Bergamo

Bergamo is about 40 km from Milan. It has a low cost airport which is why we visited. I was pleasantly surprised by its castles, renaissance houses, art, medieval feeling and, good Italian restaurants. We stayed just one afternoon but would have stayed two or three days if we had known all it had to offer. It is divided into Bergamo Alta and Baja. The low part is a very modern area, without much historical appeal and the top, where I stayed, is very medieval. La Piazza Vecchia (Old Square), is located in the heart of Bergamo and is the symbol of the city. It´s one of the most beautiful squares in Italy that overlooks the historic buildings and monuments such as the Civic Tower and the Campanone.

Bergamo is a city that is situated within walking distance of Milan and, from Spain, it is more and more accessible due to low cost companies that are bound to land in Milan Orio al Serio airport which is very close to this city. Fortunately, it is not a horrible place, much less, and the tourist can have some nice walks around. The highlight of Bergamo is the "upper city". It is the old part and it is nice to talk a stroll through its streets, have an ice cream or granita or dine out. Also, from the top there are good views of the town and its surroundings. What's worse is that in the lower area

Also called maxi-brioches, Bergamo Croissants are huge! I went to Bergamo at Christmas time and in addition to the inevitable panettone, I was surprised by the size of these croissants. Just look at the pictures where I compare them to the size of my hand! They cost more than 6 euros, and you need at least 4 people to eat one. I really wanted to try one, but it was a bit big for me on my own!

For those visiting Milan, it is advisable to visit the medieval city of Bergamo some 50 km away. It´s a lovely place to walk, enjoy an ice cream or sweet polenta or a magnificent pizza. To get here, take a train in the station and in 40 minutes can arrive. Then take the bus 1A and you will be taken to the wall of the city.