Founded by the Gauls in the 4th century BC, Bergamo is one of the oldest cities in Northern Italy, with a rich historical heritage spanning over two millennia.

Strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes, it played a crucial role in the Roman Empire as a military stronghold and a prosperous commercial center.

During the Middle Ages, Bergamo became a powerful and independent city-state, known for its trade guilds, banking system, and architectural achievements.

The city is divided into two distinct parts: the medieval Città Alta (Upper Town), perched on a hilltop, and the modern Città Bassa (Lower Town), nestled in the valley below.

Bergamo's Città Alta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved Venetian walls, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks such as the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

The Accademia Carrara, located in the heart of the Città Bassa, houses an impressive collection of Italian art, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, and Tiepolo.

Bergamo is home to a vibrant cultural scene, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the renowned Bergamo Film Meeting and the Donizetti Opera Festival.

The city's economy is primarily driven by industry, with a focus on textiles, machinery, and chemicals, as well as tourism and services.

Bergamo has a population of approximately 120,000, making it the fifth-largest city in Lombardy. Population growth has been steady in recent decades, with a slight increase in the number of foreign-born residents.

The city is well-connected by transportation, with an international airport, a major railway station, and an extensive road network.

Bergamo has made significant contributions to Italian history, being the birthplace of the composer Gaetano Donizetti and the scientist Alessandro Volta, who invented the electric battery.

The Bergamo Cathedral, located in the Città Alta, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, with an elaborate façade and a magnificent interior adorned with frescoes and sculptures.

The Colleoni Chapel, attached to the cathedral, is a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Filarete and decorated with intricate frescoes by Tiepolo.

Bergamo's local cuisine is influenced by both Lombard and Venetian traditions, featuring dishes such as casoncelli (stuffed pasta) and polenta taragna (cornmeal porridge).

The city is known for its production of Stracciatella cheese, a soft and creamy cheese with a unique stretched curd texture.