Bergamo Alta, or Upper Bergamo, stands as the oldest, most historic, and enchanting part of the Lombard city.
A funicular leads up to the old city
With its historic buildings, churches, cafes, and artisanal shops, Bergamo Alta unquestionably represents the pulsating heart of Lombardy's capital. It is made to be explored on foot in a single day, whether you arrive by train or car or opt for the funicular that ascends from the lower part of the city up to the centre. 
A fountain with sphinxes and a fresco museum
First and foremost is Piazza Vecchia, the arrival point of the funicular with Piazza Vecchia which is packed with cafes offering outdoor seating. At the square's heart stands the distinctive Contarini Fountain, guarded by its sphinxes that seem to watch over the visitors.
Not far from Piazza Vecchia the Palazzo della Regione di Città Alta, the oldest municipal building in Italy, houses the Fresco Museum with many interesting highlights.
Ancient monuments and 6 kilometres of walls
Another of Bergamo Alta's attractions and a true symbol of the city is the Campanone or Civic Tower. At a towering 52.76 meters it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the ancient city. The summit can be reached on foot up 230 steps or more comfortably by lift, and the tower houses Lombardy's largest bell. In Piazza Duomo visitors find the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro, the Baptistery, and the Colleoni Chapel. For history enthusiasts, there are the Venetian Walls of the Upper Town. Stretching some six kilometres, and with four city gates, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
