We love it when an opportunity gives you the chance to discover a new destination. That’s precisely what happened when Traverse Events announced that their 2019 annual conference would be held at Trento, Trentino in north Italy.

Café Italia in Piazza Duomo

We jumped at the Early Bird tickets for the Traverse19 event, and a road trip was in the making.

Oh yes, it definitely had to be a road trip for us.

With Trento nestled at the foot of the Dolomites, there was lush countryside, lakes and mountain passes to discover.

Over the rooftops

What I found surprising was that just 26 miles (40km) south of Trento was the northern tip of Lake Garda. Now I’ve recently fallen in love with the mountainous northern region of the Lake, but it is a bit of a magnet for tourists.  

A view towards the Doss Trento

However, Trento has all the classic Italian charm and elegance that you’d wish for from an Italian city, yet it feels so authentic, honest and cherished by its residents. It’s an absolute gem and still quite undiscovered.

Palazzo Geremia

The heart of the old town is reasonably small, and its chic Italian style flows amongst the rustic lanes. Not only does Trento have so much to offer as a mini-break, but it’s also a fantastic location to use as a base. From Trento, you can discover the Dolomites and stunning countryside within the Trentino region.

Castel Toblino on Lago de Toblino

Each evening you’ll be spoilt for choice on which family-run bistro to dine at. Delicious fresh pasta being served al-fresco along cobbled lanes, accompanied with a glass of the sparkling tipple ‘Trentodoc’. 

Like a local you can soak up the welcoming atmosphere and enjoy the balmy evenings, you really won’t want to leave, we didn’t.

We had some delicious homecooked food while in Trento, don’t be put off that the menu may only be in Italian. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll enjoy, we did, even with our very limited Italian a smile goes a long way.

The history in this region of Italy is fascinating, it was only in 1919 that Trentino was annexed to Italy. Prior to that, Trento was a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and elements of this era can still be seen throughout the city.

The Trento Philharmonic

There’s such beautiful architecture along the ancient streets. Ornate façades on the noble palazzo’s, marble balconies with wooden shutters beyond, and who knows what palatial grandeur is behind.  

Palazzo Quetta Alberti-Colico

The polished pavements lead you to Trento’s Piazza Duomo. Within this stylish square is the Romanesque Duomo of San Vigilio built in the 12th/13th-century. 

The Cattedrale di San Vigilio & Palazzo Pretorio

Adjacent to the cathedral is the eye-catching Palazzo Pretorio, with its attractive 13th-century bell tower (Torre Civica). This was once the residence of the local Bishop; it is now home to a collection of baroque paintings.

A view from Piazza Duomo

Take a seat within this lovely picturesque square and enjoy the hustle and bustle of daily Italian life. And along with the colourful Renaissance buildings that encircle you, admire the Baroque Neptune Fountain, which was built in 1768.

The Neptune Fountain

Café Portici

Be respectful in Italian churches, check before you enter that you are wearing the correct attire. You may not be able to head inside if you are wearing shorts, vests and mini-skirts.

As mentioned, the old town of Trento is relatively small; however, quite a few of its historic buildings have been given a new lease of life. Renaissance buildings repainted in their original pastel colours and their lovely wooden and wrought iron balconies restored back to their former glory.

Stunning buildings

Pastel coloured buildings

With most cities around the world, the best way to discover them is on foot, and Trento is no different.

Casa Zabini-Zelgher (Casa al Canton

Herculean effort

A historical city entrance

The Devil's in the detail

Just take to the streets and wander, turn after turn you’ll find intriguing archways, little alleys and welcoming piazzas. 

Trento was once encircled by a medieval city wall, a small section of this still remains along with a few of the towers. One of the most prominent buildings within Trento and erected next to the city wall is Castello del Buonconsiglio (Buonconsiglio Castle).

Buonconsiglio Castle

Buonconsiglio Castle is a must to visit, there is so much to see within its ancient walls and gives a fantastic insight into Trento and its historical past.

The gardens of the Buonconsiglio Castle Museum

As you climb higher and higher within the castle around the colonnades, you are greeted with an incredible view across Trento old town and the mountainous backdrop beyond.

Inside the Castle

Start creating your own north Italian adventure and discover the historic town of Trento for yourself. You can fly into Venice or Verona with easyJet & British Airways.

Discover more of Italy on a road trip like us, if your unable to bring your own car or are flying into this lovely country give SIXT car hire a go. They cover all budgets and allow you to pick up and drop off at different destinations.

The joy of having your own wheels means you can head out into the countryside and discover the beautiful landscape. Driving to and from Trento was a delight, rows and rows of fruit trees and terraced vineyards. As we drove down through the narrow switchback roads around the mountains, the view across the fields was like looking at a very lush patchwork quilt. 

Lake Molveno and the town of the same name

Open meadows with little yellow flowers bobbing in the light breeze and the smell of the high reaching pine trees were incredible. Local men in their little vans were parked up ready to set off truffle hunting with their trusty pooches by their side.

To discover more of this beautiful region, take a browse through the local Visit Trentino website. 

Enjoying the landscape

I would highly recommend a visit to Trento as it has incredible charm, a laid-back vibe, and you feel that you have discovered a slice of Italy that very few have.

During our visit to Trento, we based ourselves at the Grand Hotel Trento. It was in a great location, just a few minutes’ walk to the old town. 

Grand Hotel Trento

The hotel offered lots of amenities and also had a beautiful rooftop view across the city for you to enjoy. As we were on a road trip, it was ideal that it had ample underground parking.

The view from the hotel rooftop

Or alternatively, if your venturing from the UK, jump on Le Shuttle and tour south under your own steam.

Culture, charm and incredible food.

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