10 things to see in Rovereto
Not far from Trento, this elegant town has a lot to offer
Less than half-an-hour train ride away from Trento, the city of Rovereto is a must-see destination for those who love art and good living. This is where you find the MART, one of Italy’s most important contemporary art museums, and where Fortunato Depero, one of the great Italian twentieth-century artists, lived. Rovereto is located in the heart of Vallagarina, an area of Trentino famous for its Marzemino wine.
And then there are the castle with its panoramic terrace overlooking the city, the typical taverns, the gourmet cuisine of the starred chef Alfio Ghezzi and small shops in the historic district: all within easy reach, on foot from the train station. Indeed, Rovereto is connected to Trento and other important Italian cities (like Verona and Venice) by an efficient rail transport system.
For this reason, if you are spending your vacation in Trento, we recommend that you take a day off to discover all that Rovereto has to offer. Here are 10 places you absolutely must see.
Mart
This large Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is one of the most visited places in Rovereto, recognisable by its iconic dome designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Mario Botta. The museum hosts important temporary exhibitions, as well as a rich permanent collection. And after the visit, make sure you stop at the restaurant of starred chef Alfio Ghezzi, located in the Museum’s square.
Fortunato Depero Futurist Art House
Rovereto was the birthplace of one of the most important Italian artists of the twentieth century: Fortunato Depero, a leading exponent of Futurism. A few minutes’ walk from the MART you will find his home, which today houses his art collection: paintings, tapestries, mosaics, drawings, design objects, collages, posters, playbills and furniture... works that are the fruit of inspiration and creativity of this extraordinary artist.
The Castle of Rovereto
As you continue walking through the historic centre, you will come across a short climb leading to the main entrance of the castle, which houses the Italian War History Museum. Uniforms, armours, weapons and documents that tell the story of more than five centuries of battles and wars, from the Renaissance to the First World War.
The Bell of the Fallen
From war to peace. 3.36 metres high and with its 3.21 m diameter, it is the largest bell in the world that still rings out: it was made in 1924 by casting the bronze of the cannons of warring nations. Since then, it has been disseminating its universal message of brotherhood, by its hundred strokes at sunset. To get to the bell, you need to walk for about half an hour, starting from the historic centre.
Science and Archaeology Museum
Archaeology, zoology, botany, astronomy, earth sciences and robotics: there are many disciplines on display at this Museum, one of the oldest in Italy: just think that it was founded as a private company in 1851! At the Museum, you can visit its rich permanent collection, with rooms dedicated to minerals, fossils and birds, and the temporary exhibitions that explore different themes year after year.
Visit Palazzo Sichardt
This 18th-century home belonging to the Sichardt family, ancient merchants from Nuremberg, has been used since 2019 as the seat of the Rovereto City Museum. This "participatory" museum tells the story of the people of Rovereto through an interactive, interdisciplinary tour. Come and learn about the history of the city and the Sichardt family.
Follow the cycle path from MUSE to MART
25 kilometres of cycle paths separate Trento from Rovereto. The cycle path that runs along the Adige River is easy to ride, and surrounded by wonderful vineyards. If you need a short break, you can stop at one of the two Bici-grills in Trento or Nomi. On arrival or departure, an interesting visit to MART or MUSE is waiting for you.
Drink a glass of Marzemino
Since the 1700s, Vallagarina has been the land of Marzemino, a modern, intensely coloured red wine, perfumed with sweet violet and spices, never too alcoholic, elegant, and perfect to enjoy in good company. It is excellent paired with typical meat dishes, and is often suggested by wineries as a meditation wine.
Following in the footsteps of the dinosaurs
A tour for explorers of all ages will take you to discover the traces of the dinosaurs that inhabited the Rovereto area 200 million years ago. On the slopes of Monte Zugna, surrounded by the famous Lavini di Marco, mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy, you can see these traces in an excellent state of preservation.
Visit the Hermitage of San Colombano
The Hermitage of San Colombano is in Trambileno, 3 km from Rovereto. Carved out of the rock, overlooking the Leno River, it can be reached via 102 steps. The Hermit's Cave still contains frescoes depicting the exploits of the Irish saint Colombano, famous for having killed the dragon that lived in the cave.
