What to See in Trento (and Surroundings) in One or More Days

Traces of the millennia-old history of Trento can be found throughout the city, admiring the remains of its Roman origins, the signs of medieval austerity, and the incredible Renaissance constructions.

The city, nestled in the heart of the Alps and located in the Adige Valley, was founded in Roman times and throughout its long history was the site of the famous Council of Trent that initiated the Counter-Reformation. In the 16th century, it experienced a period of great splendor, with numerous churches and palaces built.

If you are a lover of art, culture, and unspoiled nature, Trento is the city that will enchant you with its delightful historic center, Roman-Gothic buildings, the Buonconsiglio Castle, and Renaissance architecture. It is the starting point to admire the villages of Trentino, the Dolomites, and the Lake Garda.

If you are planning a visit to the city, here is a guide to what to absolutely see in Trento.

Trento is a small gem, an elegant salon to visit in one or two days: the city is not very large, and you can pleasantly discover it on foot. On the Discover Trento website, you can find information about the Urban Trekking, an initiative that will take you to discover the most particular places in the city, allowing you to learn about its history and traditions: the date is set for October 31 each year.

What is there to see in Trento? The visit must start at Piazza Duomo with its Fountain of Neptune, surrounded by important Romanesque buildings such as the Cathedral of San Vigilio and the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses the Cathedral's treasure and the Tridentine Diocesan Museum. Look up to admire the beautiful decorations of the Cazuffi Rella Palace.

Enter the majestic Cathedral of San Vigilio, the famous church of the Council of Trent, to admire the mixture of styles; Gothic and medieval elements give way to its sumptuous Baroque interior. Climb up to the bell tower to see the city from above. Another great observation point is the Buonconsiglio Castle, which dominates the city and rises against the urban walls. Some rooms in the castle now host the Provincial Museum of Buonconsiglio Castle. Step out onto the Venetian Loggia to enjoy the view of the city and climb up the Eagle Tower, adjacent to the castle, where you can admire the Cycle of the Months, the extraordinary painting that depicts life in the city in the 14th century.

During the 19th century, Trento was transformed into a large fortress surrounded by fortified walls; much of this has been lost, but it's still possible to admire part of this immense fortress: the Municipality of Trento has developed trails to discover the remaining fortifications: you can find them here. Under the city of Trento lies a network of streets and tunnels, a kind of underground city: it is the ancient Roman Tridentum, of which you can still visit the early Christian basilica beneath the Cathedral, the Archaeological Space of Sas below Piazza Cesare Battisti, the archaeological remains beneath the Diocesan Museum and Porta Veronensis.

Don't miss a visit to the MUSE, the Trento Museum of Science located inside a building designed by Renzo Piano. The museum, inaugurated in 2013, consists of 5 floors and 12,000 square meters. It is the perfect place for both adults and children. If you want to learn more about the gastronomy and craftsmanship of Trentino, stop at Palazzo Roccabruna, which houses the provincial Enoteca of Trentino. Here you can find all the information about hours and initiatives.

Leave the city and reach Doss Trentino, an immense rocky spur covered with thick vegetation that hosted the first human settlements from prehistoric and protohistoric times. From here, the view of Trento is spectacular. Here you can find information on how to reach it.

Just outside Trento, near Mount Calisio, reach the Plateau of Argentario, where you will find the EcoMuseum that tells the story of this place of stone and mineral extraction.

One day is enough to get a glimpse of the city and its most important attractions. Your visit must start in the historic center: get lost in the maze of streets to admire palaces and churches; stroll along Via Belenzani until you reach its heart: Piazza Duomo, here you must absolutely visit the Cathedral of San Vigilio, an incredible expression of the city's Gothic style. Reach the Buonconsiglio Castle and visit the museum located inside.

A stop is worth it at the historic Palazzo Galasso you will find on Via Torre Verde, which is shrouded in an incredible legend. The building is known as the Devil's Palace because it is said to have been built by the devil himself in just one night. And to finish, don't miss a cable car ride connecting Trento to the nearby village of Sardagna; the view over Trento is unmatched.

Trento is one of the perfect destinations for a weekend with children, especially during Christmas when the famous Christmas Markets arrive in the city. But what is there to do with the little ones? Certainly a visit to the Buonconsiglio Castle. You can't miss entering the Muse, the city's Museum of Science: you'll see many things, the visit could last for hours. Adjacent to the muse, take a refreshing break in the Park delle Albere.

Reach nearby Rovereto to visit the MART, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto. The immense structure characterized by the glass dome hosts a collection of over 20,000 works from major movements of the last century: Futurism, Abstract Art, Arte Povera, Conceptual Art.

Piazza Fiera transforms into an enchanted living room during Christmas and hosts the famous Christmas Markets: for more than two months, about 70 wooden houses offering crafts, gastronomy, and mulled wine will be set up here. Another smaller market, with 20 wooden houses, can be found in Piazza Cesare Battisti. It's the perfect occasion to visit the most beautiful Christmas markets in Trentino.

Here is the selection of places you must absolutely visit near Trento.

On the Trento municipality website, you can find the map to orient yourself in the city. Below, you can find the Google map with the must-see attractions.