An old friend and I had planned a trip to Egypt with a stopover in Italy. Given recent events in Israel, we opted for a European trip instead. Landing in Milan, it was a warm (50°+ F) sunny day, so we hopped the train north to Lake Como, where the Alps abruptly rise from the Lombardy plains. It seemed that about half the population of Milan had the same idea on this beautiful winter day; the ferry boats were sold out and there was a long queue at the funicular. We decided to press on to Bergamo, our destination for the night.
Bergamo sits atop a steep bluff in the foothills of the alps east-northeast of Milan. For most of its history, the city was part of the Lomanardy league, centered in Milan. In the 1400s, the Ventians expanded inland to control the hinterlands, taking control of rhe city in the early 1400s.
We walked from the train station toward the funciular to the Città Alta (upper city), passing to sample the wares in a christmas market in the Città Bassa (lower city). Arriving at the lower funicular station, a group of Italians was struggling to buy tickets at the machine. If they couldn't figure it out, we had no chance. The helpful funicular motorman came over to help, and soon we had our tickets.
The funicular ascends about 250 feet, piercing the formidable city walls which fortify the bluff atop which sits the Città Alta. The narrow cobbled streets sparkled with Christmas lights. The central plaza featured a number of churches and towers with subdued lighting, creating a warm atmosphere. We had some Bergamo ravioli (with a bacon & butter sauce) and some Bergamo wine at a restaurant in a lovely plaza.
Lake Como
Christmas Market, Bergamo
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