Location guide to Trento

Surrounded by the wonderful Dolomite Mountains and recently declared a World Heritage Site, Trento sits on the banks of the Adige river between the Veneto and the Po Valleys. Trento is both charming and austere, orderly and unpredictable, full of history and yet modern. This contradictory city entices visitors with its seductive old town, its events programme, its cultural mix and its tourist facilities. Successfully blending efficient German organistion with a romantic Latin soul, the warm atmosphere is enhanced by the extraordinarily natural beauty of the scenery.

Top Ten Things to See and Do
Visit the Cathedral of San Vigilio
Stroll around the Piazza Del Duomo and the Fountain of Neptune
See the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
Admire the Palazzo delle Albere
Visit the Buonconsiglio Castle
Take a walk along Via Belenzani and in the historic centre
See the Piazza Fiera and the Christmas Market
Enjoy skiing at Mount Bondone
Fiera of San Giuseppe
Vigiliane Fests

Local Events

The Christmas Markets
For the past 17 years the traditional Christmas market has been held in Piazza Fiera, an unmissable event for capturing the spirit of Christmas. Over 5000 visitors come annually to browse the wooden huts selling Christmas decorations, traditional nativity scenes, wood carvings, candles, sweets, local food and drink from the Trentino region. After a hard day’s shopping don’t forget your glass of mulled wine and some roast chestnuts.

The Festival of St Vigilio
Held during the second half of June, the historic centre of Treno magically returns to medeival times with a programme of events that includes art, culture, theatre, traditional games and period gastronomy. The main part of the festival is the ‘Pailo dell’Oca’ or ‘Battle of the Goose’. This involves teams competing in a raft race down the River Adige, as well as other agility challenges, to commemorate the struggle between Trento and Belluno in the 6th Century. The event culminates in the ‘Tonca’, when a public figure is ‘locked’ in a dungeon before being immersed three times in the cold waters of the Adige.

Local Food and Drink

Apple Strudel
A popular dessert in Austria and its surrounding regions, the Apple Strudel has really found a place in people’s hearts here in Trento. The apples from this region are especially sweet and when mixed with cinammon give the strudel a distinctive quality that is ackowledged all around the Tyrol region. Enjoy with white dessert wines from the Trentino region, served cold, to complement the taste of the apples.

Teroldego Rotaliano DOC
Produced on the Rotaliana plain, a few kilometres north of Trento, Teroldego is a DOC wine that has been made here since 1971. Considered to be the ‘prince of wines’ of the Trentino Region, it has an intense red colour with a strong fruity perfume of raspberries and blueberries. This dry wine should be aged and then served at 18°-20° to enhance the flavour. Best enjoyed with roast or grilled meat as well as with cheese.

Spotlight on - Piazza Del Duomo
On one side of the Piazza, a place where you can always find a packed programme of events and fairs, is the magnificent Cathedral of St Vigilio. This is the town’s main church named after its patron saint. The cathedral is of medieval orgin and hosted the famous council of 1545 to 1563, one of the most important councils in the history of the church.
In the centre of the Piazza is Neptune’s Fountain, one of the symbols of Trento whilst on the other side is the Praetorian Palace. The building dates back to medieval times, once the residence of the bishop, it is now home to the Diocesan Museum of Trentino.
The Piazza del Duomo is the centre of life in the city and the best place to go to really savour the atmosphere and beauty of Trento.

How to Get There
By Car
Located in a valley, 130 km from the Austrian border, Trento is located along the Brenner road, including the A22 and the National Road 12 to Abetone and Brenner. Route 47 connects Trento with Valsugana, Padua and the Veneto region.
By Bus
The city is the main hub for the region and you can find connections to most of the valley towns. Moreover, the bus station is conveniently located directly next to the train station.
By Train
Trento is located along the Brenner railway connecting Italy to Austria and Germany. Regular and fast trains connect the city to Verona (100 miles), Innsbruck (175 km) and Monaco (330 km). Trento also has a direct connection to Venice as well as the surrounding valleys.
By Air
The nearest airports are Verona Catullo airport and Bergamo where you can find many European and Internatioal connections. It is also well served by budget airlines.