Bergamo


The City of the Thousand Faces

Nicknamed the “City of the Thousand” because of the many Bergamascan volunteers who participated in the expedition led by Garibaldi in 1860, Bergamo became an attractive territory for immigration at the end of the 20th century due to its economic wealth and strategic location. The urban center, divided into a “Lower City” and an “Upper City” separated by the Venetian walls now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been enriched over the years by the presence of numerous non-native communities. The city hosts about 20,000 citizens of foreign origin, 16.6 percent of the total resident population. The five largest nationalities are represented by Bolivia, Romania, Ukraine, Morocco, and the People’s Republic of China.

In this context, Cooperativa Impresa Sociale Ruah operates, founded in January 2009 by the association Comunità Immigrati Ruah Onlus, itself established in 1991 to respond to the migration emergency in the Bergamo area. Cooperativa Ruah offers in the field of social and health care and protection of civil rights welcome services, job placement and training on intercultural approach. It also offers services related to the themes of reuse, recycling, critical consumption, social and responsible tourism.

Cooperativa Ruah is the lead agency of the Migrantour Bergamo project, launched in 2020 with the contribution of FIEB – Fondazione Istituti Educativi di Bergamo and managed in partnership with Viaggi Solidali S.C.S. (Turin), ACRA Foundation (Milan), Donizetti Theater Foundation, Bergamo City Council, Lombard Association of Small Communities with Great Cultural Heritage.

Itinerari

Micromondo Tour
This itinerary explores the multicultural heart of Bergamo, Via Giacomo Quarenghi, offering a glimpse of life stories from different continents: Europe, Africa, Asia and America.
The first stop, Rosticceria Quarenghi, will bring back memories of long-forgotten migrations, particularly from Sicily. Just beyond, we will cross paths with Bai Wei Guan Restaurant and Edith’s Snack, two places where food takes center stage. The independent bookstore Incrocio Quarenghi will host us for a “literary tasting”. Right next door, the Bugan Coffee Lab and Academy will allow us to unveil the origins of the well-known beverage and tell the story of the owner’s strong connection to Latin America. The walk continues to the EffeEffe Group store, which sells natural products for black skin and afro hair, but not only. Here we will hear the story of the intercontinental journey of Wax, the colorful fabric used in many African countries. To conclude, we will reach the Porta Nuova Gardens, a meeting and exchange place for the Ukrainian community in Bergamo.

Other itineraries
To find out about other active itineraries in the city and keep up to date with Migrantour Bergamo’s news and initiatives, visit the website and social pages listed below in the Info section.

Info

Contacts

In Bergamo intercultural urban routes are promoted by Cooperativa Impresa Sociale Ruah

More info about Migrantour Bergamo’s itineraries: Triciclo Bergamo

Local coordinator: Federica Mora

Phone number: 035 311914 (Triciclo Bergamo, LUN – VEN, 9.00 – 12.00)

Mail: migrantour.bergamo@cooperativaruah.it

Facebook: Migrantour Bergamo

Instagram: Migrantour Bergamo