Car Hire Bergamo

There are two halves of Bergamo, the old and the new. In the lower Citta Bassa region you’ll find several modern roads passing through, including the SS470 that heads up to the mountains. Traditional, narrow Italian streets lead off these major routes, lined with cars and scooters, so take care when navigating these tight areas.  

Within the historical centre of Bergamo, known as the Citta Alta, there are cobbled streets, one-way systems and some pedestrian-only areas. These Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs) are restricted, with only residents, emergency vehicles and some others allowed to drive in them.

Certain streets are covered by permanent ZTLs (mostly in the upper city), while others are only in force at certain times. If you hire a car and are staying in one of the ZTLs, contact your hotel for information about driving and parking nearby.

The speed limit on inner-city streets is usually set at 50km/h in these built-up areas, while on the outskirts and wider roads it can increase to 90km/h. Always look for the signs to be sure you’re sticking to the limit. On motorways (known as autostrade) the top speed is 130km/h, for example if you’re taking the E64 over to Milan or the A4 across to Verona.

There are various free public car parks in Bergamo, usually a little walk out of the very heart of the city. If you want to park close to the centre or one of the main attractions, you can pay at one of the car parks. Many offer short, long and overnight stay options. Plenty of hotels in the city include car parking as part of the service.

Located in the foothills of the Alps and surrounded by the flourishing beauty of Lombardy, Bergamo is a city with natural splendour on its side. Dating back almost 2,000 years, it has historical intrigue in abundance too. This is a hotbed of Italian culture that’s just waiting to be discovered.

Medieval marvels

Step back in time as you board the city’s vintage railway and climb up from the contemporary lower town to the historic, hilltop streets. For more than 120 years, this charming train has connected the Citta Bassa to the Citta Alta, passing through the ancient Venetian walls that once defended Bergamo from enemy attacks.

The upper city is characterised by narrow, cobbled streets that are packed full of historical architecture. Head to the Piazza del Duomo where the 15^th-century Bergamo Cathedral stands in all its majesty, gleaming white with copper domes and golden statues, all dedicated to the patron saint of the city.

Next door is the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, towering high above the surrounding buildings. For a taste of the Renaissance, look to the Cappella Colleoni adjacent to the Basilica. This holy building has a distinctive, checked marble façade, rose-shaped windows and a high altar inside.

A few minutes’ walk away is the Rocca, a 14^th-century fortress now transformed into a museum. Head inside to discover the details of the old town’s history and round off the day on the balcony, enjoying panoramic views over Bergamo. 

Home of artistic masters

Bergamo is the birthplace of world-famous art masters, including the revered portrait artist Moroni and operatic composer Donizetti. The Accademia Carrara is one of Italy’s premier art galleries, collecting around 1,800 pieces over the course of two centuries. Showcasing masterpieces within a palatial setting, highlights include works by greats including Botticelli and Raphael.

In upper Bergamo you can walk in the footsteps of composer Donizetti – starting at his home, now the Museo Donizettiano, and then visiting his grave in the basilica. Spend your evening listening to his compositions at the Gaetano Donizetti Theatre around the corner, named in his honour.

Italian indulgence

You’ll see the word Bergamasca in the city a lot – it translates as ‘from Bergamo’. The city is a proud producer of many of its own culinary delicacies, allowing you to tuck into authentic flavours wherever you go.

Try Da Mimmo, the one and only for traditional margherita pizza. This elegant venue holds ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ status, which is as authentic as it gets. Using fresh dough, sun-ripened tomatoes and creamy cheese, they’re experts at taking these simple ingredients and turning them into something sublime.

Trattorias are found all over the city, rustic eateries with relaxed atmospheres. Pop inside for local dishes such as casoncelli alla bergamasca – silky pasta parcels filled with meat. Sweet tooth? Give into the temptation of local bakeries and gelato stands piled high with creamy flavours.

Hire a car in Bergamo and embark on a tour of the finest art, history and food in and around this ancient north Italian city.