Ranked as the third best place to live in Italy, Trento has a rich cultural history. Currently home to about 110,000 people, this northern town was founded by the Celts before being conquered by the Romans. In 1796, Trento became part of the Austro-Hungarian empire before it returned to Italy in 1919. In the following years, the town established itself as an economic hub as well as a well-known university city.
If you ever find yourself in this charming section of Italy, here are 10 things you should check out.
1. Neptune’s Fountain in Piazza Del Duomo
The Piazza Del Duomo is the heart of the city’s tourism sector, with Neptune’s Fountain sitting right in the middle. The fountain was built in 1768 as the town’s main source of water at the time. The existing sculpture is actually a recreation due to extensive damage to the original piece.
2. The Ruins of Tridentum
When the Romans controlled Northern Italy, Trento was known as Tridentum. Over the years, archeologists have uncovered streets, parts of houses, workshops, and even portions of the original city wall. The site is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
3. Castello del Buonconsiglio
Built in the 13th-century, this castle served as the home for Trento’s ruling class. Inside, visitors will find the Museo del Risorgimento and the Museo Provinciale d’Arte. They have an extensive collection of sculptures, art collections, and period furniture. In the castle’s Aquila Tower, highlights how the court lived during the late Middle Ages. The castle is about a 15-minute walk from the city center, and tours run from Tuesdays through Sundays.
4. Wine Tasting at San Leonardo Estate
The San Leonardo Estate has been around since the 18th-century and used to be a monastery. The property is owned by the Gonzaga family and is home to Italy’s best Bordeaux style wine blend. The tasting tour lasts about 2 hours, and visitors will be able to sample 4 wines including, Vette, Terre di San Leonardo, Villa Gresti, and San Leonardo.
5. MUSE
Trento’s museum of science, known as MUSE, is a modernist exhibition into the nature and wildlife of the mountain ranges around Trento. The building is located about 20 minutes from the Piazza del Duomo, with tickets selling for a little over $11 for a 2-hour tour. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays.
6. Duomo di Trento
The Cathedral of San Vigilio, or Duomo di Trento, was built in the 11th-century and was the seat of the Bishop of Trento until 1802. Visitors will be able to see the interior’s 14th-century frescos and visit the bell towers. The highlight of the church is the rose window, called the Wheel of Fortune, which represents the ever-changing fate of people.
7. Trento Film Festival
If you visit the city in April, make sure you check out the oldest international film festival. Started in 1952, Trento Film Festival is a 10-day event that features work dedicated to adventure and exploration. Independent directors and producers visit every year to talk about the environmental and cultural issues facing the world.
8. Mount Paganella
Known as one of the best places for skiing, Mount Paganella is located to the northwest of Trento. Visitors can stay at any of the 5 resorts located on the mountain’s plateau. Visitors are also able to enjoy the area’s hiking trails and access to Lake Molveno in the summer months.
Sources:
- Trento [Trentino]
- Things to do [Miss Tourist]
- Trento Film Festival [Mountain Film Alliance]
- Tenuta san Leonardo [Cellar Tours]
- Duomo di Trento [Discover Trento]
- 15 best things in Trento [The Crazy Tourist]
- MUSE [MUSE]
- Mount Paganella [Mia Paganella]
- Feature Picture [Wikimedia]
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