BERGAMO AND SURROUNDINGS

Located a few kilometres from Milan, Bergamo is a city of rare beauty.

At first you meet Lower City, whose beating heart develops through a long tree-lined avenue, the Sentierone, enclosed between shops and residential buildings (work of the architect Piacentini); if you look up you can see instead The High City, the oldest one with enchanting architecture, dominating the surrounding valleys, that is Val Brembana, Val Seriana and Val di Scalve, where you can walk or practice trekking through the long alpine trails, cycling on the many cycling routes or follow the cultural routes between the villages of Clusone and Crespi d'Adda, the only example of italian industrial archaeology, world heritage site.

There’s room for history too in Bergamo valleys , for example you can visit the medieval centre of Gromo, in Val Seriana, or the wonderful ethnographical museum of Schilpario, in Val di Scalve.

Like every good valley, you find lakes and water sources, that flow into wonderful waterfalls, like the Serio Waterfalls, the second highest falls in Europe, with their leap of 315 metres, really amazing.

In less than one hour, you can reach Iseo Lake, the Bergamo bank, ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a boat ride, take a bath or long scenic walks on its banks.

Do not miss a walk through the pretty towns of Sarnico and Lovere, overlooking the lake and count among the most beautiful italian villages in 2003, between medieval streets and breathtaking views, that make them very suggestive and romantic.

Interesting also a boat trip to reach Montisola, Europe largest lake island and the little islands of San Paolo and Loreto, where you can enjoy pleasant walks and cycling.

You can opt for a ride around the island by cycling on pleasant trails flanked by the lake and by olive trees and vineyards, or during the Summer time , you can soak in water for refreshing baths or enjoy a typical dish in the various restaurants in the bathing sites.

Other sights include:

• S.Tome Church , precious romanesque, located at Almenno San Bartolomeo
• Sotto il Monte , in memory of Pope Giovanni XXIII, who was born there
• Caravaggio Sanctuary, built in 1432
• Malpaga Castle , medieval residence of the famous commander Colleoni