Fun things to do in Bergamo

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Restoration of La Chiesa Sant'Agata nel Carmine in Bergamo Citta Alta is underway and visitors are invited to donate

Bergamo born Pope John XXIII provides a big draw with a new portrait by the Shanghai-born painter Yan Pei Ming who is now based in France and has painted portraits of subjects as diverse as Bruce Lee and Barack Obama. The two coloured red and white is typical of his work.

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The Torre Civica is one of the oldest towers of the upper city of Bergamo. It was constructed in the 11th and 12th century as part of the first Celeri family castle built. The tower was reconstructed in the following centuries.

The tower can be climbed or ascended by elevator.
Entrance fee: Euro 3,00 (Adult and elevator use).
Visiting hours:
Wintertime: Mo: Closed; Tu-Fr: 9:30AM - 1PM; 2:30PM - 6PM; Sa-Su: 9:30 - 6PM
Summertime: Mo: Closed; Tu-Fr: 9:30AM - 6PM; Sa-Su: 9:30 - 8PM

The Church of Santa Lucia is located at the busy XX Settembre shopping street at the corner where a small street market is held.

Santa Lucia's day is December 13 when stalls selling sweets and toys are put in the center, visited by children who leave a letter with their wish list of gifts at the church.

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"They call me Harlequin, I'm a little mischievious and cunning
Near Bergamo I was born, throughout the world I am known"

More than one continent. let alone more than one are or country makes claims of being the origin of the Arlequino. BErgamo stakes its claim with the legend above, in English Italian and Berghem dialect, at the off beat sculpture unveiled outside the toursit office 26 November 2011

The first Harlequin may have been Alberto Naselli, from Bergamo, in 1572. Jury is out, but have a look !.

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The Rocca (Castle) has a history that goes back hundreds of years and is most likely the site of Bergamo's Roman Capitol.
Bergamo provided Garibaldi with a large contingent of men to fight in the Wars of Independence which led to the subsequent Unification of Italy. No doubt this is one of the reasons why the castle houses the 19th cent. section of the Historical Museum which covers this period.
I was too late to visit the castle and museum but the reason that I've included it as a tip is because the park surrounding it is worth a visit in its own right. It's a lovely spot to chill out and take in the views over the Citta Alta, Citta Bassa and beyond both to the Lombardy Plain and the foothills of The Alps.
There's a charge to visit the museum inside the castle but the parkland is free.

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Located in Citti Alta, the Palazzo Moroni is a preserved home that is now a museum and also serves as a venue for events. Finely decored inside, courtyards and extensive grounds. Located at via Porta Dipinta 14 (via of the painted doors), the Palace was built in the 17th century by Francesco Moroni. The grounds contain a tower built in the 14th century. The ceiling, with it 3D effect was impressive.

Located in Piazza Matteotti is The Death of a Partisan sculpture by Manzu. It was gifted to the City by locally born artist Giacomo Manzu in 1977 to honor those Italians who fought against both the Nazi's and Mussolini's forces in World War II. It is not a large munument by an means but is quite striking. More information about Giacomo Manzu can be found at the website below.

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Climbing up the tower ( a guide is available to explain some history) is interesting enough, but the views over the City of Bergamo are outstanding. From the medieval buildings below you to the hills that form the base of the Alps.