On my most recent trip to Bergamo, I made it a point to head up to Citta Alta at night to see if the stories I had heard and read about these bells were true. Up until that point, I had only ever gone up during the day, so this was my first time experiencing the beauty of the city by night.
It wasn’t skepticism, it was more that I just wanted to hear them for myself.
That entire day had been rainy, dreary and cold. By the time I reached the center, it was completely deserted.
I walked around snapping some sad pictures of the square that I had previously only ever seen full of people and commotion. It seemed no one wanted to be out in the cold wetness.
At 9:59pm, I stood in the center of the square, waiting in anticipation for the bells to chime. It felt like standing in Times Square right before the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve, only – you know, without the insane mob of people.
And at exactly 10pm … they chimed! The stories were true!
The most interesting part of this entire thing was imagining what it must have been like in 1660, hearing those chimes and knowing you had to rush back home or else you would be locked out for the night.
19 Comments
Claire
Thank you for such a great post! I was looking for a city to add on to a trip to Milan and you convinced me to go to Bergamo. Thanks!
Andrea Peacock
What a beautiful city! I love all the incredible architecture everywhere. Looks like the perfect place to wander around!
Jenia
I’ve definitely heard of Bergamo before but have never seen photos. It’s so very charming! Will certainly add it to my list, thank you!
Leah
Wow! Citta Alta looks absolutely stunning! So many beautiful spaces to explore. I would be drooling over the food too!
Candace
So pretty! I really need to make a visit to Northern Italy a priority!
Rhonda
I would love to walk the wall surrounding Citta Alta. Amazing that it never was attacked and is fully intact.
Sarah
Haven’t heard about this place before, but it looks amazing!
Katy
Wow! What a beautiful place! Saving it to my bucket list 🙂
Melanie
I’ve never heard about this place. It sounds like a great day trip from Como.
I would love to get into the cable car, the views must be beautiful
Nicola Lavin
I always look forward to your blog posts and you beautiful photo editing. Bergamot is definitely going on my must see list.
Vanessa
Oh wow! The area of Citta Alta is so beautiful and I can see why you like it so much. I have been to Italy several times but never been here. Now I have a wonderful reason to go back!
Sam
Beautiful photos and great information!! I’ve always wanted to visit Italy, I’ll have to keep this place in mind when I do!
Catherine @ To & Fro Fam
Oh my goodness, I would LOVE to visit Citta Alta! I’d definitely take the trolley ride up the hill. In fact, that might end up being my kids’ favorite part!
Lynne
I was in nearby Lago d’Iseo recently for the first time. I’ll have to go back and explore this piece of Bergamo! Looks fab!!
Tanya
I have been in the area many times, but have never stopped here… You have inspired me to add it to my list of places to visit 🙂
Nat
What an absolutely gorgeous place to visit! I’ve added it to my bucket list now 🙂 thank you!
emaroundtheworld
Happy to hear you’ve added to your list of places to visit! Feel free to use this post as a guide when you decide to venture out to Citta Alta!
Campbell
This place looks amazing! Love hearing about more undiscovered towns and hideaways.
emaroundtheworld
It really is amazing. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re ever in the northern part of Italy!