WALKING ALONG THE WALLS...
Città Alta can be easily reached on foot via the four gates along the Venetian Walls that surround it. Here is a suggestion for a pleasant walk, ideal for slow travellers!
(4) Porta sant'Agostino:
People usually enter the Walls from this gate, which is at the summit of Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, a most important driveway from the modern city, so it may be very busy.
The facade, which features the lion of San Marco, emblem of the Republic of Venice, is divided in three vertical bands. The fountain behind was built in XVI century.
And if you want to sunbathe keep right and stop at Fara’s field, which you’ll see on your left opposite Sant’Agostino church.
Otherwise slowly walk along the avenue that winds up on your left: even if you are not keen on walking, the Walls are pretty flat (so much easier to do than the uphill paths).
Enjoy the dramatic sunsets, the great panoramic views of Città Bassa and the mountains in the distance. There are also small telescopes located at various points, add a coin into and see into the distance!
(7) There’s another door to see, if you want to complete the tour. Go towards Piazza Vecchia and then reach the Gombito Tower. Here walk down via san Lorenzo and you’ll arrive at a place called “la montagnetta”, rich in fossils. Follow the street, down to Porta san Lorenzo (Porta Garibaldi):
It is the smallest among the openings in the Walls, but it was the first to be built: it was named after a church that was there before, demolished for the construction of the Venetian Walls.
Since 1907 it has been called “Porta Garibaldi” because Giuseppe Garibaldi, with the 'hunters of the Alps', came to Bergamo on 8th June 1859.
(6) Porta sant'Alessandro:
It takes its name from the Church of Saint Alexander, patron of Bergamo, which was destroyed in 1561 and was at a little distance from here.
Near Porta Sant'Alessandro, there’s a funicular that reaches San Vigilio, where you can enjoy a beautiful view and visit the castle.
(5) Porta san Giacomo:
If you turn left from Porta Sant’Agostino, in a little time you will arrive at the second door which dates back to the second half of 1500. Another possibility is climbing up to it through the starway next to the funicular station downtown. Here again, the emblem with Leone of San Marco recalls the Venetian domination.
If you happen to be on the west side of the walls before night falls, enjoy a spectacular sunset: the bright orange sky is the background to the peak of Monviso. Perfect time to indulge in a romantic kiss!
Going on walking and you will soon arrive at Colle Aperto, where another door opens.
