Discover hidden treasures among the mountains, valleys and cities
A 10-stage itinerary through the artistic side of Trentino
Gothic and renaissance art, futurism and contemporary art: a trip through Trentino will lead you through the most significant chapters of international and Italian art history, from the middle ages right up to the present day. It’s like finding yourself in a vast “city of the arts” which stretches over mountains, lakes, valleys and Alpine hamlets. A city to be conquered, one step at a time, on a hunt for hidden treasures.
We supply the map, clearly marked with an itinerary covering 10 unforgettable art spots: from the frescoes recalling love and war in Avio castle, to the Renaissance frescoes of Trento, seat of the Council, an event that changed the course of history in Europe forever. Choose your starting point and off you go on a journey soaked in art and culture.
Avio Castle - Vallagarina
It’s the first castle you see if you arrive in Trentino from the south. You’ll spot it clinging to the mountainside, towering majestically over the vineyards of the Vallagarina. Don’t miss the perfectly preserved frescoes of the “Sala delle Guardie” (Hall of the Guards), painted between 1350 and 1360, depicting scenes of war.
MART – Rovereto
Moving northwards, the second leg of your trip is Rovereto. Make sure to visit the MART, the museum of contemporary and modern art designed by the renowned architect Mario Botta. It houses a large permanent collection of futurist artworks, not to mention works from other masters of the 20th century such as De Chirico, Fontana and Morandi.
The Fortunato Depero House of futurist art – Rovereto
Before leaving Rovereto, remember to visit the “Casa d’arte futurista Fortunato Depero” (Depero's House of Futurist Art), a unique museum created by this renowned artist. Inside you can admire some of the over 3,000 objects that Depero willed to the city, including paintings, fabric inlays, toys and furniture.
Buonconsiglio Castle – Trento
A short walk will take you from Piazza Duomo to Buonconsiglio Castle, the city’s fortress. It houses an enviable museum with numerous archaeological exhibits alongside ancient, medieval and modern artworks. Not to be missed is the Torre dell’Aquila (Eagle’s Tower) with its “Ciclo dei Mesi” (Cycle of the Months), a Gothic masterpiece.
Old City Centre – Trento
A half hour by car or train brings you from Rovereto to Trento. As soon as you arrive take a tour of the old city centre and admire the wonderful renaissance frescoes on the facades of the old palazzos that overlook Piazza Duomo. On this square you’ll also find the Diocesan Museum of Trento which houses important pieces of religious art.
The Arte Sella Museum - Valsugana
The sixth stage of the tour takes you to the woods of the Valsugana, not far from Pergine, and Arte Sella, an open-air museum of contemporary art. Since 1986 over 300 artists from around the world have contributed to this collection with artworks combing natural elements such as branches, leaves, tree trunks and earth.
Palazzo della Magnifica Comunità – Cavalese
Located in the ancient rooms of the Bishop’s apartments in the heart of Val di Fiemme, decorated with exquisite frescoed friezes and wooden ceilings, this museum houses around 150 works from the Fiemme School of art, probably the only one in Trentino. The Palazzo is also the venue for important temporary exhibits and many other events. P.S.: open from July
Thun Castle – Val di Non
From one valley to another. The next stop on your tour brings you to the Val di Non, and one of the most beautiful castles of Trentino. This castle is a gem of medieval architecture, perfectly preserved. Don’t miss the “Stanza del Vescovo” (Bishop’s Chamber), still splendidly furnished, or the chapel of San Giorgio.
Church of San Vigilio - Pinzolo
Still haven’t had your fill of medieval art? Well then, why not set off on a hunt for the frescoes of the Baschenis’s? This family of artists from the late middle ages were responsible for painting the facades of numerous rural churches in Trentino, from the Val di Non to the Giudicarie valleys. We suggest you start with the church of St. Viglio in Pinzolo, you won’t be disappointed.
MAG – Riva del Garda
Our tour concludes on the shores of Lake Garda, in the halls of the Rocca di Riva, a spectacular castle reflected in the waters of the lake. This is the home of the Museo dell'Alto Garda, whose art gallery boasts works from artists such as Pietro Ricchi, Vincenzo Vela and Francesco Hayez, as well as landscapes from 19th-century painters entranced by glimpses of Lake Garda.
