Crossroads between the Nordic and Mediterranean worlds, a meeting place between Germanic and Latin cultures, Trento boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers in Italy, whose symbols are the imposing Romanesque Cathedral, which dominates a very elegant square, surrounded by noble palaces and beautifully restored residences, and the Buonconsiglio Castle, the historic residence of the prince-bishops from the late 13th century to 1803, now the Provincial Museum of Art.
Built with stones from nearby hillside quarries, constantly expanded and embellished, the Buonconsiglio Castle houses, in the southern tower called the Eagle Tower, the Cycle of the Months, a series of frescoes dated around 1400, recognized at a European level as one of the highest examples of Gothic painting.
The unknown author, probably of Bohemian origin, depicts scenes of court life and popular life for each month, anticipating themes and subjects dear to the Renaissance as well. But the city, nestled between the Adige River and the mountains, is a treasure chest of beauties, also emphasized by the small size of the center.
Not to be missed, for example, is the row of palaces along via Belenzani or the evocative “tour of the Sass” (piazza Pasi, via Oss Mazzurana), which reveals Renaissance wonders, such as Palazzo Tabarelli, Palazzo Cazuffi with its frescoed facade, and Palazzo Festi, home to the Teatro Sociale.
