10 PLACES OF THE COUNTY SEAT THAT CANNOT BE MISSED
Because of its strategic position, where all the mainroads from the nearest valleys convene, the city of Trento has always been the natural head of the county. Do you know the origins of its name? Do you know What to See in Trento and what are the 10 places you canot miss?
The ancient origins of the name: Tridentum
Founded by the population named Reti, conquered by the Romans in the I century BC, it’s indicated by the roman emperor Claudius as Tridentum, splendidum municipium. The name is probably originated by the three hills sourroundings the city. Many ruins have been discovered, that whitness this era of the city. Later on it became an autonomous langobardic Duchy. After the French conquer, the role of the bishops becomes more important, even in the civilian matters, because of its aknowledged authority. In 1026 Tridentum becomes officially the see of an episcopal Princedom, under the Holy Roman Empire. The distingueshed condition of Princedom set on the border between the latin- italian world and the german one, with Princes – bishops mostly of German origins until the XV century AD and mixed origins population in the Princedom as well as within the city, will be remarkable features for it will become the see of the very important Catholic Church Reformation Council.
10 Things to see and discover in Trento and surroundings
1. The Roman city
The small Roman town lied in the left side of Adige river and many times it has been flooded by it and by Fersina creek. Moreover, sacks and destructions due to barbaric invasions happened in here. For all these reasons, the roman part of the city is now underground. Recent findings can be visited in Battisti square. In Piazza del Duomo (cathedral square) archaeologists found the relics of the ancient “Porta Veronensis”, while the mosaic floors of a roman villa were found in Via Rosmini, but is temporarily closed to the public. Many other remains have benn discovered in the basements of private buildings.
2. Early Christian period
The spreading of Christian religion intensified after the IV century AD, but initially it was limited only to the biggest towns while in the country still prevailed the pagan traditional religion. Bishop Vigil sent three missionaries from Cappadocia to evangelise the Val di Non area, but they have been martyrised in 397. Vigil had a cemetarial curch built in their honor just off the wall of Trento town, and in the following centuries it has been remastered and increased in size. At that time, the Cathedral was located on the previous Roman forum, where now we can find the Santa Maria Maggiore Renaissance church. On the Doss Trento hill, also known as Verruca, are the remains of a church dedicated to the saints Cosma and Damon, dated about the V century AD thanks to the mosaic on the floor that can be placed in the year 426 AD.
3. The romanic period
At the end of the X century AD the cemetarial church becomes the Cathedral, and the bishops start the constrution of their Palace next to it. Nowadays the Palace is the see of the Diocese Museum (Museo Diocesano). In the XII century AD the Benedictian order started building its own abbey on the right side of the river, but today we can only admire the church, named after San Lorenzo. In the same years begins the process of construction of the new Cathedral, under the leadership of Comacine masters that will shape it after the lombard romanic style. The church is stunning and so is the Cathedral square, with ist Neptune fountain and the court of palaces surrounding it. It’s one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
4. Buonconsiglio castle
In the XIII century AD the Bishops transferred their residency and the administrative centers right off the walls, north east of the city. That is the Northern part of the scructure of the castle, called Castelvecchio. In the southern tower is painted the beautiful fresco ciclo dei mesi (cycle of the months), very interesting because it shows the fashions of that age. The most important of the Bishop princes, Bernardo Clesio, had the Magno Palazzo built. It’s a sunctuous residence, built after the Renaissance style; many famous italian artists gave their contribution to its splendor.
5. Renaissance city
It’s common saying that Bernardo Clesio found a city made of wood and left a city made of stone. For sure that period saw the creation of many noble palaces that can be seen downtown, often decorated with frescoes. Lovely villas were built on the hills as noblehood summer residences. This remarkable transformation sets the city ready to welcome the famous Concilio di Trento, allowing the council fathers to live in respectable abodes.
6. Baroque period
San Francesco Saverio church belongs to the following Baroque period. It’s part of the near Jesuit college. The project was created by Andrea Pozzo, jesuit architect that was born and raised in Trento.
7. Trekking on Trento hills
When it comes to the quality of living, Trento is permanently among the first italian cities in the ranking. Part of its success is certainly down to the variety of walks near the center. There’s a lot of possibilities, starting with the old surrounding villages studded with ancient churches, noblehood villas, stunning gardens with ancient trees, historical fountains, old farmhouses, vineyards. It’s possible to start from Martignano, going towards Cognola, Povo, Villazzano, and finish with Mattarello. On the other side of the river we find Romagnano and Ravina, and higher up Sardagna from where you can admire the city from above. You can dive in the near woods through the well kept paths on the closest mountains. On Calisio (Argentario) mount can be found traces of ancient silver mines. There’s Cimirlo pass with the near Marzola mount, San Rocco hill with the Bosco della Città (city wood). Moreover, the forests of Sopramonte and the ring in Cadine about the SoraSass, full of military works created to defend the city in the I WW, with great views on the city from impressive cliffs.
8. Bondone mount
Called just Bondone by the citizens, is the mountain of Trento, with ski slopes and ski rings for nordic skiing in winter and great forests and pastures for walks on summer. In Viote area you can visit the Alpine Botanic Garden, but the wole surroundings are part of a protected area “Tre Cime” (Three Peaks) with lots of interesting highlights about flora and fauna. Its sky is a very important corridor for birds migrations.
9. Museums system
Trento is featured with a complex museum system. From Buonconsiglio castle to Museum of the Diocese and the paleochristian basilica, to the Le Gallerie – Trentino history museum foundation , Vanga Tower, Ecomuseo Argentario, Doss Trento with its historical national Alpine troopers museum, and next to it the Mausoleum dedicated to Cesare Battisti, Areonautic museum “Gianni Caproni”, Spazio Archeologico Sotterraneo del Sass (Archaeological Underground Area of Sass), Civic Gallery of Trento, SAT Museum – Casa della SAT.
10. Muse – Science Museum
MUSE is a dream come true. An active and interactive place, memorable, shaped on the concept of science center with multimedial shows, interactive games, experiments in first person and that merging between “know it” and “do it”.
What to see in Trento? is only the beginning, an invitation to discover your own perspectives, hidden views, from Ancient Rome to Medieval Age, from Renaissance to the XX century. Many thanks to Giulio Serafini that provided us with this interesting reading about What to see in Trento thanks to a path through monuments and beauties linked to different historical times.
Where to stay
We suggest you an hospitality in the heart of Trentino, by the Hostel Città di Rovereto. The rooms have different sizes, from the single one to the family one, all with their private bathroom. Before you book, write to us and you’ll get a PROMO code and a little present at you arrival in the Hostel!
For info write to us on WhatsApp
Via delle Scuole, 18 – 38068 – Rovereto (TN)
Tel. +39 0464 486757
www.ostellorovereto.it
Picture credits: Trentino Sviluppo S.p.A., Carlo Baroni, “Valle dell’Adige – Trento – Panorama da Sardagna”
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