Castello di Buonconsiglio

The Castello di Buonconsiglio is the biggest attraction in Trent. The Council of Trent meetings were held here. To reach this castle head north from the Duomo on Via Belezani and then get onto the eastern road of Via Roma. This is a quite a trek but the houses you’ll cross are beautiful and have pretty facades. They were originally built as residences for the church officials who came to attend the council meetings. The castle wall covered in forts. Within these grounds you will also find the Magno Palazzo. This beautiful palace was built in the 15th century for the prince-bishop.

The castle is now a museum called the Museo Provincale d'Arte and displays many interesting treasures. The most important of these being a fresco from 1400 called the Ciclo dei Mesi or the Cycle of the Months. The fresco is a depiction of court life and countryside life and shows the lords and ladies enjoying themselves while the peasants have to toil hard. You can see this piece of art in the Torre dell'Aquila, or Eagle's Tower.

Another place within the castle walls you must visit is the prison son where Cesare Battiste was held in 1916. This local son was arrested for his involvement in the Irredentist movement. He wanted Trent to be part of Italy again and although his dream later came true he didn’t live to see it. He was hanged in the moat that circumscribes the Castelvecchio.

 

Hours »	Apr-Sept Tues-Sun 9am-noon and 2-5:30pm; Oct-Mar Tues-Sun 9am-noon and 2-5pm
Address »	Via Bernardo Clesio 3
Transportation »	Bus: 5, 7, 10, or B
Phone »	0461-233-770, 0461-492-840
Prices »	Admission 5€ adults, 2.50€ children

After the council meeting was held in the castle, often, the outcome would be announced at the Duomo. The Duomo was built between the 13th and the 16th centuries and has an enormous Cepel of the Crucifix. Under the alter lies the crypt that was the basilica of a church from the 6th century. The Duomo was built over it. Outside the Duomo is the massive Piazza Duomo. The square has a sculpture of Neptune in the center. This area is very popular with people who come to sit in the piazza and pass time. It is commonly referred to as the salotto or the sitting room.

 

Hours »	Mon-Sat 9:30am-12:30 pm and 2:30-6pm; crypt 10am-noon and 2:30-6pm
Address »	Piazza Duomo
Phone »	0461-234-419
Prices »	Admission to the crypt 1€, or free with the Museo Diocesano ticket

The Duomo has a museum that is located right next to it. In the time of the bishop-princes it was a heavily guarded palace. Among exhibits are interesting and exquisite paintings of the council meetings. There are also 16th century tapestries and objects from the Duomo’s treasure trove. You must not forget to see the collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings.

 

Hours »	Wed-Mon 9:30am-12:30 pm and 2:30-6pm
Address »	Piazza Duomo 18
Phone »	0461-234-419
Prices »	Admission (includes Duomo's crypt; see above) 3€ adults, 0.50€ ages 14-18

Built in the mid 16th century this beautiful church is built in the Lombard Renaissance style. Of special importance is the ornate organ gallery inside that was carved by Vinceno Grandi in 1534. This church was also another location for the Council sessions and many meeting including the last few were held here.

 

Hours »	Mon-Sat 9:30am-12:15pm and 3:30-7:30pm
Address »	Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore (between Via Rosimini and Via Cavour)
Phone »	0461-239-888
Prices »	Free admission

If you’re looking for absolute peace and quiet, you should head to Roverto. This medieval town doesn’t have much to offer except a 15th century castle, the Castello di Rovereto, and a number of pleasant walks through the town’s winding roads. When the Venetians were fighting the Austrians for control Tirols they came here her 1418. This castle was built then on Via Castelvarco 7. However the Austrians managed to win back Roverto.

A number of Italian and Austrian soldiers died here during World War I and every year thousands of people come here to pay homage to their loved one who died in action. The soldiers are venerated everyday during sunset by ring the Campana della Pace or the Bell of Peace at the temple to the fallen. There is another memorial to these within the grounds of the castle. Photographs, weapons and other memorabilia and kept on display. This is called the Museo Storico Italiano della Guerra. It is open between 8:30 am and 6 pm from March to June and from October to November, from Tuesday to Sunday. From July to September it is open Tuesday to Friday between 10 am to 6 pm and from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm over the weekend. An entry of 5.20€ for adults and 1.60€ for children between ages 6 to 12 is charged.

If you find yourself in Roverto during September you can be part of the cultural events held every year. There are dance performances, exhibitions of contemporary art during the Roverto Festival. In the end of the month there is the Festival Internazionale Mozart where performers from all over the world perform the genius’ works.

Castello Sabbinara in the town of Avio was built in the 11th century. Avio is situated 13 miles south of Roverto and was built on the line of control that separated Austria and the the old Republic of Venice. The castle belonged to both countries at different points in history. When the Venetians controlled it in the 13th century they expanded it and added several frescoes depicting the battle in the Casa delle Guardie (or the Guard’s House).

The castle is open on all days except Mondays from February to mid-December. The working hours are from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Admission is charged - 3.50€ for adults and 2.50€ for children between 6 to 10.