Unlike the other settlements in the Dolomite Mountains, Trent is more Italian than Austrian. It was founded by the Romans on the banks of the river Adige. It is surrounded by the magnificent Alps and has played an important role in the history of the region. Bishop-princes who were very powerful and ruled the region from the 10th century up to 1813. These bishop- princes held allegiance to both Italy and Austria. They were subject of the pope as well as the German Emperor. They therefore formed the Council of Trent in the 16th century and reigned from the Castello del Buonconsiglio.

The rule of the bishop-princes ended in 1796 when Napoléon's invaded Italy and brought it under his control. In 1813 Trent came under the rule of the Austrians but there was strife between the new Austrian view and the old Italian values. These problems were finally solved the Trent once again became part of Italy after World War I in 1918.

Trent is a lovely place to unwind, relax and enjoy the atmosphere and beauty of the surroundings. You can spend you time strolling around the town and look back at the days of the 16th century when it enjoyed absolute power as the Council of Trent. Other places in the Dolomites are easily accessible from here.

There are a few interesting festivals during spring and summer. It all starts off with the Festivale di Musica Sacra or the Festival of Sacred Music. It takes place from May to June and performances are held at all the churches in town. The end of the music festival coincides with a medieval pageant called Festive Vigiliane. The townspeople show up in large numbers for this event that is held in the Piazza del Duomo.

The biggest event in town is the Superfestival. Held from late June till the end of September musical performances, historical drams and recreation of historical events and legends are held.

The town of Trent also has a daily food market. You can find it on Piazza Alessandro Vittorio and is open daily from 8 am to 1 pm. There is another weekly market that is held on Thursdays. Clothing, crafts and all sorts of odds and ends are sold here. It is open from 8 am until 1 pm is situated on Piazza Argno. At the same venue, a flea market is held on every third Sunday of the month.

The tourist office at Trent is on Via Manci 2 near the Duomo. It is open from 9 am to 7 pm everyday.

The best way to see the town is on a bike. If you aren’t bringing your own bike, you can rent it from Moser Cicli on Via Calepina 37-43. It’s a short distance from the Duomo. Rentals cost 3€ for an hour, 8.50€ for half a day and 14€ for the entire day. The shop is open everyday from 9 am till noon and again from 3:15 pm to 7 pm.

To get a panoramic view of Trent and to enjoy the scenic dolomites you can take a cable car up the mountains. The car starts from Ponte di San Lorenzo near the train station and take you to Sardagna, a mountain village. You could pack a picnic basket to take with you and spend a leisurely afternoon lazing on the meadows. The cable cars run every thirty minutes from 7 am till 10:30 pm on weekdays and from 7 am till 7:30 pm on weekends. A round trip costs 1.60€.