Trento, Italy: Exploring the Hidden Charm of Northern Italy
Trento, Italy
Lying in a wide glacial valley on the Adige River in northern Italy, Trento is the capital of the region of Trentino located just south of the Dolomite Mountains. Trento is one of Italy’s lesser-known cities but is quietly famous for its intimate piazzas, medieval towers, and precious frescoes. Trento Italy is the perfect place to base yourself as you explore the numerous lakes, mountains, and castles at its doorstep. This hidden gem is truly a precious find.
Quick History
Trento has its roots right back to Roman times when they conquered the Celtic Rhaetian tribes here in the late 1st century BC. The name Trento, or Trent, is a tribute to the Celtic god of the water because of its location to the river Adige.
When the Romans came, they named their settlement Tridentum after the Roman god Neptune, god of freshwater and the sea. If you split up the word, Tri Dentum, means ‘Three Teeth’ which is also a reference to the three hills that surround the city: the Doss Trent, Sant’Agata and San Rocco. Tridentum became an important stop on the Roman road that led from Verona to Innsbruck.
TRANSPORTATION:
While Trento does have a decent public transportation system, we opted for taking the car so we could explore the surrounding areas. This is the best option for visiting nearby lakes and mountains which are truly worth the extra driving time. While in the city you can explore the town on foot very easily. You can also enjoy it on a bike or scooter! You can also get the Trento guest card which gives access to public transportation, discounted rates to many sites and more. Get your access here!
SITES:
I have decided to split the sites into two sections. The first being landmarks found directly within the city of Trento itself. The second being in surrounding areas or even half day trips.
PART 1: City Sights
Piazza del Duomo :
As with most Italian towns, the heart of daily life is the piazza where the Cathedral is located, and Trento is no different. The best way to get acquainted with Trento is by visiting Piazza del Duomo. This is a great starting point for your journey of wandering the beautiful streets of the quaint village.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 38122 Trento TN, Italy
Casa Cazuffi and Casa Rella:
In the piazza are two residences which are beautifully decorated with frescoes. On the left facade are characters and scenes from classical mythology and on the right are themes of virtue, time, the triumph of love, Apollo and abundance.
Fountain of Neptune:
In the centre of the square is the Fountain of Neptune. This is a copy of the original which was moved to the courtyard in Piazza Thun in 1939 due to wear and tear. The original was designed by sculptor Francesco Antonio Giongo of Lavarone between 1767 and 1769. The fountain is decorated with newts, seahorses, and various other sculptures.
Basilica Duomo di S. Vigilio:
Commanding the Piazza del Duomo is the Cathedral of San Vigilio. This cathedral was built on an area which housed a pre-existing 6th-century temple dedicated to the city’s Patron Saint, Saint Vigilius. In 1212, Bishop Federico Vanga commissioned Adam of Arogno to redesign the church. Its construction continued over the following centuries by the descendants of the dʻArogno. Opening times: Daily 6:30-12:00 / 14:30-20:00. Admission is free!
Castello del Buonconsiglio:
Located in the city centre is the Buonconsiglio Castle. This is the largest and most important monumental complex of the Trentino Alto Adige region. From the 13th century to the end of the 18th century it was the residence of the prince-bishops of Trento. The castle is made up of a series of buildings from different eras. The older section, called Castelvecchio, includes Torre Aquila, with the frescoes of the Cycle of the Months. This fresco is considered a masterpiece of Gothic art which portrays the court and peasant life at the end of the 14th century.
Hours of operation depend on time of year. In May – November, you can visit Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00-18:00. In December you can visit Tuesday- Sunday 9:30-17:00 and they’re closed on December 25. Closed on Mondays year round! Admission is €10 or you can have a discounted price with the Guest pass, or even free with the Trento Guest Card.
Part 2: Surrounding Sites
Ponte Alto Gorge:
The Ponte Alto Ravine is a true feat of engineering built to protect the city from the forceful current of the River Fersina. Originating some 30 kilometres away, over the years River Fersina has threatened and damaged parts of the city of Trento with the tonnes of debris it picks up and carries with it downstream. The force is so strong that over thousands of years it has carved a huge deep canyon that you can now visit. It is only open on the weekends unless you book privately. The area is only accessible through guided tours and you can book in advanced or arrive half an hour early to book a slot. Admission is €5 and tours run between 10:00 and 18:00.
Address: Via alla Cascata, 38121 Trento TN, Italy
Panorama Busa Degli Orsi:
If you enjoy a birds eye view of a city like I do then I recommend going up to the panoramic view point. I recommend going up for sunset and a cocktail. It is accessible by cable car or buses if you wish to travel by public transportation. Pick up the cable car from Funivia-Stazione di Valle-Trento located on Lungadige Monte Grappa opposite San Lorenzo bridge. Open from 7:00-10:30. You can buy a normal transport ticket for 1,20 € which is valid for 70 minutes, or 1,50 € for 120 minutes. Or it’s free is you arrive by car.
Lago di Toblino:
A quick 20 minutes west and you will find one of the most romantic lakes in Trentino. Reaching out into the pristine blue lake is a sixteenth century fortress with harmonious Renaissance fortress where you can also dine in the castle restaurant. The best way to explore this area if by walking along the boardwalk which leads around the lake. There are buses available to bring you from city center as well. Take bus B201 or B205 and get off at Due Laghi-Hotel Miralaghi and it’s a 15 minute walk. The restaurant is open from 12:00-14:30 & 19:00-22:00.
Address: Località Castel Toblino, 1, 38072 Calavino TN, Italy
Riva del Garda on Lake Garda:
Continuing south on route SS45bis for another 30 minutes will take you to the northern tip of Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda. Just like any town located on the lake, Riva del Garda is incredibly beautiful and features a lovely promenade decorated with blossoming flowers. Nicknamed “the jewel of Lake Garda”. You can eat at one of the restaurants, grab an amazing gelato, partake in water sports or simply stroll the beautiful lake side. Once again it is accessible by bus and train. From Trento station, take bus B205 or B301 and get off at Riva del Garda station. The journey time is 1 hour and 26 minutes. Or take a train to Rovereto then change for a the B332 bus to Riva del Garda station. The journey time is 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Lago di Braies:
Saving the best for last in my opinion. A true gem found along the Great Dolomites Road is the beautiful and prestige lake at the base of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
What to Eat in Trento:
If you’re anything like me when you’re in Italy it’s all about the food. Located so close to the border the cuisine in Trento is a true blend between Italian and Austrian flavors. Let’s dive right in to some delicious places to feast!
Patelli:
Ristorante Patelli was recommended on many list we found so naturally we decided to give it a try. They have a special risotto with red wine for two people €9 per person. While I do think it was very tasty, I think the required minimum 2 person for the risotto isn’t worth it. There seemed to be many other delicious options and we felt limited. We also ordered the caprese and a half liter of white wine. There is a €2 cover charge per person as well so keep this is mind. Our total bill was €40.
Golden Eagle Street Bar:
We saw that they offered a Sunday brunch and it was the perfect timing for us. Located right in the central square, you have a beautiful view of the Fountain of Neptune and the Cathedral of San Vigilio. We ordered the salty platter which comes out on a plank from an aged whiskey barrel for only €15. Then we added some drinks and a Caprese salad.
Birrificio rethia:
I know when in Italy it’s usually all about the wine, but when we discovered a craft beer place on the way back from Lake di Toblino, we couldn’t resist. For €3.50 a piece I highly recommend the Magnolia and the Tropicana. You get a little meat platter as well.
Ristorante Al Duomo Pizzeria:
Another top rated place with a view right in front of the cathedral. We ordered a pizza as well as a spaghetti and a 1/2 L white wine and 1/4 L red wine (which was amazing). The spaghetti has chili flakes and was a great touch. Our total bill came to €35.
Green Tower:
Green Tower is a great pizzeria close to Castello del Buonconsiglio. Here they have a lovely terrace as well as a traditionally decorated indoor premises. The baked caprese is truly wonderful!
Casa Del Cioccolato:
I personally cannot visit Italy without getting a cannoli. Therefore, I’m so glad we stopped here and picked one up on our way out of town.
Gelateria Cherry:
The gelato was creamy, extremely tasty and one of the best I have ever had in Italy. I ordered the coffee and my partner got the chocolate .
Silvia Biasioli Patisserie:
This quaint boutique pastry shop is a mess if you want beautiful mini cakes.
As you can see, Trento Italy is a true hidden gem. There’s so much to see and do in the town as well as amazing nature to be explored nearby. You can’t go wrong choosing this beautiful northern Italy city as a vacation spot. I hope you found this guide helpful for your future trip. Happy travels!