The Region

Trentino is one of the most unassuming regions of Italy. Land of confluence between Latin and Nordic worlds, Trentino Alto Adige is the guardian of a remarkable cultural heritage, made up of prehistoric evidence,

First and foremost, Trentino Alto Adige is set against the backdrop of the most beautiful mountains in Europe, offers exciting and fun vacation options for enjoying the peaks and their ever-changing aspects throughout the seasons. 

This setting encloses an extraordinary variety of landscapes: magnificent snow-capped mountaintops, woods, broad valleys, streams, lakes, the enchanting play of light between the spires of the Dolomites, typical villages with soaring bell towers, and the myriad shades of pure nature. 

I wrote a lot about the Dolomites because each time I visit, or—on clear days—I see them on my Northern horizon; I think they are the most beautiful thing ever!

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The Lakes

There are almost 300 lakes in Trentino.

Such as Lake Garda, Lake Caldonazzo, or Lake Molveno, to the beautiful alpine lakes that look like drops of water set in the mountains, such as the stunning Lake Braies. 

Some are perfect for spending a weekend photographing the foliage, like Lake Tovel, the Adamello Brenta Natural Park jewel.

This setting encloses an extraordinary variety of landscapes: magnificent snow-capped mountaintops, woods, broad valleys, streams, lakes, the enchanting play of light between the spires of the Dolomites, typical villages with soaring bell towers, and the myriad shades of pure nature. 

The Castles

Trentino is also the keeper of incredible artistic treasures, monuments, and architectural works that combine Gothic from Austria with the Italian Renaissance. As there are numerous lakes, Trentino has numerous Castles as well:

Avio Castle

On the top of a spur of Monte Vignola, which dominates the Val Lagarina crossed by the Adige, one of the oldest and most evocative castles in Trentino has stood for over ten centuries.

It almost continuously belonged to the noble Castelbarco family, transforming the fortress into a small feudal court, a destination for artists and intellectuals.

There is a remarkable series of frescos in the Castle, presenting an ulterior reason to visit.

This place is one of the assets of the FAI (Fund for the Italian Environment, a non-profit foundation founded in 1975, on the National Trust model, to protect and enhance the Italian historical, artistic, and landscape heritage). 

FAI has carefully restored and opened to the public so that everyone can discover and love it.

Thun Castle

A sumptuous castle nestled among the apple orchards of the Val di Non. Inside, you can admire the original furnishings from the sixteenth century onwards, as well as works of art, weapons, porcelain. A must for those who love history!

Built in the mid-thirteenth century, the Castle dominates the Val di Non from the top of a hill, colored by the white apple trees in bloom in spring. For centuries the Castle was the residence of the Thun, one of the oldest and most powerful families of the Trentino nobility.

Once you enter the gate, what is striking is the perfect state of conservation of the furnishings, including the fantastic Bishop’s Room, richly furnished and covered in stone pine. 

Then there are the art collections, period furniture, weapons, porcelain, carriages … everything contributes to reviving the atmosphere of the comfortable life of the country nobles centuries ago.

The Apples

The Apple Trail in the Val di Non reveals a unique combination of colors and scents: it is the realm of apples, whose names are known worldwide, from Golden Delicious to Rennet. 

And The Strudel!

If you like strudel, Trentino is the place for it. No doubt that strudel is the typical dessert par excellence of Trentino Alto Adige and among the most appreciated in Italy. It is no coincidence that it has received PAT recognition, which identifies it as a traditional product Italian. 

There are several and tasty variations, including the savory version that completely deviates from the original recipe. Traditionally, the strudel is considered a pasta roll that holds apples, raisins, pine nuts, and cinnamon as its essential ingredients.