Here we are! This is the first place on my list that I’m going to present you!
Trento is a city located in the Northern part of Italy in Trentino Alto Adige region bordering Austria, and this is precisely its great peculiarity.
The inhabitants of the region are often bilingual and their dual culture and History is an additional feature to give value to the place and to fascinate tourists.
In this article I’m going to suggest you an alternative route as to be more sustainable and discovering the natural side of this wonderful city.
Let’s discover the first place on the list :
- PIAZZA DUOMO
Even though my route proposes alternative sites,Piazza Duomo is a must!
It is located in the heart of the town, here we find in the most lively part of this enchanting place. From this point on, everything develop around it.
The first thing that catches the attention is the fountain of Neptune, designed in 1769 by Francesco Antonio Giongo, full of inventions and profane happiness. We could say that it’s the focal centre of the town, the real protagonist of this square.
Another highly characteristic element is the Duomo, a large Romanesque-Gothic building (sec. XII-XIII), with tightened lines, just lightened by the chiaroscuro play of the galleries that run on the side and surround the polygonal dome, and the bulb with which the sixteenth-century bell tower culminates.
Inside the cathedral, between 1545 and 1563, the famous Council was held to embed the spread of Protestantism, a fundamental episode not only of Catholicism but of the social and political life of the whole of Europe.
Moreover, all the square is surrounded by typical italian bars where the tourist can seat and enjoy a refreshing Aperitivo.
2. THE CITY’S WALL
Keep walking around the city your attention will be catched by the magestic city’s wall which extends for about 500 metres.
The defensive circuit of Trento has a really interesting story: It has three walls built in successive eras. The first wall dates from Roman times and dates back to the 3rd century A.D. During the 6th-7th century it was reinforced and doubled in thickness, so much so that in the 13th century the Roman walls were still preserved. A subsequent expansion of the urban area during the Middle Ages led to the ‘incorporation of the area around the basilica of Vigo. The construction of this second wall circuit would take place around the tenth century. The third and last ring dates instead to the XIII century and was begun under the episcopate of Federico vanga. It was built to incorporate the districts outside the ancient walls.
Alongside the walls develop an huge square, Piazza Fiera, where during the Winter season are set the Christmas markets.
3. THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The Christmas Market is the principal attraction in the city during the Winter time.
The charming beauty of these markets stays in the cozy and lively aspect that it presents, in fact the involving music and the delicious smells of the typical food allow to create a charming atmosphere.
I highly recommend these markets because they embody the culture, traditions and art of the region. The owners, producers and sellers of the markets are exactly the local artisans and commercials which sell locally grown products and handmade art craft.
As to be responsible tourists is important to attend and buy from these kind of activities.
First of all, they are local products and therefore, they all are kilometer 0 which means that 0, or really low, emissions of CO2 have been emitted; furthermore, buying from locals will help to develop and increase the local economy, making all working perfectly well!
4. THE RIVER ADIGE
The river, located just 7 minutes away from the city centre, is the most relaxing part of this enchanting town.
During your walk along the river you can admire the amazing landscape that it offers.
Immerged in the nature you can enjoy the silence and feeling the contact with animals that live along the river: rabbit, ducks and squirrels.
The combination of these two elements allow to create a fairytale atmosphere.
Sustainable Travels 