Trento: urban history, archaeology and greenways

In Trento, cultural and historic sites range from Castello del Buonconsiglio and Roman urban remains to early Christian history, art collections and landscaped green spaces.

From Princely Residence to Museum

Castello del Buonconsiglio was the residence of the prince-bishops of Trento from 1255 to 1796. In 1924, the castle was restored as a national museum and reopened to the public. Since 1973, it has housed the old art collections of the Autonomous Province of Trento.

Roman Remains Beneath the City

The Spazio Archeologico Sotterraneo del Sas preserves a section of the eastern Roman city wall. It also includes a gate tower that was converted into a city gate during the imperial period, as well as a paved road made of large slabs of local red stone. The wall, gateway complex and road surface reveal various structural elements of the Roman city.

The specially prepared visitor exhibition covers approximately 1,700 square metres of Roman urban remains. Visitors can use a free audio guide in Italian, English and German for the tour.

Villa Romana di Orfeo

The Villa Romana di Orfeo was built in the 1st century AD and inhabited until the 3rd century AD. Its most distinctive feature is the approximately 65-square-metre polychrome mosaic depicting Orpheus playing the lyre among animals. The image makes the villa’s connection with Orpheus immediately visible through a preserved element of its furnishings.

Early Christian History in San Vigilio

The Basilica Paleocristiana di San Vigilio was founded at the end of the 4th century AD and attributed to Vigilius, the third bishop and patron saint of Trento. The basilica offers an immersive educational tour with videos, interactive stations and virtual reality devices. In addition to its dating and attribution, the presentation there therefore includes a media-supported tour.

Art, the Council and the Cityscape

The Museo Diocesano Tridentino displays art and cultural collections dating from the 11th to the 19th century. In Trento’s historic centre, frescoed palaces, battlements and historic fountains alternate with gardens and green spaces.

Green Spaces and Paths Along the Adige

Parco dei Fratelli Michelin – Parco delle Albere was created on the former site of the Michelin factory based on a design by Renzo Piano’s architectural firm. The park covers more than 4 hectares and is connected to the intermunicipal cycle and pedestrian path along the Adige. This route can be included in walks or bike rides along the Adige. Thus, alongside the historic interiors and urban spaces, the cityscape also includes a former industrial site, landscaped parkland and a network of paths along the river.

The Museo Nazionale Storico degli Alpini can be reached from Piedicastello via a walk through the green spaces to Doss Trento.

Further travel destinations include Coredo, Mezzocorona, Faedo, Vigo Rendena, Cavareno, Cavalese, Tres and Taio.

More about Trentino-South Tyrol.