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Car Hire in Bergamo
Bergamo
One of the most characteristic of the Lombard hill towns, Bergamo was created by the medieval Venetians on existing Roman foundations, and lies in the alpine foothills between the Seriana and Brembana valleys. The Upper Town is 274 metres above sea level and is part of the original Venetian fortifications. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore was created in the 12th century, but its baroque interior was designed much later. In front of the main altar is a series of inlaid panels depicting Noah's Ark, David and Goliath and other biblical scenes. Carrara Academy Gallery, on Piazza dell'Accademia, has a wide-ranging collection of the works of local artists and other Venetian and Tuscan masters, including Botticelli and Bellini. The Colleoni Chapel pays homage to the Venetian military hero Bartolomeo Colleoni, once ruler of the town. Most of the frescoes on the ceiling were painted by Tiepolo. Look out for the "birrerias" (beer halls), especially in the Citta Alta, which offer reasonably priced drinks and sandwiches and bruschetta. The Lower Town consists of mainly 19th and 20th century buildings lining wide streets. This is the industrial and commercial centre of the town. Italy, of course, is renowned for its opera. The opera season in Bergamo lasts from September to November, and a visit to the Teatro Donizetti on Piazza Cavour would be well worthwhile.