Trentino

        
Trentino-Alto Adige is the most northerly region in Italy. This mountainous area borders with Switzerland to the north-west, with Austria to the north and with the Italian regions of Lombardy to the south-west and Venetia to the east and south-east. The Northern part of the region, historically under the domain of Austria for long centuries, in German spoken and the region is officially bilingual. Famous for its production of apples and wines, the region has a greatly developed tourist industry, famous for its winter resorts, such as Madonna di Campiglio, Ortisei, Canazei and San Martino di Castrozza.

The main towns of Trentino-Alto Adige are Trento, Bolzano and Rovereto.

Trentino-Alto Adige is a mainly mountainous region, rich in rivers and lakes and with chains of mountains divided in two by the valley of the river Adige. To the west one finds the glaciers of the group Adamello-Presanella-Care Alto and the group of Brenta. To the east the groups of Lagorai, Latemar, the Dolomites of Fassa, and the Pale di S. Martino. There are many alpine valleys: the Valsugana, the Vallarsa, the Val di Non, the Val di Sole, the Val di Cembra, Fiemme and Fassa. The main lakes are those of Garda, Caldonazzo, Tovel and Ledro. This region also hosts three natural parks: Adamello-Brenta, Paneveggio-Pale of S. Martino and Stelvio.

MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO is one of Italy’s most sought after ski resorts. A favorite with the chic and stylish, it offers challenging, varied skiing amidst the spectacular Dolomites, and a traditional, lively Italian atmosphere. An efficient lift system opens up an extensive, wide-ranging ski area, also connecting the village with the nearby resorts of Marilleva and Folgarida providing a total of 150 kms of mainly tree-lined slops.

ORTISEI - This picturesque old town is the principal community and cultural centre of Selva/Val Gardena, one of Italy's most prominent ski areas. The altitude of 1,236m above sea level makes of Ortisei the ideal place for winter and summer holidays. This town, with its old and solid mercantile tradition and rich history, has a particular urban plan that blends harmoniously with the landscape. The centre, and its pedestrian-only area, are a wonderful meeting place but are also ideal for shopping.

CANAZEI is on the Sella Ronda circuit, giving 175km of pistes to cover. Most of it caters for intermediates and, with the aid of improved lifts; the whole domain is easily accessible. Canazei itself is quite large, but maintains its charm and traditional appeal. The local skiing is easy, but all the slopes rely on one lift from the village and this can create queues. There is one run back down, but that can often be closed due to a lack of snow.

SAN MARTINO DI CASTROZZA has preserved all the spirit and charm of an elegant and lively "Alpine capital". Nestling in a wide plain covered in meadows and surrounded by thick conifer woods, the village is dominated by the Pale di San Martino range, a group of bizarre and fantastic peaks that has inspired thousands of legends. A winter holiday in San Martino offers the emotions guaranteed by skiing and snow, as well as shopping opportunities, great fun in the typical inns and restaurants and all the events you can find in any lively and cosmopolitan city.

PARCO NAZIONALE DELLO STELVIO is the largest not only among the historical Italian parks, but also in the whole Alpine chain. It stretches in the heart of the Central Alps and includes typical valleys shaped by the action of ice and water flowing down from the imposing massif of the Ortles-Cevedale group. Many rare animal and plant species live in wide ecosystems present in territory thanks to its remarkable differences in height and to its morphological variety.

TRENTO is the capital of the region to which it gave its name, it is also the most attractive town in Trentino: It has a fine Romanesque cathedral and a richly decorated castle, and streets lined with handsome Renaissance mansions.   Piazza Duomo is the city’s main square, which was first laid out by Romans as their central market place or forum.

BOLZANO, the capital of the Alto Adige, is the gateaway between the Italian-speaking Trentino region and the German-speaking Alto Adige, and has marked Tyrolean atmosphere.  The old centre, Piazza Walther, is dominated by 15th century Gothic Duomo.

ROVERETO has a real sense of Peace, the scene is made up of illustrious buildings that tell of antique experiences and fine customs: Palazzo Piomarta, Palazzo Fedrigotti and naturally Palazzo Rosmini, but also the memory of arts and crafts: Contrada della Terra, Piazza del Grano, the antique spinning mill of via Tartarotti.

VAL DI FASSA - The beautiful broad sunny Val di Fassa is one of the treasures of the spectacular Dolomites area of northeast Italy. Arguably the most beautiful mountain range in Europe, the pink and orange hues of the craggy peaks change colour from daybreak to twilight.

PALE DI SAN MARTINO - the Park, situated in the eastern section of the Province of Trento, is characterised by three different geographical and landscape units. The northern section is covered by the Forest of Paneveggio, 2.700 hectares of pecceta safeguarded since a long time. The south-eastern section includes part of the Dolomitic chain of the Pale di San Martino. The western section is represented by a part of the porphyritic chain of the Lagorai.

GETTING AROUND The region’s main artery is the Brenner Pass road: following the River Adige from Bolzano to Trento, and southwards on to Verona.  Both the motorway and the main road beside it are among the busiest in Europe, and the valley roads can also be congested during the ski season.  Winter driving can be hazardous, requiring special tyres and snow chains.  An excellent rail and coach network serves the whole area.