Bergamo facts for kids
Bergamo is a beautiful city in northern Italy. It's located in the Lombardy region and is home to about 118,000 people. Bergamo is famous for its unique layout, split into two main parts: the old, historic "Upper City" (Città Alta) on a hill and the modern "Lower City" (Città Bassa) below.
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Welcome to Bergamo!
Bergamo is a city that truly feels like two different places in one. The Upper City is like stepping back in time with its ancient walls and narrow streets. The Lower City is busy and modern, with shops and businesses. This mix makes Bergamo a really interesting place to visit and learn about.
Where is Bergamo?
Bergamo is found in the Lombardy region of Italy, which is in the northern part of the country. It sits at the foot of the Bergamasque Alps, which are part of the larger Alps mountain range. This location gives Bergamo some amazing views of both the city and the mountains. It's also not far from big cities like Milan, making it easy to reach.
A Glimpse into History
Bergamo has a very long and rich history. It was first settled by an ancient people called the Celts. Later, it became an important Roman town.
Medieval Times
During the Middle Ages, Bergamo grew and became a powerful city. It had strong walls and castles to protect its people. Like many Italian cities, it was often involved in conflicts between different groups.
Venetian Rule
For a long time, from the 15th to the late 18th century, Bergamo was part of the Republic of Venice. The Venetians built many of the impressive walls you can still see around the Upper City today. These walls were built to protect the city from invaders. They are so well-preserved that they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Modern Bergamo
After the time of Venice, Bergamo became part of the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. The city continued to grow, especially the Lower City, which developed into a modern center.
What to See and Do
Bergamo offers many exciting things to explore.
The Upper City (Città Alta)
The Upper City is the heart of historic Bergamo. You can reach it by a funicular, which is like a small train going up a steep hill. Inside the ancient walls, you'll find:
- Piazza Vecchia: This is the main square, surrounded by beautiful old buildings. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Duomo di Bergamo: The city's main cathedral, with stunning architecture and art inside.
- Santa Maria Maggiore: A beautiful basilica known for its amazing tapestries and decorations.
- Rocca di Bergamo: An old fortress that offers fantastic views of the city and the surrounding area.
- The Venetian Walls: You can walk along these ancient walls and enjoy panoramic views.
The Lower City (Città Bassa)
The Lower City is the modern part of Bergamo. It has wide streets, shops, and restaurants.
- Teatro Donizetti: A famous opera house named after Gaetano Donizetti, a famous composer born in Bergamo.
- Accademia Carrara: An art gallery with a wonderful collection of Italian paintings.
- Shopping Streets: Perfect for finding souvenirs or enjoying Italian fashion.
Fun Facts About Bergamo
- Bergamo is sometimes called the "City of a Thousand" because of its many hills and the way it spreads out.
- The city is home to a major international airport, Orio al Serio International Airport, which serves many travelers.
- Bergamo is known for its delicious local food, including a type of pasta called casoncelli and a sweet bread called polenta e osei.
See also
Images for kids
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The Città Alta
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Bergamo Upper Town and Alpi Orobie from the airport
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Lower City seen from Upper City
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The Upper City
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The Angelo Maj library
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Bergamo Upper City, Lower City and Bergamo Hills
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Neighborhoods of Bergamo
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Gaetano Donizetti Theater
