15 Best Things to See in Trento (Italy)

The city of Trento is located in northern Italy along the River Adige and is tucked away in the Adige River Valley. The city, which serves as the Trentino region’s capital, has a population of 117,000 people and is regarded as one of the richest in the nation. A good standard of living and quality of life are also enjoyed by the locals. Trento was inhabited by the Etruscans, Gauls, and Romans in antiquity. The city became a part of the Lombard Empire after the fall of the Roman Empire and was governed by the Habsburgs in the Middle Ages. Today, the city is a major communication hub for Northern Italy with a strong economy. Trento features a wealth of stunning ancient buildings, like the Duomo and Castello del Buonnocnsiglio, as a result of its long history and interaction with numerous empires and monarchs. In addition, the city offers a variety of excellent galleries and museums, as well as some fantastic shopping options. For those who are more daring, Trento is also close to some top-notch ski resorts because of its location in the Northern Alps. Let’s examine the top activities in Trento:

Underground Roman Tridentum

An old Roman town that has been buried lies beneath Trento, although you wouldn’t know it from just looking at it. During the Roman invasion of this part of Italy in the first century BC, the city of Tridentum was constructed and populated. Tridentum evolved and became a significant military and commercial base as the Roman Empire grew. Today, you may visit a number of the historic city’s excavation sites to see portions of the magnificent Roman roads and the original city wall. There are also still many abandoned houses, some of which have mosaics. This website offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past.

Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo, one of Trento’s principal squares, is situated in the centre of the ancient town. This gorgeous square is home to several fantastic structures and frequently bustles with neighbourhood activities. Notable structures include the interesting Casa Balduini, the medieval Palazzo Pretorio, and the aforementioned Cathedral of Trento. Additionally, the lavish Fountain of Neptune, with statues of the water god and his trident, is located in the middle of the square. Aside from these buildings, the square’s other structures are all painted in a variety of vivid hues that bring this region to life. Think about taking in the architecture or enjoying a meal or coffee outside at one of the cafés.

Visit the village of Mezzano

It takes roughly 50 minutes to drive from Trento to this small community, which is located to its west. Mezzano, a town in the Dolomites with a population of only 1,600, is located in the centre of a valley. There is a tiny church, a war memorial, and plenty of vegetation in the village’s central square. A network of hiking routes winds through the mountains and lush forests surrounding Mezzano. This region is ideal for travellers who enjoy the outdoors and a little adventure. Mezzano is a wonderful place to visit for a day trip from Trento, and you’ll fall in love with this charming mountain village.

Enjoy a quality Italian meal at Locanda Margon

The Locanda Margon restaurant delivers incredibly high-quality meals and a wonderful dining experience despite being a little out of the way. This restaurant is surrounded by miles of vineyards and tiny farm cottages and is situated on the mountainside south of Trento. During your lunch, you can try some of the excellent local wines from the wide selection available. Delicious original Italian dishes, meat courses, and seafood may be found on the menu. Each dinner is well presented, and numerous items are served on speciality plates. For a night of outstanding food and good wine, think about dining at Locanda Margon.

Castello del Buonconsiglio

The prince-bishops who ruled Trento and the surrounding area in the 13th century previously resided in this magnificent castle complex. The castle contains a variety of diverse design features that have been added throughout its history because of how old it is. The complex’s major feature is a spherical tower that dominates the skyline, and it is encircled by many spectacular crenulated walls. Many of the original stonework and decorations are still present, and you may find some stunning coloured frescos and wall paintings in the interior courtyards. From the upper courtyard, you have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley. The interior of the castle features some exquisitely furnished chambers with a profusion of Gothic art, and tours of the building are available.

MUSE

The MUSE complex, also referred to as the museum of science, is a beautiful structure and a top family destination. This museum, which is situated on the banks of the River Adige, is about a 20-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo. This museum is located in modernist-style buildings that are just as fascinating as the artefacts they contain. Several interactive and well-presented exhibitions showcasing the local area’s natural environment, geological facts, taxidermy specimens of species, and displays on natural phenomena like avalanches are housed inside the interesting buildings. This museum will satisfy your need for an in-depth and interesting study of Italy’s Alpine regions!

Explore Lake Garda

The distance from Trento to the northernmost point of the enormous Lake Garda is around an hour. This lake, which is the largest in all of Italy, is located in one of the most picturesque areas in the nation. It is one of the top vacation spots in Lombardy because of the lake’s stunning beauty, the quaint towns that nestle on its beaches, and the range of activities and sights you can see there. There is a lot to see and do in this breathtaking area, so a day excursion from Trento is highly recommended. The impressive Monte Baldo, the picturesque cape of Sirmione, and the charming coastal village of Rive del Garda are some of the areas of particular appeal.

Duomo di Trento

The principal place of worship in Trento is the cathedral, which is situated in the city’s historic centre. Up until 1802, the cathedral served as the bishop of Trento’s residence. This ancient structure, which dates back to the 11th century, has seen numerous renovations and remodels throughout the years. In the 14th century, exquisite Renaissance frescos were added to the interior. This cathedral’s façade features an enormous circular rose window and an elegant arched doorway. Two substantial gothic towers, one of which has an onion dome, are also visible on the outside. Saint Julian is shown in the cathedral’s aisle frescos mentioned above and in some adorning stone statues.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, though somewhat overshadowed by the Duomo, is nonetheless a stunning structure that merits a visit in and of itself. This lovely church is located to the northwest of the Duomo and is conveniently accessible on foot. The Duomo-inspired facade of this church boasts a sizable circular rose window and an elaborate triangular pediment on top. The gateway also has some lovely stucco detailing, and the back has a sizable bell tower. The exquisite Baroque altars are one of many decorative elements seen inside the cathedral.

Mercatini Di Natale

The Mercatini Di Natale, which takes place yearly in the Piazza di Fiera in Trento, is one of the city’s most important events. You would not think of Italy as a top location for Christmas markets. A portion of one of the original defensive walls from the Middle Ages surrounds this charming area, which is just a short distance from Piazza del Duomo. A winter wonderland is created in this square from November 18 until January 6. You can buy a wide variety of Christmas treats from the vendors and food kiosks found here. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the sights, sounds, and colours all combine to make an unforgettable experience.

Cesare Battisti Mausoleum

Doss Trento’s grounds, which are covered in lovely woodland, are located on the western bank of the Adige River. This wonderful memorial honouring Cesare Battisti is located on a tiny hill. Battisti was a prominent politician in Italy in the early 1900s and was executed by the Austrian army during World War 1. A series of huge stone columns are arranged in a circular pattern on the monument itself, giving it an almost Roman or Greek appearance. Fantastic views of Trento’s central area and the river are available from here. Many vintage military artillery cannons as well as the historical Alpine Museum are also present.

Take to the slopes of Mount Paganella

The enormous Mount Paganella is located to the northwest of Trento. For those who enjoy a little adventure and Alpine scenery, this mountain range is renowned for its skiing and winter sports alternatives. If you’d want to give skiing a try, Paganella has a variety of ski resorts, including ski lifts at Andalo-Doss Pela, Teresat, Salare Conca, and San Antonio. The Rifugio la Roda, located close to the mountain’s summit, provides supplies, warm food, and a place to stay. In addition to skiing, there are several options for photography and hiking in these breathtaking environments.

Museum of Aeronautics

The Museum of Aeronautics is another outstanding museum in the Trento area and is situated at the airport. The museum can be reached by automobile in around 15 minutes from the city’s centre. There is a collection of historical aircraft from various eras inside this old aviation hangar. A variety of Caproni-designed aircraft, a Fokker D. VII, and even a Lockheed F-104G Starfighter are all included in the collection. Other types include a Reggiane Re.2005, an Italian fighter plane called the Ansaldo A.1, and the aerobatic Breda Ba.19. Each aircraft has been meticulously maintained, and information about its past and present use are provided.

Museo Diocesano Tridentino

The Palazzo Pretorio, an exquisite building with a long history and a wonderful museum housed inside, is situated in the Piazza del Duomo. This museum showcases a great collection of artefacts and relics that date from the ninth century to the present and is focused on Trento’s religious history. The museum has paintings, wooden sculptures, tapestries, antiques, and manuscripts, all of which are divided into various categories. The wooden sculptures include some wonderful intricacy and design, while the paintings are from the Middle Ages. Each exhibit is artfully displayed, and the entire museum contributes to creating a picture of the history of Trento’s cathedral as well as the many methods utilised to produce the sacred artefacts.

Via Belenzani

The Via Belenzani, one of the main streets in the old town, runs directly from the Piazza del Duomo and is home to some beautiful architecture as well as a variety of stores and eateries. Many old houses adorned in stunning coloured frescos from the 15th and 16th centuries may be found along this route. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another time as you walk down this street. The Palazzo Thun, the Palazzo Municipale, and Casa Geremia are notable structures. Despite the buildings’ age, the detail is still amazing and the colours are brilliant. Each structure has a variety of motifs on it, including classical, historical, and mythological ones.