The most famous is the funicular that connects the Lower Town, Beghem de hota as locals call it, to the Upper Town, Beghem de hura, home to the city’s beautiful historic center.
Two colorful carriages (the lower station is near Porta Nuova) carry up to a hundred passengers, tirelessly climbing and descending a steep hill dotted with trees and houses. They effortlessly overcome an 85-meter height difference and a gradient reaching 52%.
Once at the top, a stop at the Caffè della Funicolare is almost a must. This characterful café, with its inviting panoramic terraces, is the perfect place to pause before exploring the historic and architectural gems of the Upper Town (including the Duomo, Baptistery, Palazzo della Ragione with the Civic Tower, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore with the Colleoni Chapel…).
This funicular has a long history. Built to prevent the ancient center from becoming isolated as the modern city expanded at the foot of the hill, it made its first run on 20 September 1887.
But it’s not the only one in Bergamo—there’s also the San Vigilio Hill funicular, offering a fresh perspective on the city, far from the crowds.
A smaller 55-seat carriage makes a short, quick journey, climbing another 90 meters and reaching a hilltop with sweeping views over both Upper and Lower Town.
The hill, much loved by Nobel Prize-winning writer Herman Hesse, is also the starting point for walks and visits to the Castle (now a public park), the panoramic church of San Sebastiano, and both medieval and Venetian fortifications. Information:
tel. 035.236.026
