Northern Italy, where Bergamo is located, is the industrial and economically more highly developed part of the country. The city is located in the Lombardy region, 50 km from Milan. Nestled in the valley of the River Po in the Alpine foothills, the city attracts many tourists. Bergamo has a population of just over 116 thousand.
Despite its proximity to Milan, Bergamo has much to offer its guests. An ancient and glorious history, the natural beauty of the city's surroundings, a treasure trove of art galleries, large-scale festivals and, of course, the delicious cuisine of Bergamo are just a few of the factors that make the city famous.
Bergamo's roots can be traced back to the time of the ancient Celts. Originally named Bergimus, the city was founded in honour of the local god of the same name. From 49 B.C. onwards, the city was under Roman rule. In the 5th century, Bergamo was destroyed by the Attila hordes. During the early Middle Ages the city became the centre of a county of the same name.
In 1428 the city came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. The years of Venetian rule saw Bergamo's trade and production flourish. Napoleon's troops also came to the city, and in 1859, Giuseppe Garibaldi's troops marched through the streets.
Bergamo's castles are its own special treasure. The first of them was built by the Romans in the I century BC. The Venetians built a mighty fortress on the slopes of the Alps.
Small in size, Bergamo holds the echoes of the rich history of the Appenine peninsula. Churches, ramparts, palaces and art galleries blend in with modern luxury malls, cable cars and the quiet noise of a small-town Italian town. Add to that the splendid natural scenery of the surrounding countryside and you have a reason to love Bergamo.
