Trento (Trento) is called the gate of the Dolomites - an amazing mountain system that adorns Northern Italy. The city is the provincial center of the Trentino-Alto Adige region (Trentino - Alto Adige, Trentino-Sudtirol). In Trento you will find a synthesis of two cultures: the sober elegance of the Austrians with the softness and emotionality of Italians gives this area a special charm and gives rise to a desire to return here again and again.
Story
The name of the city is associated with the number three: Tridentum (in Latin - "divided into three"). So the Romans called the settlement of the ancient Celts in the upper river Adige (Adige), when they came here during the time of Julius Caesar in the first century BC. The valleys of three mountains: Vigolana (Vigolana, 2150 m), Monte Bondone (Monte Bondone, 2181 m), Paganella (Paganella, 2124 m) became a stronghold of the movement of Ancient Rome through the Alps to Europe. The legend also connects the name Trento with the trident of the sea god Neptune, which from the Adriatic Sea on the Adige River rose to its upper reaches to become the ruler of the Alps. Historians have not found traces of his dominion in the vicinity of Trento, but a fountain with a magnificent statue of the lord of the seas has been flaunting the main square of the city since the 18th century.
In the Middle Ages, there was a center of religious life: the bishop of Trento exercised church and secular administration in his possessions. In the 16th century, during the period of the struggle against the Reformation, the city of Trent held the famous Council of Trent (from December 13, 1545 to December 4, 1563), which defended the dogmas of the Catholic Church.
For more than 300 years, the entire territory of the Trentino-Alto Adige region was called South Tyrol and was ruled by Austria-Hungary, which left its mark on the local character and character of the inhabitants. The Italian population showed fierce resistance to the Austrians during the First World War. After it, the lands of the region finally became part of Italy. But even today this area remains a "Tyrolean fairy tale", "German Italy". There is no reason for haste and fuss.
- Read also: Holidays in Italy in winter
The city's attractions
Trento often transits on the way to the ski resorts or to the summer bases in the Dolomites. However, it is worth lingering for several hours in the city itself, the sights of which can be an unexpected discovery and decorate any trip. What sights are definitely worth seeing in one day in Trento?
Buonconcillo Castle
This building on a rocky hill once dominated the area and was the residence of the ruling bishop - the fortress of Buoncosillo (Castello del Buonconsiglio).
A powerful citadel with thick walls, loophole windows, defensive towers, a drawbridge is a typical 13th-century structure in Romanesque style. Inside were dungeons and torture chambers. After 200 years, the tall Orlina Tower (Torre dell'Aquila) was built on - a gothic trend; the internal paintings of the tower - scenes of the seasons - a most valuable monument of Gothic art.
In the XVI century. The Grand Palace (Magno Palazzo) was added to the fortress: pediments, galleries with colonnades, paintings on themes from antique plots - this is already a Renaissance. A new annex to the castle - La Giunta Albertiana with baroque elements was made in XVII. Now the castle houses the National Museum of the city. Opening hours:
- March 12 - May 13 from 9:30 to 17:00;
- May 14 - November 3 from 10:00 to 18:00;
- November 5 - March 11 on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 to 17:00.
Entrance 8 €. Address: Via Bernardo Clesio 5.
The Square of the Duomo
Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) is one of the most beautiful Italian squares.
Here dominates the church in honor of St. Vigilio (Cattedrale di San Vigilio). St. Vigilio is a martyr killed by pagans in the 4th century. The cathedral of his name began to be built in the XII-XIII centuries. - This is a monumental building in the Romanesque style with narrow windows carved into the thick walls. The rose window, which is called the "Wheel of Fortune", the aromatic decoration - elements of the Gothic architecture - appeared later.
The Baroque Chapel (Cappella del Crocefisso) was built in the 17th century. Exquisite frescoes, a wooden crucifix of an old work, the Madonna of the Drowned (Madonna degli Annegati), veneration of which is common in the Catholic Church - all this adorns the cathedral inside.
- Opening hours: 10:00 - 12:00 / 14:30 - 17:30. Entrance: 5 €, for children - 1 €. Address: Piazza Duomo.
Praetor Palace
Palace of Praetors (Palazzo Pretorio) - a building of the XIII century.
The roof is decorated with characteristic dovetail-shaped gibelline teeth - evidence that the bishops of Trento in those days supported the party of German emperors in the struggle with the popes for secular power. Now the Praetorian Museum is working in the building with relics of the Cathedral of Trent and church utensils of skillful work: carved altars, tapestries made by Flemish Renaissance masters.
- Opening hours: from 9:30 to 12:30 / from 14:30 to 18:00; on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00. Entrance: 5 €.
City tower
The city tower (Torre Civica) rises next to the Praetorian palace. This 11th century building was originally a prison. The death penalty in the square was performed under the blows of the bell on the tower.
The building, decorated with a clock, has a height of 46.5 m. Having overcome 156 steps, you can see the stunning panorama of the city and the surrounding area.
Open for visits from July 3 to November 30 on all days of the week, except Tuesday. Tours are held at 16: 00/17: 00. Entrance: € 7, in a complex with a visit to the Praetor's Palace - 10 €.
Fountain "Neptune"
Fountain "Neptune" (Fontana del Nettuno) - a monument of neoclassicism of the late XVIII century. The aesthetics of this period expresses rebellion against church asceticism, leading away from nature. The ancient god Neptune - the personification of nature - rises in front of the cathedral in honor of the Catholic martyr. The cool streams of the fountain are a symbol of Trento’s connection with the Adige River, which feeds the city with water.
Two medieval houses adjacent to the Duomo Square (Casa Balduini e Casa Cazuffi) give it a special elegance with the external painting of the facades. Baldwini's house (right) is painted with frescoes of the 15th century on the theme of virtue, love, abundance; the frescoes on the Katsuffi house (left) are of a later origin, are dedicated to ancient mythology and belong to the Renaissance (XVI century).
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (Santa Maria Maggiore) - the main place of work of the famous Cathedral of Trent in 1562-1563. It was built shortly before this at the behest of Bishop B. Klesio, an outstanding person who prepared the epoch-making cathedral.
The style of the church is called Klesian in his name: a peculiar combination of Romanesque architecture with elements of the Renaissance. Its features: a strict portal decorated with a semicircular arch, a portico, carved windows and sculptures; faceted dome; impressive bell tower height.
- Address: Vicolo delle Orsoline, 1
Palaces
Medieval buildings and palaces are an adornment of Trento, the location of interesting museums.
Allere Palace
Allere Palace (Palazzo delle Albere) - a defensive structure of the XVI century., The main decoration of which were frescoes on the facade and avenues of poplars (albero - wood), inside - magnificent paintings.
Time atinsignificant old ornaments. At one time he was a barracks and a hayhouse. Now there is the famous Museum of Modern Art - MART. Its main branches are in Rovereto.
- Museum Hours: from 10 a.m. AM to 6 o’clock. in the evening. Monday is a day off.
- Address: Via R. da Sanseverino 45, Trento; Corso Bettini 43, Rovereto. Entrance: 11 €.
Roccabruna Palace
Roccabruna Palace (Palazzo Roccabruna) - a Renaissance building, notable not only for its appearance, but also for its internal content. Here is the region's winemaking museum: 6 hundred bottles of aged wines. One hundred varieties of wine can be tasted with a snack of regional specialties.
- Working hours: Thursday, Saturday from 17 to 21 hours; in the summer - from 18 to 21 hours.
- Address: Via SS.Trinità 24.
Neighborhood
Trento, the capital and gate of the Dolomites, provides access to their beauty. For lovers of sports and thrills prepared canyoning, trekking, climbing routes: www.dolomitiavventura.it.
Fans of a relaxing holiday Trento offers to visit more equipped places.
Monte Bondone
Mount Monte Bondone (Monte Bondone, 2181 m) is also called the "peak of Trento." It is located 15 km from the historic center and is the oldest ski resort: here in 1934 the first ski lift in Europe appeared.
Now it is a great family resort. In summer, hiking and cycling trails and walks in the botanical garden are offered. Regular buses from Trento regularly come here.
Valley of lakes
The valley of lakes (Valle dei Laghi) stretches from the foot of the Dolomites to Lake Garda.
Over 35 km in these places 7 beautiful lakes of various sizes are concentrated. It is quite possible to catch trout, bait pike or carp here, you just need to get permission to fish. All information on the region is concentrated here: www.trentinofishing.it.
Tourist cards
Tourist maps of the region allow tourists to save on trips around the area and when exploring museums. They are especially relevant for travelers without a car.
- Guest Card Trentino gives you the right to use transport for free within the province of Trentinabout; visit museums, architectural monuments, national parks. With children, the "Family" card option is selected. Guest Card is not valid in Alto Adige. Card cost: 40 €. Details: www.discovertrento.it; www.visittrentino.it.
- Parco Card has a 14-day stay in Trentinabout, the use of parking, shuttle buses, visiting nature reserves, museums, amusement parks. Parco Card costs 20 € - for one person, 40 € - for a family. Information for clarification: www.pnab.it.
- Trento Rovereto Card is valid only within the cities of Trento and Rovereto. Bicycle rental, tasting of the first grade of wine, discounts on participation in concerts and festivals of the area - and all this is free of charge if you have a Trento-Rovereto card. Its cost is 20 €. www.visittrentino.it.
- The Museomobil Card is valid in the province of Alto Adige and provides access to all the funiculars, buses and trains in the region. Museomobil Card provides visits to 78 museums. For three days it costs 28 €, for seven days - 32 €. The Museomobil Card provides the best travel options in the Dolomites. It is bought in Bolzano. Details: www.mobilcard.info. The map for cyclists and the conditions that it offers can be found here: www.mobilcard.info. The region does not allow the transport of bicycles on trains and buses, so you may need the addresses of rental points: www.suedtirol-rad.com
Holidays
Trento is considered to be a city of holidays that take place here every month:
- The Trento Christmas Market is one of the best in Italy;
- Trento Film Festival (Trento Film Festival) - spring film festival dedicated to mountaineering;
- The main holiday of the city is St. Vigilio (Fuochi di San Vigilio) - held in the 2nd half of June; public festivities last 2 weeks;
- Polenta Festival - Cornmeal dishes are traditionally held in the fall.
In 2017, Trento offers about 40 holidays, details of which can be found here: www.discovertrento.it.
Shopping
The sales season takes place in the region twice:
- Winter: from the first of January to February 15;
- Summer: from July 15 to the end of August.
Trentino Alto Adige has a very high standard of living, and prices for new collections, as well as foodstuffs, are consistently high. Therefore, it is useful to know where in the city you can buy cheaper products.
Grocery stores
Conad Supermarket often offers discounted prices, occasionally conducting sales, which are advertised at the entrance to the store. A good selection of sausages, cheeses, wine. Address: Via Torre Verde 26; within walking distance from the bus station.
Supermarket "Poli" with optimal food prices is very conveniently located in the city center, where there is no abundance of grocery stores. Address: Via delle Orfane 2.
Shoes, leather, souvenirs
"Romarco" - the famous Italian leather goods, shoes are exhibited with prices above average. Address: Via San Vigilio 1.
“Escordio” is a store offering products of brands with different price categories. Next to Janet & Janet shoes are Calvin Klein slippers and Roberto Guerrini boots. Address: Via San Pietro 51.
"Galleria Tirrena" - a street with shops of clothes, shoes, cosmetics at average prices.
"Valentini" is a shop of souvenir knives of high quality and low prices (Swiss folding knives - 10-20 €). Address: Via San Marco 36.
Aulet in Brennero
The most famous aulet in the region is located in Brenner - Outlet Center Brennero. He sells products of brands such as Puma, Timberland, Benetton, etc., as well as products of small Italian firms. Address: Via S. Valentino, 9 / A, 39041 BZ Brennero.
Hotels
When going to the Dolomites with a stop in Trento, it is advantageous to choose hotels with a Guest Card Trentino card.
4 stars
Hotel buonconsiglio
Hotel Buonconsiglio is near the train station and bus stops. All interesting sightseeing facilities are within walking distance. Breakfast is available in the mornings. Customers enjoy the right of free use of local transport and the funicular of Trento-Sardagna. Customers receive a free Guest Card Trentino.
Grand hotel trento
The luxurious Trento Hotel is located in the city center, close to the Dante Alighieri Monument. The rooms are comfortably furnished, the restaurant offers a menu based on local cuisine, the bar offers fine wines, breakfast is served in the morning. A feature of the hotel service is the provision of the Guest Card Trentino.
3 stars
Hotel vela
Hotel Vela located 2 km from the center has a beautiful view of the mountains and provides free parking. The rooms have bathrooms, air conditioning. A buffet in the mornings, a restaurant with a menu of local cuisine, a pizzeria are at the service of customers.
How to get there
The nearest airports from Trento are:
- Bolzano Airport - 60 km;
- Verona Airport (Aeroporto di Verona-Villafranca) - 90 km;
- Venice Airport (Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo) - 195 km;
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa) - 245 km.
For free movement in the region, especially in the summer, you need a car, you can rent it here: auto.italy4.me.
From Milan to Trento get by train with a change in Verona (Verona Porta Nuova), travel time - 3 hours, ticket price 30-50 €. By car, you need 2.5 hours of time and 35 €, of which 15 € will go to pay the toll.
From Verona, a train ticket will cost 7-8 euros, travel time is 1 hour. By car, it takes 2.5 hours and 15 € to travel.
Traveling around the Trentino-Alto Adige region, getting to know Trento and the beauty of the Dolomites is a holiday that will last a long time.
