Are you visiting Trento for the first time?
Our suggestions to discover the city
The first thing that strikes you, when you visit Trento, is its ability to combine its Alpine soul with an all-Italian elegance, which is shown by the façades of the historical buildings of the centre, decorated with marvellous Renaissance frescoes.
When you arrive, the first place to visit is Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city. As soon as you are there, stop beneath the fountain of Neptune, and take a look around: on one side the mountains, with the small Sardagna waterfall, on the other towers and castellated palaces, which whisk you back to the times of the famous Council of Trent in the blink of an eye. This is the best way to introduce you, in one sweeping gaze, to the two souls of the city.
In a single glance, you have just grasped the two souls of this historic city.
Now, you just have to explore it. Here you can find some recommendations about 10 must-see destinations!
On the snow of Monte Bondone
Monte Bondone is Trento's mountain. A panoramic terrace at just over 2 thousand meters, easily reachable from the city. Up here you will find a ski area with 20 km of slopes, a cross-country centre, night skiing facilities and a snow park, among the best in the Alps
Snowshoeing in the Piana delle Viote
If you prefer snow walks to skiing, on Bondone you'll find several trails for snowshoeing. We recommend this circular route in the Viote plateau (1568 m above sea level). Highlights? The view of the Brenta Dolomites and a stop at the Terrazza delle Stelle, where there is an astronomical observatory
Walking around the Christmas markets
The streets of Trento’s historic centre come alive with the lights and scents of the Christmas markets during the Advent season. Wander among the stalls to admire the handicraft products and specialities of Trentino tradition – and don’t forget to drink a nice glass of hot mulled wine, perhaps accompanied by a cone of roasted chestnuts!
Piazza Duomo
The first stop in Trento is Piazza Duomo, the starting point for exploring the historic district with nose up to admire the frescoes that adorn its Renaissance buildings. The locals call the tour of the centre “el giro al Sass”... below, you will find out why.
Visit the Muse
An innovative design by starchitect Renzo Piano, a tropical waterfall indoors, and many exciting and innovative workshops, to tell young and old the story of science. This is the Muse, one of the most important museums of natural science in Europe!
Visit Castello del Buonconsiglio
A perfectly preserved fortress, in the heart of the historical centre. At one time it was home to the prince bishops, the lords of the city, and today it houses museums and temporary exhibitions. A tour of the frescoes in Torre dell’Aquila is worth the price of the ticket all on its own!
Cathedral and Diocesan Museum
Another not-to-miss stop is the Trento Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Vigilio. It was under its aisles that the decrees of the historic Council of Trent were promulgated in 1563. To further explore the history of the Council of Trent, don’t forget to visit the nearby Diocesan Museum, housed in the halls of Palazzo Pretorio.
The Galleries
Two exhibition spaces carved out of two decommissioned road tunnels, which host photographic exhibitions, multimedia installations and cultural events: The Galleries are located in the historic Piedicastello district, a fifteen-minute walk from Piazza Duomo, crossing the bridge over the Adige river.
Discover nature
Do you feel like a bit of adventure? All you need to do is take the bus from the terminal, and in a quarter of an hour you can reach the Orrido di Ponte Alto, an amazing canyon carved in the rock by the Fersina stream. P.S.: Remember to wear comfortable shoes.
An aperitif downtown
From 6:00 to 8:00 pm, we stop to enjoy a glass of Trentodoc with friends. All you have to do is to choose the place: the elegance of Piazza Duomo or the open-air bars among the palaces and squares of the historic district.
