Things to see in Bergamo

Staying at Hotel Il Sole means experiencing Bergamo in the most authentic way, in the heart of the Città Alta, amidst medieval alleys, historic squares, and unforgettable views. The city is a jewel rich in art, culture, and tradition, capable of surprising visitors year-round.

Walking through its cobbled streets, you'll experience an atmosphere suspended between past and present: ancient Venetian walls, towers, churches, and palaces tell the story of centuries of history, while artisan workshops, bars, and cafes enliven the streets with the energy of everyday life.

Founded in the late 18th century, the Accademia Carrara is one of Italy's most prestigious art museums and a must-see for anyone visiting Bergamo. Its collection houses over 1,800 works, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings, offering a fascinating journey through the history of art from the 15th to the 19th century.
Walking through its halls, you can admire masterpieces by Pisanello, Botticelli, Raphael, Bellini, Tiepolo, and Canaletto, along with important works from the Lombard and Venetian schools. The Accademia Carrara is more than just a museum, but a place where art, culture, and beauty meet, perfect for enriching your stay with an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.

Visiting Piazza Vecchia means immersing yourself in the beating heart of Bergamo's history. In centuries past, it was the center of the city's political and civic life, and even today it retains all its charm, offering visitors a journey back in time through art, culture, and extraordinary architecture.
This splendid square is home to some of Bergamo's most iconic landmarks: the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Campanone (Big Bell), the Palazzo della Ragione (Palazzo della Ragione), and the Palazzo Nuovo (Palazzo Nuovo), the former municipal building now transformed into the prestigious Angelo Mai Library.
Rich in history and charm, Piazza Vecchia is also a vibrant and dynamic space, hosting numerous cultural and international events throughout the year. An unmissable stop on your trip to Bergamo that will leave you speechless.

The four ancient gates of the Venetian walls—Porta Sant'Alessandro, Porta San Giacomo, Porta Sant'Agostino, and Porta San Lorenzo—represent the main historical entrances to the Upper Town. Each is located at a cardinal point and holds stories and symbols of the past, making the entire walled area even more fascinating.
There is also a hidden entrance, lesser-known but equally evocative, which testifies to the strategic and defensive importance of these imposing fortifications. Exploring them means taking a true journey through time, discovering Venetian Bergamo.

Located on the mountain of the same name at almost 500 meters above sea level, San Vigilio Castle dominates the city from above and offers one of the most spectacular views of Bergamo. From here, the gaze extends all the way to the Prealps, offering breathtaking vistas that change with the seasons.
In the past, thanks to its strategic position, the castle served an important military and defensive function. Today, it is an ideal place for a stroll amidst history and nature, perfect for admiring the landscape and discovering another fascinating side of the Upper Town.

The Fortress of Bergamo is one of the most evocative sites in the Upper Town, offering a 360° view of the entire city and the surrounding landscape. This ancient fortification, dating back to the 14th century, was built for a strategic military purpose and still retains all the charm of its past.
Inside, you can visit the 19th-century Museum, housed in the former Casa dei Bombardieri (Bombers' House), for a journey through history, memory, and culture that enriches the visitor experience.

Entering Bergamo's many churches and places of worship means immersing yourself in spaces of great spirituality and beauty, where you can admire precious works of art, frescoes, and masterpieces that recount centuries of history and devotion.
The city also offers a rich cultural landscape with museums, exhibitions, and activities held throughout the year. From contemporary art exhibitions to historical collections, every visit is an opportunity to delve deeper into the culture and traditions of this extraordinary region.

Bergamo's Lower Town is a fascinating blend of history and modernity, where historic buildings, shopping streets, and cultural spaces coexist harmoniously. Strolling through the center, you can admire the majesty of the Propylaea di Porta Nuova, two neoclassical monuments dating back to 1837, symbolizing the entrance to the modern part of the city.
The beating heart of city life is the Sentierone, one of Bergamo's most beloved streets, lined with trendy shops, cafes, and boutiques, as well as home to the main economic and administrative center. An ideal place to experience the city's most dynamic and contemporary side.