 by Napoleon. This fabulous Gothic style church is a must see for any tourist.

Built in 1386 the Castello Sforzesco is a massive fortress located in the centre of Milan. The Sforza has many great museums and hosts the work of many great artists including Michelangelo.

For the sporting fans a visit to the Meazza Stadium, better known as the San Siro should be rewarding. This is one of the best football stadiums in Italy. Daily visits to the San Siro are available with access to the stadium and changing rooms.

The winter months in Milan can be extremely cold, while the summers are very hot and humid.

A trip north to the Alps or to the lake region is very advisable, and should be most memorable. The Italian rail system is excellent, and daily trips to the lakes should not take too long. Hotel prices vary during the year – winter being an excellent time to visit.

Also known as one of the main fashion capitals of Italy, Milan hosts some of the best fashion designers in the world. Most of the main shopping outlets are located near the city centre. Expect very large crowds during the sales, which attract people from all over Europe.

Milan is well suited to cater for the needs of travellers. From the moment you arrive you will be met with an excellent transport system, both efficient and economical. Avoid travelling through the streets of Milan by car if possible – traffic can be chaotic.

Where possible it`s best to use the public transport system. If you must use a taxi be very careful , use official taxis, which are white or yellow in colour. These are a lot cheaper than the private cab who will charge you double the price.

Milan is a cosmopolitan city and offers a wide range of restaurants. Prices vary considerably from place to place. Restaurants are very crowded at weekends so book in advance where possible. Menus and prices are usually posted outside restaurants – its also standard to leave a small tip.

The main tourist season starts in Milan during the summer months, but this doesn`t mean that cheap accommodation is available during the off-season. Milan is a very busy city all year round and hotel prices can be expensive.

About the author: TJ Tierney is an award winning Irish Landscape photographer. For more tips you can visit his photography site. To view his images visit his on-line gallery of pictures of Ireland or see his travel site.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

by Christina Vlahova

When you go to Italy for the first time there is so much to see, so much to visit that you rarely find time for shopping. And I don`t mean souvenirs, but the typical shopping and that of stylish and high quality goods Italy is famous for. And you always have a choice to hop into any of the shops lining the small streets leading to any of the famous moments in any Italian city. And at least from experience, I can say, that even there where it is packed with tourist and you still can find things to buy you would be rarely disappointed with.

Photograph by RayDS

As for those travellers who prefer to shop the way Italians themselves do, to discover Italy though shopping as an experience and here are some tips and spots you might consider next time you are there:

Rome and Piazza del Risorgimento and via Cola di Rienzo:
Located in the vicinity of the Vatican and St Peter`s Cathedral and you can spend some hours wondering though the stores on both sides of via Cola di Rienzo, starting from Piazza del Risorgimento. Don`t shy away from looking at the stalls of the “marocchini“ and the Moroccans, who sell “original“ looking but still high quality hand bags, belts and sunglasses. Last time I checked they had started selling “brand-name“ shoes as well. And don`t forget to bargain and especially if you are talking to them in a language different than Italian. Half way through via Cola di Rienzo and if you feel like taking a sip of a real Italian cappuccino and do go into Castroni, which is both a shop for food articles from around the world and they serve coffee at the bar. Drink it the Italian way standing at the bar, anyway you don`t have another option there since the space is limited and often packed with Italians, which offers an unforgettable athmosphere.

Milano and via Monte Napoleone and via della Spiga
Now this definitely is not a typical place where Italians shop, at least not the average Italians and still it is an experience in itself. If you happen to be in Milan, do dedicate an hour or so to linger among the shop windows of via Monte Napoleone and the parallel via della Spiga. Even if you have no intention of buying anything at that price-range only looking at the shop windows is a meditation in itself and on the creativity, the colour combinations and the luxury in the world. And outside on the street you can catch a glimpse of those who do shop there and a different world and an amazing experience.

Bologna and the weekend market off via dell Indipendenza:
Unlike the shopping experience on via Monte Napoleone in Milan, if you happen to be in Bologna on a Friday or Saturday and you have some time to spend, do linger among the stalls of the big market off via dell Indipendenza. You can find anything there and from China produced sport shoes to high quality leather Italian shoes, from blouses from USD 2 to real fur coats, but all is a bargain. And you will mix up both with foreigners from all over the world who live in Bologna, as well as with Italians, who would always appreciate a bargain and do enjoy the marketplace shopping experience with its noise and colours and great deals.

Florence and the market of Florence
There is probably no better place to experience the colours of Italy and its shawls and scarves and the aroma of well-worked leather bags – than the market of Florence. You can find it a bit off the beaten tourist track, by reaching the piazza del Duomo and turning left on Borgo San Lorenzo. Then left again and you have arrived. Do try to resist the temptation to buy immediately and go to the end of the market, because the more you go to its end, the better the prices become. And again and do bargain and you will be surprised how willing sellers would be to give you a discount especially if you buy more than one item from them. I also find the Florence marketplace one of the best places if you are in for those typical Tuscan wine bottle cork caps with painted terracotta on top and beautiful, and they make a great gift to take to friends home.

You can`t really go wrong shopping in Italy, rather make sure you have enough time and some free space in your luggage!

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MICHIEL VAN KETS

Steeped in antiquity yet bursting with all that’s fashionably modern, Italy is the birthplace of La Dolce Vita – the sweet life that celebrates beauty and happiness.

Photograph by Trey Ratcliff – From Stuck In Customs

Climate Winters are long and cold in the northern alps; the summers can be rainy with frequent storms. The far south is warm but often lashed by the sirocco – the hot and humid African wind that brings weeks of stifling heat to the areas south of Rome. Pleasant temperatures make spring and autumn the best times to visit Italy.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Italy

Milan:cutting edge design and fine shopping

Milan’s drab facade belies the fact that it’s the innovation capital of Europe.

transport: getting there and getting around

Malpensa airport, located about 31 miles northwest of Milan, handles most international flights. For domestic and some European flights, Linate airport is used. Stazione Central, which as the name suggests is in the city centre offers an extensive rail network.

Milan has an efficient public transport system is efficient. It includes four underground lines, buses and trams.

climate

Other than the odd heat wave, the climate in Milan is mostly temperate.

accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Milan hotels

events:what’s on and what’s hot

For all its consumer-driven culture, Milan celebrates the spiritual as well as the worldly.

*The first ten days of June celebrate the Festa del Naviglio, a potpourri of parades, music and various performances.

*The Milan Jazz Festival gets the city swinging in November.

*The Festa di Sant’Ambrogio, on 7 December is celebrated with services, offerings and fairs around the Fiera di Milano. This is also the day that Milan’s renowned opera house La Scala opens its season.

Rome:the eternal city

Drenched in history and weighted with monuments famous the world over – the Vatican and the Colosseum, Rome stands as the epitome of history and culture.

transport:getting there and getting away

Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is 16 miles southwest of the city with the Stazione Termini direct train running hourly into the city. The main bus station is located outside the Stazione Termini. The Rome Metro service has two lines, both of which go through Termini. It runs from 5:30 a.m to 11.30 p.m. and 0:30 on Saturdays.

climate

The climate is mild with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. However July and August can be oppressively hot, November is often rainy, and December to February can be chill.

accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Rome hotels

Events: what’s on and what’s hot

*Holy Week (Easter) is time when Catholics from all over the world arrive on pilgrimages to visit the city’s churches and to hear the Pope at the Vatican. On Good Friday a procession of the Cross goes from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill.

The Estate Romana (Roman Summer), is at the heart of Roman social life from June to September. It’s a time when the city reverberates to free concerts, street theatre and outdoor cinema.

In September museums, galleries and shops stay open all night from 20:00-08:00 on the occasion called Notte Bianca (white night). It’s also a time of free concerts and other happenings all over the city.

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