Trento

Trento is located on the Adige River valley line, 55 km south of Bolzano and 100 km north of Verona. Capital city of the Trentino region, not far from the Dolomites and nearby numerous lakes, Trento is a city with an art tradition that shows a strong Renaissance imprint characterised by its colours and palaces, which make it unique among the rest of the Alpine cities. Trento can surprise with its always changing appearance but always attached to its traditions. Visitors during the different seasons can enjoy its different facets: “Città in giardino” (garden city) after the awakening of Spring, tempting tourists with typical tasty products during Autumn, teeming with life and historical memories during the Vigiliane Feasts (a celebration after Saint Vigilio, the city patron saint) at the end of June or illuminated by the “warm” light of Christmas markets during the Advent. Its most typical monuments are: San Vigilio Cathedral, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Pietro Church, Sant' Apollinare Church. The Buonconsiglio Castle is one of the best-known buildings in the city. Built in the thirteenth century, it has hosted the most important city bishops for five centuries. The oldest building is the Castelvecchio castle, which has been rebuilt. Fringed with battlements and decorated with mullioned windows, the Civic Tower lies near the castle Today it is the seat of the “Diocesan Museum of Trento”. Other outstanding examples of old architecture are the Thun Palace, the Geremia Palace, the Sardagna Palace, the Lodron Palace, built during the Tridentine Council period, the Salvadori Palace, the Galasso Palace also known as Del Diavolo (devil) Palace according to the legend also quoted by Goethe, since it said to have been built overnight. Trento also has the old University of Trento, one of the most prestigious Italian small-medium sized universities but also open to international bonds. In Trento, numerous events take place all year long giving the local cultural panorama an original and pleasant touch. The most important events are: The Trento Film Festival, the Congress in Economics, the feast of Saint Giuseppe, the Virgiliane feasts after the city patron saint. Trento keeps a very strong tie with the mountains, mainly with the Bondone Mount, also known as Trento’s Alps; it is within the comune territory and can be easily reached from downtown after a short ride along the provincial road. Mount Bondome is an important natural area with particular botanical species unique in this mountain. This has given birth to the Alpine Botanical Gardens, one of the most important ones in the Alps, and to the Tre Cime del Monte Bondone Natural reserve. A tourist destination that offers walks and tours in summer, whereas in winter, it becomes a paradise for keen skiers and those who enjoy winter sports.