It was today brought to my attention that the Landscape Festival in Bergamo, Italy opened recently. Can’t believe it’s been a year since I was there! Not actually to visit the festival as I then didn’t know it existed, but as a stopover en route to another destination. Bergamo came as a surprise, it’s a stunning town surrounded by lots of green space. I was particularly enchanted by Bergamo Alta, the upper town. This area is steeped in history and very atmospheric. It’s also where the Piazza Vecchi is located, the centrepoint for the Landscape Festival.
This year sees the 11th installation of the Landscape Festival. It was set up in 2011 in order to promote landscape culture and drawing attention to the interaction between man and the natural environment. In 2021, when I was there, Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design and Vegetation Technology at Sheffield University, UK, had been entrusted with the design. Preceding him had been Piet Oudolf and Andy Sturgeon to mention some high profile designers. Nigel’s design was intended to raise awareness of the value of green in combating climate-change, promoting biodiversity, enhancing human health and stimulating economic activity.
This year the Landscape Festival in Bergamo revolves around the theme of the ‘Forgotten Landscape’ with green and sustainability at the core. If I was in the vicinity I would definitely attend. It’s a great occasion to reflect on serious matters as well as taking in historical settings and fabulously green vistas. The Parco dei Colli alone comprise 4,700 hectares!
