TravelMarx: The Scalette of Bergamo

Left: Our walk route today, the red point on the left is our starting and ending point at Piazzetta del delfino; the scalette are one of our favorite aspects of the many walking routes around Bergamo. Right: Via del Paradiso, one of the scalette of Bergamo.

Our walk route today; There are many hike routes around Bergamo using the scalette.

Via del Paradiso one of the scalette of Bergamo.

One of the interesting aspects of Bergamo, and a reason why we choose it for a sabbatical, is its hilly terrain. (See Perché Bergamo for other reasons.) Today, we tackled the scalette – stairs – which surround Bergamo. On a bright and sunny day last February, we took a walk out to the Monastero di Astino via the scalette – see Scalette di Bergamo. Today, gray and foggy as it was, we had no particular destination in mind other than to get out for some exercise.

The scalette are useful for getting around the steep geography, as well as great way for locals and visitors to enjoy views and perhaps a physical challenge. So much so that we immediately worked up an appetite and stopped mid-walk for lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria San Vigilio. What did you expect with Travelmarx? We’ve been wanting to try this place for a while and today was as good of an excuse as any. The pizza and pasta we had were great. While we had only a view of dense fog out the window, the jocular Italian Sunday lunch crowd more than made up for it.

Our starting and ending points were Piazzetta / Fontana del delfino. Why? Because we live nearby. We set off after our morning espresso macchiato and gossip at the always-interesting Caffè Papavero.

Length: 15,4 km (9.6 miles)
Duration: ~3.5 hours walking time, plus time for lunch
Elevation: total gain 803 m (2,630 ft), starting/ending 282 m (930 ft), max 500 m (1,640 ft)
Location: Italy, Lombardia, Bergamo, Colli di Bergamo

Views of Salita dello Scorlazzone.