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Welcome to the Province of Bergamo

Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about the Province of Bergamo, a beautiful area in Lombardy with a population of 1,102,670 and 243 municipalities. It is the third Italian province in terms of the number of municipal subdivisions and the eighth in terms of population. With its breathtaking landscapes, the Province of Bergamo is a real paradise for nature and outdoor activities. I want to show you the most important attractions, but first, here is some geographical information.

Physical geography

The Province of Bergamo is located in the central-eastern part of Lombardy. It borders the province of Sondrio to the north, the metropolitan city of Milan, the province of Lecco, and the province of Monza and Brianza to the west, the province of Cremona to the south, and the province of Brescia to the east. The province covers an area of 2,745.94 km² and its morphology ranges from 3,050 m above sea level to 82 m.

Bergamo: Natural and Cultural Treasures of Lombardy

Territory

The northern part of the province is predominantly mountainous, but there are also some beautiful valleys such as Val Seriana, Val Brembana, Valle Imagna, Valle di Scalve, Val San Martino, and Val Cavallina. Moving southwards, there is a hilly area that includes the Isola bergamasca, the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo, and Valcalepio, famous for its wines. In the southern part of the province, there is the Po Valley. This area is commonly called Bassa Bergamasca and is divided into three areas: the Isola bergamasca between the Adda and Brembo, the Gera d'Adda between Brembo and Serio, and Calciana between Serio and Oglio.

Mountains

The highest peaks of the province are located in the Orobie Alps, on the border with the province of Sondrio. The main ones are Pizzo Coca (3,052 m) and Pizzo Redorta (3,038 m). Among the gentle hills, we remember the Colli di San Fermo, Trescore, and Cenate.

What to see

Now that you have an idea of the geography of the Province of Bergamo, let me point out some tourist attractions not to be missed.

Art cities and ancient villages

Bergamo is the jewel of the province: the upper city can be reached by funicular and offers a spectacular view of the mountains and the surrounding plain. Here you can admire the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the cathedral, and the Colleoni Chapel. A few kilometers from Bergamo is the Alta città of Clusone, one of the most suggestive ancient villages in the area.

Castles and fortresses

Castles and fortresses are among the most interesting attractions in the Province of Bergamo. The castle of Malpaga, a few kilometers from the city of Bergamo, is one of the best examples of fifteenth-century military architecture. Also, the castle of San Vigilio in Scanzorosciate is worth a visit, thanks to its panoramic position on the valley.

Parks and nature reserves

The Province of Bergamo has numerous parks and nature reserves. Among the most famous, we find the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo, the Parco del Serio, and the Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche. These places are perfect for anyone who wants to do outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.

Other places to visit

If you have time, I recommend visiting Lake Iseo, a beautiful drop-shaped lake located in the eastern part of the province. Moreover, the city of Lovere is one of the most beautiful cities around the lake, thanks to its Renaissance architecture.

Conclusions

In summary, the Province of Bergamo is a wonderful place for those who love Italian nature, history, and culture. There are many ancient villages to explore, castles to visit, natural parks to discover, and paths to walk. If you are looking for a destination to include in your next adventure in Italy, do not hesitate to choose the Province of Bergamo. We are waiting for you!

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023