Bergamo and Brescia

Two cities, but a single soul. Named the Capital of Culture of 2023 (yes, not capitals) these two Lombard cities offer countless opportunities throughout 2023 to discover them in a new light, even as day trips from Milan.

Thanks to a rich program of events and appointments, there are many sightseeing ideas that go beyond the most well-known historical sites, like the elegant Bergamo Alta with its beautiful buildings and gardens, or the archaeological heritage of Roman Brescia.

Exhibitions, theatres, and festivals, featuring national and international artists, animate the indoor and outdoor spaces of both cities and their surroundings with artworks, site-specific installations, performances, concerts – perfect for exploring these cities from a unique angle.

Notable installations include British artist Rachel Whiteread’s And the Animals Were Sold, which creates a dialogue between the city and the architecture of Palazzo della Ragione, the pulsing heart of ancient Bergamo. An additional highlight includes the iconic installations Waves in Bergamo-Brescia, these were crafted by Kaarina Kaikkonen, a contemporary Finnish artist renowned for her large urban art interventions. The art pieces are displayed in two locations: the Palazzo dell’Ex Centrale telefonica (Former Telephone Exchange Building) in Bergamo and the Chiesa di Borgo Trento in Brescia. Kaikkonen’s works invite viewers to contemplate the passage of time and life and encourage a fresh perspective on the cities in the wake of the pandemic’s tragic impact.

Finally, Light is Life - Festa delle Luci A2A (Light is Life - A2A Festival of Lights) that illuminates Monte Isola on Lake Iseo through the radiant works of international artists, especially the unprecedented Terzo Paradiso dell’Energia by Michelangelo Pistoletto. A truly exciting journey in the name of a solidary and sustainable future.

19/60 | Brescia

Situated in the heart of the hilly region of Franciacorta and just a few kilometers from Lake Garda, Brescia is known for the gastronomic excellences of its territory: caviar, casoncelli (ravioli-like pasta) and renowned sparkling wines.

It was here that in 1960 Lidia Gatti (part of the Italian Order of Merit for Labour) took over the management of the popular Rosticceria Milano, dedicating herself to discovering local culinary heritage. Over time, the business grew steadily and decisively, changing its name to La Trattoria and then, in 2016, to Ristorante 19/60, thanks to the creativity of the new chef Silvana Zanotti, Lidia Gatti’s daughter. She reinvigorated and enriched the fresh and authentic recipes, still keeping tradition at the core of her work.

Trattoria Da Gina | Brescia

The vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, and a 15th century fireplace made of Sarnico stone set the scene at Trattoria Da Gina, opened a century ago in Rovato (BS).

At the time, it was a favourite among farmers who came to sell their products and would stop by Gina’s for a good glass of wine and for typical Brescian dishes. Today, it hasn’t lost its culinary soul and offers local dishes such as manzo all’olio (oil-braised beef), grigliata (mixed grilled meat), bolliti misti (mixed boiled meats) and casonsei (ravioli-like pasta) with melted butter, accompanied by a selection of Franciacorta or national and international wines.

Osteria Tre Gobbi | Bergamo

Opened in 1855, this is the oldest osteria (traditional restaurant) in Bergamo, known for its traditional dishes and much appreciated by Gaetano Donizzetti.

Since 2020, Osteria Tre Gobbi has seen a change of pace thanks to the collaboration between Marco Carminati, a food and wine enthusiast, and Chef Filippo Cammarata. Retaining its refined 19th-century atmosphere and lovely outdoor dining area, the menu offers classics of Bergamo cuisine, such as polenta taragna (a type of cornmeal and buckwheat dish typically enriched with butter and cheese) and casoncelli, along with dishes that reflect the chef’s Sicilian roots, like calamarata (a type of pasta) with shrimp, leeks and Timut pepper.

This place is also appreciated for its conviviality, where some dishes, like the platters of cold cuts and cheeses, or polenta and cod, are designed to be shared among friends.