Trento Things to Do

Whether staying for a few days or using the city as a jumping off point to explore other areas of Italy, Trento is filled with classic Italian charm, history, and culture as well as Austrian influence. Explore the Renaissance and Gothic buildings, take in the scenic Alpine views, and soak up the wide array of art located throughout the city.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN TRENTO, ITALY

Most of Trento’s festivities include delicious local food, historic traditions, and parades with costumed locals.

One of the biggest local events is the Carnival of Trento. Held annually in February, it features opulent floats, fun games, and street performances.

The most exciting seasonal event in Trento is Mercatini di Natale, the annual Christmas market. It is a festive holiday celebration held in Piazza di Fiera. Every year the square is filled with food stalls and vendors offering a selection of local delights. It is truly a wonderful holiday event for locals and tourists alike.

Other fun events and festivities in the province include the Andalo masquerade competition and a variety of other carnivals such as those held in Campitello di Fassa, Canazei, Madonna di Campiglio, and more.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

When exploring Trento, one of the best ways to see the city is to enjoy the various piazze. Each holds its own history and has its own unique architectural details. Piazza della Fiera, home of the annual Christmas market, was originally built in 1230. It is a large square that is bordered on all sides by important sites and buildings. Piazza del Duomo is considered the heart of the city. It is home to the Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) and the city’s cathedral. Piazza Raffaello Sanzio is the square that holds the Torre Verde (Green Tower), a unique tower whose turret features green tiling.

A walk down Via Belenzani reveals the beauty of the city. This street is lined with Venetian-Renaissance buildings, walls with colorful frescoes, and decorative windows.

Among the archeological sites is the early Christian Church of Doss Trento. The fifth century church helps to chronicle the spread of Christianity in this part of Italy. Of particular interest are the church’s geometric mosaics, which are now on display at the Castello del Buonconsiglio.

For outdoorsy travelers, there are a variety of beautiful outdoor locations nearby Trento.

One hour south of the city is the stunning Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Ideal for a day trip, it is considered to be one of Italy’s most gorgeous areas. From lush scenery to charming towns, Lake Garda is a must-see.

Also worth a visit is the Doss Trento Natural Park, which, in addition to nature, features artistic and historic monuments. The vast wooded area features a variety of flora and fauna to admire. Important historic sites range from the Roman period to the modern era. Of particular interest is the Alpine road and the Mausoleum of Cesare Battisti.

Skiers can enjoy Italian mountain sports at the nearby Mount Paganella. The mountain range offers a variety of ski resorts to enjoy the Alpine landscape of Northern Italy.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

At the heart of the city is the Trento Cathedral. It is a Roman-Gothic cathedral that was built in the twelfth century. It features a fifteenth-century tower and a striking rose window. The interior contains fourteenth-century frescoes and ancient relics.

Other churches throughout Trento that are great to explore are the Church of Sant’Apollinare – a small Roman-Gothic church on the bank of the Adige River that features a sharply slanted and pointed roof as well as a rosette window – and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore – a Renaissance church that is characterized by its rose window, triangular pediment, and interior Baroque altar.

Museums are another way to enjoy time indoors in Trento.

The Tridentine Natural Science Museum contains a variety of exhibits, including geological, zoological, botanical, and more. It serves as an important hub for scientific research and education.

The Museum of Aeronautics, located at the Trento International Airport, features an old aircraft hangar with a vast collection of antique and historic airplanes.

Another science museum is the MUSE complex – a museum located on the Adige River that features interesting exhibitions on topics such as local environment, geology, taxidermy, and natural phenomenon.

Restoration works in Piazza Lodron have revealed what might have been an Ancient Roman wine cellar. The structure features heating, a latrine, and the remains of a tower. There are also holes visible in the walls that may have been used to hold support beams.

SHOPPING IN TRENTO

There are a variety of shopping opportunities located throughout Trento. Whether looking to take home a unique souvenir or hoping to enjoy local food products such as delicious mountain cheeses, travelers can explore Trento’s various markets, boutiques, shops, and fairs to take home a piece of Italy.

FAMILIES & KIDS

A visit to Trento’s Castello del Buonconsiglio – an incredible castle complex that was built in the thirteenth century – is the perfect activity for families with kids of all ages. Throughout the centuries, the castle underwent a variety of architectural changes, resulting in a multitude of design elements that reflect the castle’s history. It contains the Castello Del Buonconsiglio Museum with Gothic art and amazing frescoes. It also holds a variety of art exhibitions. The courtyard of the castle overlooks the valley, giving incredible views of the surrounding area that leave visitors in awe.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN TRENTO, ITALY

The Palazzo delle Albere is a unique fortress built in the sixteenth century. The fortress is square-shaped and features towers at each corner. It is surrounded by a moat, so it exudes history, but it also contains the Trento and Rovereto Museum of Modern and Contemporary art.

Another castle-like structure in Trento is Torre Vanga, a thirteenth-century tower that was originally built to protect a bridge on the Adige River.

One of Trento’s most unique activities is exploring the Underground Roman Tridentum. Hidden beneath the city is a buried Roman town called Tridentum. Built in first century BC, the city was once an important military hub. Today, travelers can see original segments of roads and city walls as well as ancient houses and mosaics.

Trento’s prime location makes it a wonderful jumping off point to explore other areas nearby. Travelers can take a day trip to Mazzano, a quaint mountain village west of Trento that features lush greenery, hiking trails, and wonderful forests in the surroundings – perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Southwest of Trento is Mount Bondone, a mountain known for its amazing flora. West of the city are two lakes, Lago di Toblino and Lago di San Massenza. Southeast of the city is Vigolo Vattaro, a charming town near Lake Caldonazzo.

The scenic city of Trento has served as a cultural crossroads for centuries. Visitors to this fascinating city can explore natural parks as well as discover the ancient underground archeological site of Tridentum, and admire the medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Travel Guides

The Trentino Alto Adige Region of Italy

The Cities of Trentino Alto Adige, Italy