Culture (churches, palaces and museums)
Trento and its culture
In Trento you can already feel the culture in the air walking around the city centre … you leave a shop and see a centuries-old church, you look up and see a fresco on a facade and you reach a square surrounded by historic buildings. Then there are the museums with permanent and temporary collections. Here are some of the places where you can explore the cultural side of the city.
Starting with Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo, the heart of the old town is already representative of the historical value of Trento. Here you can find Saint Vigilius’ Cathedral: the Trento Cathedral, one of the icons of the city.
Next to the cathedral stands Palazzo Pretorio with its characteristic tower. It is home to the Tridentine Diocesan Museum dedicated to works of sacred art from the XI to the XIX century from churches all over the local area. Paintings, sculptures, wooden sculptures, tapestries and illuminated manuscripts … and above all treasures from the nearby Saint Vigilius’ Cathedral: precious objects intended for the celebration of worship or to decorate the church.
Torre Vanga and Palazzo Thun
Torre Vanga, a symbol of medieval Trento, stands out given its height (more than 30 metres!) and its swallowtail battlements, as well as its red bricks, which meant it also became known as the Red Tower – Torre Rossa.
Another important building is Palazzo Thun: property for four centuries of the important Thun family, now home to the Trento Town Hall.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Church of San Francesco Saverio
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore stands out in the old town given its grandeur and its tall bell tower. It is made of white and red stone. Just three minutes away on foot you can find the Church of San Francesco Saverio, an example of baroque architecture.
The MUSE and the Galleria Civica
The MUSE is the famous Trento Science Museum where you can explore the theme of science and sustainability on its six floors as well as topics related to nature and in particular the mountain environment. The Museum also has spaces suitable for small children with special workshops and activities especially for them. What is striking about the museum is not only its educational activities: it is well worth a visit just to see the building given it was designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano.
Another museum to visit is the Galleria Civica di Trento: an extension of Mart the museum in Rovereto, dedicated to contemporary art.
The Castello del Buon Consiglio: a complete experience
Visiting the Castello del Buon Consiglio is a complete experience. You can learn all about the historic and artistic features of the building and see the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions on display.