An immersive 3-day journey from Bergamo to Peschiera to Palmanova, embracing slowness and relaxation.
Take the funicular up to Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, where your journey begins through noble residences, alleys, medieval streets, churches, and charming squares that tell the story of this city. Head down via Porta Dipinta to visit one of Bergamo’s most important Renaissance buildings, Moroni Palace and Gardens, whose extraordinary architecture speaks of past grandeur and power.
Returning to Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, turn immediately right onto via alla Rocca and climb towards the Rocca of Bergamo, a historic fortress. From its majestic tower, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking 360° view over the city, the Orobie Prealps, and the Bergamo plain.
Your next stop is the former Convent of San Francesco. Retrace your steps to the small square where Via Solata intersects, follow it to Piazza Mercato del Fieno, and you’ll find yourself in front of a true architectural gem—an oasis of peace and culture.
Leaving the former convent behind, head to the Gombito Tower, built at the crossroads of the Roman-era cardo and decumanus. This tower testifies to the town’s defensive and commercial importance in medieval times. Today, it houses one of Bergamo’s tourist information points, where you can get brochures, book guided tours, and purchase souvenirs.
Now, take a short detour up via Mario Lupo to discover Palazzo Terzi, a hidden Baroque treasure in the heart of Upper Bergamo. Still home to the marquises who commissioned its construction, this noble residence remains one of the city’s most elegant and fascinating buildings.
To continue your itinerary, return to via Gombito and follow via Colleoni to the heart of the city: Piazza Vecchia—so iconic that architect Le Corbusier famously declared, “Not a single stone should be touched; it would be a crime.”
Here, countless historic landmarks await you, including Palazzo della Ragione, the Civic Tower and, most notably, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral, and the Colleoni Chapel, all well worth a visit. The stunning architecture and the masterpieces they house will leave you speechless.
Your walk through the streets and wonders of Upper Bergamo is nearly complete. Via Colleoni opens onto Piazza Mascheroni, followed by Piazza della Cittadella, an ancient Visconti fortress that still bears traces of the Roman era—a true open-air history book where every element tells a chapter of the city’s past.
Just a few more steps and your tour reaches its conclusion: welcome to Colle Aperto, where you can take a break with a coffee, an aperitif, or simply a moment of relaxation before deciding, if you wish, to ascend to San Vigilio Hill.
This is the route we recommend—but you can always reverse the itinerary and experience it from a different perspective. Either way, you’ll be enchanted by the new angles and unexpected views of Upper Bergamo!
To get acquainted with Bergamo’s most famous landmark, follow the Secrets of the Walls itinerary—an enchanting walk full of surprises, unveiling ancient ramparts, bastions, gun emplacements, former monasteries, and many other unique sites!
Complete your visit at the ‘Bergamo Walls’ Museum, located inside Sant’Agostino Gate. This exhibition space is entirely dedicated to the history of the fortress, featuring multimedia stations, historical artifacts, and an immersive experience room, where storytelling turns into a journey through time, bringing the construction of the Walls to life.
Come and discover the origins of this stone-carved gem, a timeless symbol of the city.
Start from Largo Porta Nuova and walk along the Sentierone to Piazza Cavour, where you’ll find the Donizetti Theatre, dedicated to the renowned Bergamasque composer.
In front lies the Centro Piacentiniano, famous for its historic cafés and a stunning example of architecture blending Neoclassicism, Eclecticism, and Rationalism. At the other end of the Sentierone, you’ll find Frizzoni Palace, the City Hall, as well as the main shopping streets—a vibrant mix of colors, eras, and styles that immerse you in the lively atmosphere of Bergamo’s modern side.
If you love art, we recommend extending your route to visit the Accademia Carrara, one of Italy’s most important art museums. Follow the charming via Tasso, via Pignolo, and the medieval Scaletta della Noca to reach this cultural treasure, home to masterpieces by Raphael, Botticelli, Mantegna, and Tiepolo.
Encircled by Venetian walls, this remarkable site stands as an extraordinary example of Renaissance architecture.
The guided walking tour takes you on a journey through the Venetian fortress of Peschiera and the main landmarks of its historic centre. This itinerary is perfect for understanding the history of Peschiera del Garda and its key role in Italy’s past.
The route winds along the Venetian walls, through the Austrian military district, and past the ancient Roman ruins, offering a fascinating walk through the many eras that have shaped the city. A knowledgeable guide will bring Peschiera’s history to life, from its origins as a pile-dwelling village to its present-day status as a popular tourist destination.
The tour starts from Porta Brescia.
We highly recommend a visit to the Museum of Fishing and Lake Traditions, a fascinating institution that tells the thousand-year history of fishing on Lake Garda and the daily life of the town. The very name ‘Peschiera del Garda’ originates from the ancient “peschiere”, stable fishing sites documented as far back as Roman times.
The museum is housed within the picturesque Bastione San Marco, specifically in the Radetzky Room. Do you know what this room was used for? In the 19th century, it served as an Austrian pyrotechnic workshop, adding a unique historical charm to your visit.
Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of original artifacts, including traditional boats, fishing nets, and tools used by local fishermen. The exhibition also features fascinating curiosities and historic photographs, offering a glimpse into life along the shores of Lake Garda throughout the centuries.
You can also choose to explore Peschiera del Garda independently with your smartphone, following the numbered information panels located at the most significant points of interest.
Alternatively, you can opt for an audio-guided tour using the audioguides available for rent at the Turismo Peschiera Infopoint.
The audio tour lasts 40 minutes.
Within the island housing the Austrian military district, we invite you to visit the Austrian Command Palace. One of the rooms in this building was the setting for the Inter-Allied Conference during World War I, held in November 1917.
This room, later renamed the Historic Hall, was declared a National Monument by King Victor Emmanuel III.
Your visit will immerse you in a moment of immense historical significance, marking a pivotal step towards Italy’s victory in the Great War.
Please note: visits are only possible by prior reservation at the Tourism Peschiera Infopoint.
For a truly unmissable experience, take a boat tour to admire the walls of Peschiera from the water.
Departing from Piazzetta San Marco, in the heart of the city, you’ll navigate along the canals surrounding Peschiera del Garda, offering a unique perspective on the fortifications. This tour allows you to discover hidden corners and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s strategic importance throughout history.
The service operates from April to November, and the tour lasts 25 minutes.
A city of perfect geometry: a nine-pointed star with three concentric walls, three monumental entrance gates, and nine bastions, all surrounding a vast hexagonal square.
Begin your visit at the Multimedia Hall, an interactive experience that takes you through the history of Palmanova, from its foundation to the present day.
Through 3D models and immersive videos, you’ll gain insight into the evolution of the fortifications and the city’s strategic role throughout different historical periods, from the Republic of Venice to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll uncover the various levels of Palmanova’s fortifications. You’ll visit the city’s monumental gates, including Porta Udine, Porta Aquileia, and Porta Cividale, and walk along the bastions, ravelins, and Napoleonic lunettes.
The tour continues to Piazza Grande, the heart of the city, where you can admire the Duomo Dogale, the Loggia dei Mercanti, and the Loggia della Gran Guardia. You’ll also discover the “instruments and ingenious machines used to build the fortress”, offering a glimpse into the city’s civil and military life throughout history.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
You’ll also have the chance to explore the Donato Bullwark and the Countermine Galleries. Inside these fascinating underground passages, you can enjoy a highly immersive experience using your mobile device, with audio narration and augmented reality features.
This interactive journey will take you deep into the Venetian military techniques that made Palmanova’s fortress impregnable, revealing the ingenious strategies used to defend the city.
Duration: approximately 30–40 minutes.
