View of Bergamo, "the secret jewel" of italy.
Rosalba Picinni is an architect, florist from The singer and jazz singer. If you want to surprise someone twice, she is in charge of preparing the freshest bouquet and taking it home and, if you want, also serenading her. In addition, she is the best guide to get to know her city, Bergamo, which, perhaps, is not in the top of the best known in Italy, but it is one of the most beautiful, according to her own words.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local" , a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions , which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to discover why their own territory should be your next destination.
How would you describe Bergamo? Is there a smell or a sound or a taste that instantly reminds you of your city?
Bergamo is my hometown: it is the land of humble and simple people , who may seem brusque at first, but who are actually full of soul and completely committed to the work to make their dreams come true.
It is this contrast that makes magic possible (and our stubbornness). Perhaps it is the wind from the mountains that makes us so strong. Perhaps the same mountains that surround us they teach us to be firm in the foundations and give us stability in life.
The smell of Bergamo for me is the fresh wind that carries the smell of hay . It reminds me of the summer games, running through the field and picking berries, blackberries and raspberries.
If a friend visits the city/country and has only 24 hours, what would you tell him to do?
I would recommend a walk around the Corsarola (the street in the center of Bergamo Alta, with historic artisan shops and typical establishments such as La Marianna café, Trattoria del Teatro, Cozzi Winery, Mangili gastronomy shop, Café del Tasso, Tresoldi bakery...) to reach the farthest point of Bergamo Alta, Saint Vigilius.
The versatile Rosalba Piccinni
Where would you tell him to stop for lunch, breakfast or dinner?
The Caffè Cavour It is a perfect place to enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast. For something truly unforgettable, you can grab an aperitif at Piazza Vecchia , in the Aurora Bar , and then enjoy your dinner on the terrace of the Baretto by Beppe . The food is very good and the view of the entire city and the exceptional sunset, when the lights of the city mix with the first stars.
What would you advise him to visit apart from the usual tourist sites?
I love listening to live music: in the Donizetti Theater there is always an excellent program (we had a jazz concert there in 2019 and it was very exciting) and, for lovers of improvisation, our flower shop is always open in Via Mazzini , where we often organize concerts and musical aperitifs. Bergamo at night is magical.
Why should we travel to Bergamo when possible?
You should come to Italy because it is the most beautiful country in the world, and Bergamo even more so. It is a secret gem (by the way, in 2017 the Venetian Walls that surround the city were declared a World Heritage Site!). Take the funicular to Bergamo Alta and try a glass of Valcalepio , wine made from a variety of local grapes, and ice cream at La Marianna. This gives you the answer.