Sprawling north-east of Milan, the Province of Bergamo encompasses the high peaks of the Orobian Alps, river-carved valleys and low-lying agricultural pastures. It centres around the atmospheric city of Bergamo with its monumental churches and museums and is framed by the azure waters of Lake Iseo.
Things to do in Bergamo
Whether you want to be awed by the architecture of Bergamo or escape to the alpine landscapes of Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche, the Province of Bergamo is easily accessible from Milan.
Sightsee in Bergamo. Encircled by UNESCO-listed Venetian walls are the cobblestone streets of Bergamo, which serves as the provincial seat. It’s renowned for its magnificent religious landmarks, such as the art-filled Duomo di Bergamo and the Romanesque-style Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Decorating the Cappella Colleoni are 18th-century frescoes by Tiepolo. Don’t miss the Accademia Carrara Museum, which has been exhibiting paintings and sculptures since 1780.
Visit Le Cornelle. Established in 1981, this beloved zoo was created to preserve wildlife species and features natural-inspired enclosures. It’s home to around 1,000 animals representing 120 different species, including Bengal tigers, ring-tailed lemurs and Asian elephants. Le Cornelle boasts the largest aviary in Italy, which offers up-close encounters with marabou storks, Chilean flamingos and scarlet macaws.
Explore Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche. Sprawling across the Province of Bergamo’s north is this mountainous protected area, which is home to snow-blanketed peaks, sparkling lakes and one of the tallest waterfalls in Italy. More than 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails wind their way through the park and offer sightings of alpine ibexes, European mouflons and red deers. At 3,000 metres is the park’s highest peak, Pizzo Coca, which can be accessed on foot from Valbondione.
Getting around Bergamo
The province of Bergamo is around an hour’s drive from Milan and Milan Malpensa Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to Bergamo while buses serve smaller towns and villages throughout the province. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the Province of Bergamo.