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Bergamo is situated on the edge of the outlying Orobic hills between the mouths of the Brembana and Seriana valleys. It is a "high and low" kind of town - two cities in one. The city is divided into the upper and lower towns, Bergamo Bassa (lower) and Bergamo Alta (upper).

Bergamo Alta, the oldest and upper part of the town with a wealth of history and art, stands on a hill (365 m). It is the main attraction for tourists. It is a museum in itself, with its old towers, spires and steeples all gathered inside the magnificient walls. In Piazza Vecchia, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, you can admire the outstanding Renaissance Palace seat of the Region (Palazzo della Ragione). Just behind, there is the 13^th century Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella (chapel) Colleoni (1470-76). Do not miss the Gothic façade of the church of S. Agostino, the cloister of the monastery of S. Francesco and the arcade of S. Michele al Pozzo Bianco. The birthplace of the composer Gaetano Donizetti is preserved as a museum (Museo Donizettiano). Other notable landmarks of the older upper town include the Romanesque cathedral, rebuilt 1483 and 1639; the baptistery (1340); and The Rocca, a 14^th century castle which houses the Roman and Risorgimento museums, and the old citadel which has a museum of geology and natural history. Local museums and architectural delights are complemented by events like Bergamo's International Jazz Festival, and the Mercantico -- an antique market held every third Sunday of the month.

Bergamo Bassa, the modern lower town, has developed on the plain with rich buildings and elegant avenues. It is the community centre since the 19^th century. Bergamo Bassa is a residential area and an important industrial and commercial centre. The winding alleys and old urban centres, with their small shops and handicrafts are always full of people. Notable landmark of this town is the Carrara Academy (one of the most important art galleries in the world) which holds a fine collection of paintings.

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