Venetian rule in Santorini extended from 1207 to 1580, and the last vestiges of this historical period live in the castles that dot the entire island. Five fortresses can be found in Santorini in Oia, Pyrgos, Emporio, Akrotiri, and Skaros, which have been partly demolished by the earthquakes that shook the island in the 15th and 16th centuries. Skaros is probably the most important and well-preserved among the five castles, built on the peak of the namesake rock to protect the village from pirate attacks. The ruins of the once magnificent fortress can be reached on foot from Agios Georgios church in Imerovigli, connected to Skaros by a 0,5 km walking trail and a long stairway.

The famous composer Donizetti was born in Bergamo, and lived there from 1806 to 1815. An opera festival is dedicated to him and it takes place at the Donizetti Theater in Bergamo every year from September to December.

The Basilica (built in 1137) is the most remarkable religious building in the city. It also hosts the Donizetti’s grave. The Colleoni Chapel is a masterpiece of the Lombard Renaissance.

Pyrgos Kallistis is a medieval fortress surrounded by cobbled streets that twist and turn down the hill towards the village. With its 600 residents, Pyrgos retains the allure of an old Greek village that is gradually opening up to the growing influx of tourism. Tavernas, restaurants and traditional Greek cafés find their home along the village streets, blessed by the scent of grapes released by the vineyards that surround Pyrgos.