Imagine throwing open the shutters of a solid wood window and, instead of the usual urban gray, finding before you the golden silence of the Lombardian plain, broken only by the rustling of the wind through the petals. At the foot of the crenellated walls of Malpaga Castle, a village suspended in time, a surprising expanse unfolds: over 200,000 tulips that set the land ablaze with vivid colors, creating an almost unreal contrast with the ancient stone.
It is not just a hotel, but an experience that spans the centuries. We are at the Locanda dei nobili Viaggiatori in Cavernago, just a few minutes from Bergamo, which welcomes guests within the historic walls of the village, right at the most enchanting time of the year. In spring, the blooming tulips transform your stay into an immersive experience: you don’t come here just to observe, but to fully experience a place steeped in memory and beauty.
Staying at the Locanda: the rejuvenating experience you didn’t know you needed
Staying in this corner of Lombardy means leaving behind the frenetic pace of modern life and rediscovering the slow pleasures of times past, amidst historic residences where the scent of wood and the warmth of fireplaces evoke distant stories. All around, the“you-pick”garden unfolds like a living painting: 200,000 tulips intertwine colors and scents, offering a rare experience—that of inhabiting a 15th-century village not as mere visitors, but as privileged guests, as if time had decided to stand still.
The Locanda dei Nobili Viaggiatori welcomes guests into a warm and refined setting, where comfort meets retro-inspired elegance. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, drawing on rural traditions yet creatively reimagined: furnishings in varied shapes and colors lend character to every space, making each one unique.
The property features five rooms, each dedicated to a distinguished guest who stayed at Malpaga Castle during the time of Bartolomeo Colleoni. It was this famous Bergamo commander, in the 15th century, who transformed this dwelling from a stern defensive fortress into a refined stately residence. Every room is meticulously designed and offers a privileged view of the village garden, while the cuisine celebrates the authentic flavors of the region using strictly local, seasonal ingredients from Bergamo.
The “You-Pick” ritual: how to arrange your own bouquet in the village garden
The tulip field is the beating heart of spring in Malpaga. You can stroll among the rows and pick your favorite flowers during the following hours:
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (free admission).
- Weekends and holidays: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (admission €3).
- Cost: each picked tulip costs 2 euros.
Keep an eye on the calendar: the magic of the blooms is fleeting. You only have until April 12, after which the field will be dismantled to prepare the ground for the next season.
When to go
In terms of period
- spring is undoubtedly the most enchanting season to enjoy events like “Tulips at the Castle” and the Easter Egg Hunt: the fields in full bloom, the mild temperatures, and the lengthening days make even walks in Serio Park all the more pleasant.
- Summer, on the other hand, is perfect for evening visits, historic dinners inside Malpaga Castle, and events in the Giardino degli Scudi,
- autumn envelops the fields in warm hues and offers a more intimate atmosphere, thanks to the smaller crowds.
- In winter, finally, the charm is concentrated within the castle’s interior spaces, where the halls vividly recount the stories of Bartolomeo Colleoni’s court, evoking all the magic of a past that still feels alive.
How to get there:
- By car, it’s about 40–50 minutes from Milan. Take the A4 Turin–Trieste highway toward Bergamo/Venice. Then take the Bergamo exit. Continue toward Cavernago —follow the signs for Cavernago/Malpaga along the SP121 and then onto the SP121b.
- For those who prefer the train, the main hub is Bergamo Station; from there, you can easily continue by local bus, taxi, or rental car. The nearest airport is Orio al Serio.
If you wish to experience the magic of the blooms and the silence of the village, we recommend checking the official website of Malpaga Castle for availability at the Locanda: spots are limited, and spring, as we all know, flies by in the blink of an eye.