In a wide valley edged by mountains, Trento has a charming pedestrianised centre with a medley of pavement cafes, a magnificent cathedral, statuesque castle and Renaissance palazzi with decorated facades that date back to the 16th century and the Council of Trent. The city is the capital of beautiful Trentino, the southern and more typically Italian half of Trentino-Alto Adige region.
Where to stay
The location of Boutique on Trento’s charming Piazza Duomo couldn’t be more central. Some of the 16 contemporary rooms have views over the cathedral, most have private in-room spa facilities and one a balcony.
Where to eat
Look for the ‘Osteria Tipica Trentina’ sign for restaurants with a traditional atmosphere and specialities including strangolapreti dumplings, carne salada (salted meat) or freshwater fish. Il Libertino in Trento’s villagey Piedicastello neighbourhood, offers quality home-cooking, a remarkable wine list and an inviting wood-panelled interior. On a quiet central piazza, Osteria Il Cappello has a stone-vaulted downstairs room, outdoor tables in summer and a small menu of dishes such as home-made pasta with rabbit, or duck with raspberry.
Where to drink
A must for wine lovers, Trento’s Enoteca Provinciale in Renaissance Palazzo Roccabruna provides personalised tastings of Trentino wines accompanied by typical produce. Further south along the river Adige, opposite Rovereto in Isera village, Casa del Vino della Vallagarina showcases Marzemino and other Vallagarina region wines in a characterful palazzo, also offering a daily paired menu.
Places to visit
In an idyllic setting at 550m overlooking Trento, the 17th-century Maso Bergamini run by the Tomasi family
