The Renaissance in the Mountains

Autumn in Trento

The best time to grasp this dual soul of Trento is in the autumn. The days are still long, the city is full of events and you can still linger outdoors, take a walk in the greenery, enjoy an aperitivo in the piazza or a candlelit dinner. To get around more quickly, you can rent a bike and follow the routes of the bicipolitana, a network of signposted routes for those moving on two wheels. 

https://www.trento.info/en/bicipolitana-trento-bike-map  

Follow us this autumn as we discover the city and its surroundings, including history, art and a few tips on where to eat, drink and relax.  

History

There are many places to retrace Trento’s history, but you could start here. The first one we recommend is the Castello del Buonconsiglio, which is hosting the prestigious exhibition “Dürer and the Others.  Renaissance on the Adige River” until the end of October. as well as a full calendar of initiatives. 

The other is a more unusual place: it is the Gallerie, two exhibition spaces created in two former road tunnels. In autumn, on the occasion of the Olympic Games, you can visit the exhibition “Records”. 

Art

To find out all about the Council of Trent and admire marvellous masterpieces of sacred art, you really should visit the Tridentine Diocesan Museum, which boasts a spectacular view of the nearby San Vigilio Cathedral. 

Still within walking distance of the centre, you can visit the Palazzo delle Albere, an elegant Renaissance palazzo that hosts important temporary exhibitions. It is an opportunity to take a walk in the Le Albere district, designed by archistar Renzo Piano. You will certainly notice the original design of the MUSE, the innovative Museum of Natural Sciences and the BUC, the university library. 

Our advice? While you’re here, take the opportunity to enjoy a coffee with a view of the park and take a walk along the Adige River cycle-pedestrian promenade, stopping for a beer al fresco at the Funivia bar, famous for its Saturday night concerts with live music.  

Taste

After a day of walking and museums, you deserve an aperitivo. If you want to go classic, you can stop in Piazza Duomo, where the elegant Scrigno del Duomo stands out. Or you can breathe in the bohemian atmosphere of La Vie en Rose or the rustic atmosphere of the Quinta del Sordo. There are quite a few great places to have an aperitivo .  What to order? A Trentodoc, of course! 

Trento is home of the famous Ferrari wine cellars, ambassadors of Trentodoc in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity of a visit to a wine cellar with wine tasting. To make this experience unforgettable, stop for dinner at the Ristorante Locanda Margon, to savour chef Edoardo Fumagalli’s Michelin-starred cuisine. 

Speaking of Trentodoc, we look forward to seeing you in Trento from 20 to 22 September 2024 for the third edition of the Trentodoc Festival a festival with a rich calendar of events, including guided tastings, DJ sets and visits to the wine cellars that produce this prized classic method sparkling wine. 

Still on the subject of events, don’t miss Autumnus, from 10 to 20 October 2024. Ten days in which the piazze and streets will be packed with stands displaying the excellence of Trentino food and wine, along with tastings, workshops, and show cooking. 

Also, check out the events at Palazzo Roccabruna, provincial Enoteca of Trentino, which organises meetings with winemakers and tastings of Trentino’s most representative types of wine. The ideal place to learn about Trentino’s wine culture. 

If the aperitivo has given you an appetite, that means it’s time for dinner, also because here in Trento we dine rather early. A stone’s throw from the cathedral is the osteria Le Due Spade, an elegant stube that has been open since the time of the Council of Trent to welcome council members, pilgrims, notables and travellers. Or you can stop in the quiet piazzetta Lunelli and try the cuisine of the Osteria Il Cappello. There is an abundance of proposals, even moving up into the hills. We recommend you take a look at the selection of restaurants in Trento. 

A city of art just steps from nature

What makes Trento unique is its being a city of art surrounded by nature. There is plenty of greenery, both in and around the city. 

In the city, for example, there is the beautiful walk on the Doss Trento, one of the hills on which the city rises. There is a bit of a climb to make, but having arrived on a wide meadow, the majestic Cesare Battisti Mausoleum stands out, with a spectacular view of the city.  

Less than half an hour’s drive from the city, however, are the laghi dell’Altopiano di Pinè lakes. Two bodies of water, which in autumn are ablaze with the colours of the foliage. If you feel like going for a relaxing walk, you can take the Giro dei Laghi tour around the lakes, a two-hour walk suitable for everyone.