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Trentino Alto Adige boasts several of Italy's most beautiful villages: true gems of rural architecture, with views of the Dolomites or other striking natural panoramas. Let's get to know them together.
NB: The following list is the result of a survey that actively involved members of the Community. More than 10,000 users were asked to express 20 preferences, choosing from the editorial staff's suggestions.
1- Castelrotto, Bolzano
Photo by Luciobocchi. The name Castelruptum first appears in documents dating from 982-987, but before that date there were already human settlements there. Part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, traces of walls, the presence of a fortified village and a square tower remain of the ancient medieval village.
A portion of the territory lies in the Sciliar natural park, at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi: a detail that has allowed the area to develop a flourishing mass tourism, both in summer and winter.
Ideal time to visit: in winter, on the occasion of the Traditional Peasant Wedding Ceremony and the Castelrotto Wedding Banquet
Recommended time for a visit: 1 day
What to see in town and surroundings: Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the ruins of Castelvecchio. Bolzano is 38 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €110.00 - see offers
Do you want to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience? Treat yourself to a stay at Hotel Lamm, a fantastic 4-star hotel on the Alpe di Siusi with Spa, Skypool and Fitness Room.
2 - Canale di Tenno, Trento
Photo by Peter willi buck. This is a medieval village that rises 600 metres above sea level, on the hills between Riva del Garda and the Fiavè plateau. Fully listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, the first document attesting to the existence of the village dates back to 1211.
The village retains intact its original urbanistic connotations, characterised by the four main streets converging in the square, and a large number of stone houses. Some of these buildings are decorated with frescoes, mostly modern, the most valuable of which is the work of the painter Gianni Longinotti, and decorates the façade of his home.
Ideal time to visit: first two weeks of August, during the 'Rustico Medioevo' (Rustic Middle Ages), and on all weekends before Christmas, when the town is filled with markets
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in town and surroundings: old town centre, Lake Tenno, Tenno Castle, Casas degli Artisti. Riva del Garda is 14 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €90.00 per room - see offers
3 - Mezzano, Trento
Photo of Me itself (Chalda Pnuzig). There are various hypotheses regarding the origin of the place name Mezzano, although the most accredited one links it to the village's position, central between Imèr and Siror. Presence of human settlements, even if only seasonal and at high altitudes, are testified by archaeological finds, which date back even to the Mesolithic period. The first information on the village dates back only to after the year one thousand, when Mezzano was considered among the most organised villages in the area.
Since 2010, the village has been part of the prestigious club of the'Most Beautiful Villages in Italy': this has greatly increased the care of the historical and cultural aspect of the village.
Best time to visit: in autumn, when the landscape is coloured in various shades of brown
Recommended time for a visit: 1 day
What to see in and around the town: old town centre, Prati di San Giovanni, San Giovanni Church. The old road that connects Mezzano to San Giovanni, the Tabernacle of Santa Fosca and the Stala granda, Pra de la Forca where, until 1720, those condemned to death were executed. Pedavena is 37 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b starting from €70,00 per room - look at the offers
4 - Vigo di Fassa, Trento
Photo by Bbruno. It is a ski resort in the Val di Fassa/Dolomiti Superski area, rich in hotel facilities: one of the most important summer centres for excursions in the Catinaccio massif, it is part of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
The first records of the area date back to the Middle Ages, although historical evidence dates the first human settlements to the Palaeolithic period. From the late Middle Ages onwards, Vigo di Fassa underwent uninterrupted growth, which led to the incorporation of the nearby village of San Giovanni.
Ideal time to visit: all seasons, although you should be equipped for any rainy days, which are not uncommon in this area
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in town and surroundings: monumental barn, Church of San Giovanni, Austro-Hungarian war cemetery, Ladin Museum of Fassa, Church of Santa Giuliana. Vallonga is 4 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b starting from €137,00 per room - look at the offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Private tour of Bolzano along the Great Dolomites Road
5 - Egna, Bolzano
Photos by Bighignoli Michele. The administrative and cultural centre of the Oltradige-Bassa Atesina region, the small market town of Egna was founded in the early Middle Ages and saw the light around 1189. Its particular name derives from the ancient Roman post station on the Via Claudia Augusta, where an archaeological site can be visited today.
Thanks to the Counts of Tyrol, the judicial district of Egna became one of the most important during the 13th century, but was soon forgotten and remained in the background. This ensured that the village retained the atmosphere of antiquity that characterises it today.
Ideal time to visit: April to mid-June and September, when the climate is mild and rainfall less, though not entirely absent
Recommended visit time: 1 day
Sights in and around the town: the arcades, late Gothic parish church dedicated to St. Nicholas, late Gothic parish church dedicated to St. Mary in Villa, Griesfeld Palace. Laghetti is 6 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs in Bolzano (28 km) from €77.00 per room - see offers
6 - Bondone, Trento
Photo by Merymaffei. This is the southernmost municipality in the Valle del Chiese, and has recently joined the list of Italy's most beautiful villages. Its houses, leaning against each other, are firmly anchored to a spur of rock overlooking Lake Idro.
With a difficult history, intertwined with that of the lords and surrounding towns, Bondone is known to most as the 'village of the charcoal burners' because, until fifty years ago, this was the trade practised by the majority of the inhabitants. Peculiarities of Bondone are the names of the streets that, during the twenty-year fascist period, were, by order of the Prefect, dedicated to people who symbolised fascism.
Ideal time to visit: 8 September, the feast day of the patron saint, during the entire month of September for the succession of different religious festivities
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in town and in the surrounding area: Lake Idro, the historical centre, the parish church of the nativity of the virgin, the Castelo si san Giovanni, the countless natural beauties. The town of lodrone is 24 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €80.00 per room - look at the offers
7 - San Lorenzo in Banale, Trento
Photo by Jmz1902. One of Italy's most beautiful villages, it boasts origins as a Roman encampment, as demonstrated by the numerous archaeological finds in the area. The construction of Castel Mani by the bishop of Trento in the 12th century ushered in its future as a'borgo'.
Today, the small municipality has made the natural beauty of the surrounding area its major attraction, thanks to the variety of excursions that can be undertaken, and the possibility of practising'mountain sports', both competitive and suitable for children.
Ideal time to visit: in November for the Ciuìga festival, and from April to September, to enjoy the best of mountain excursions
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in and around the town: the ancient Church of San Giorgio, Castel Mani, the old town centre, the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The nearby town of Molveno is 15 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €86.00 per room - see offers
8 - Chiusa, Bolzano
Photo by rachel_thecat. It consists of Gudon, Lazfons, Pratello, Verdines and the town of artists, all nestled in the heart of the Isarco Valley, between the Sarentine Alps and the Dolomites. The heart of the municipality is the medieval village, declared one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages in 2002, overlooked by the impressive Benedictine monastery.
According to some historical evidence, the area where the village now stands has been inhabited since before Christ: tombs dating back to both the Germanic and Network periods have been found in the area.
Best time to visit: June to September, when temperatures are milder and the days longer
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in and around the town: St. Andrew's Church, Sabiona Monastery, Gernstein Castle, Friars' Hill, Klausen Museum. The village of Castelrotto is 27 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €84.00 per room - see offers
9 - Sterzing, Bolzano
Photo by Llorenzi. Few things remain of the village'sRoman origins, including: the inscription Vipitenum on an ancient Roman road map, and the name itself, which, it is claimed, echoes that of the Roman camp Vibidìna. One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, its foundation may date back to 14 B.C., when the military station of Vipitenum was founded on the communication route between Italy and the transalpine countries.
The village officially developed in 1180, following the invasion of the Bavarians. An old legend has it that Störz, a crippled pilgrim, was the first inhabitant of the modern town: you can see him depicted in the town's coat of arms, right under the wings of the Tyrolean eagle.
Ideal time to visit: the evening/night of 5 December for the Krampus parade, Christmas time for the Christmas markets, the second Sunday in September for the Dumpling Festival, the Historical Festival
Recommended visit time: 1-2 days
What to see in and around the town:Madonna della Palude parish church, Santo Spirito church, Torre delle Dodici, Town Hall, Old Teutonic Order Commandery. The town of Colle Isarco is 6 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €80.00 per room - see offers
10 - Rango, Trento
Photo by Massimo Telò. It is one of the most characteristic villages in Trentino: a quality that earned it inclusion in the circuit of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy in 2006.
In fact, time seems to have stood still in the village; the houses are leaning against each other, and are connected by porticoes, entrance halls and internal courtyards. Theancient white road starts from the top of the village to reach the Passo del Durone, making for a pleasant walk that is not at all demanding, ideal for exploring the entire area and enjoying a few moments in the midst of nature.
Best time to visit: during the Christmas period, when the entire town is filled with markets
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in town and surroundings: the old parish church and the entire centre. Tione di Trento is 18 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b in Arco (23 km) from €59.00 per room - see offers
11 - San Martino di Castrozza, Trento
Photo by myself. It is located in the Primiero Valley in eastern Trentino. It is a historic tourist destination, whose main attraction is definitely the Pale di San Martino, mountains that tower above this wonderful town.
Wonderful both in winter, for snow sports, and in summer, thanks to the many excursions that can be made here, San Martino di Castrozza is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. The town centre is elegant and picturesque and is also perfect to visit with the family, thanks to activities for children, such as the Agility Forest Adventure Park.
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for hiking and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
Recommended visit time: 2 days
What to see in town and surroundings: old town centre, Pale di San Martino, Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Nature Park, Agility Forest Adventure Park. Fiera di Primiero is 20 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b starting from €60,00 per room - look at the offers
12 - Pinzolo, Trento
Photo by Mattana. Also in the province of Trento, Pinzolo is located in the upper Val Rendena. If you drive along the Campiglio State Road 239, on which the town is located, you will reach the Campo Carlo Magno Pass. It is also located in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, which makes it a small jewel set in the Brenta Dolomites.
Ideal to be visited all year round, thanks to the large number of activities to take part in, Pinzolo is especially loved by families and sports enthusiasts and allows you to spend a few days completely immersed in nature. The church of San Vigilio must absolutely be visited, and one of the many treks, perhaps the one that reaches the Nardis Waterfalls, is a must.
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for excursions and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in and around the town: Adamello Brenta Nature Park, San Vigilio church, numerous hikes in the Brenta Dolomites. Madonna di Campiglio is 13 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €70.00 per room - see offers
13 - Tirolo, Bolzano
Photo by Herbert Ortner, Vienna, Austria. Not to be confused with the Austrian Tyrol, Tirol, in the province of Bolzano, also called Dorf Tirol, is located in the heart of the Gruppo di Tessa nature park and belongs to the Burgraviato region. Completely surrounded by nature, it is the ideal destination for those who want to get away from the stress of everyday life.
It is only a few kilometres from Merano, so a visit to Tirolo can be a nice, relaxing day trip. Tirolo is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area, from where numerous paths and hikes of varying difficulty and duration start. A must-see is Tyrol Castle, once the seat of the Counts of Tyrol, which today houses the Provincial Museum of Culture and History. A little curiosity: the castle itself gave its name to the entire region.
Ideal time to visit: April to October for the many outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking in the mountains
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in and around the city: Texel Group Nature Park, Tyrol Castle, Johanneum Dorf Tirol, Brunnenburg. Merano is 10 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €50.00 per room - see offers
14 - Merano, Bolzano
Photos by G2. Situated in the province of Bolzano not far from the Austrian border, Merano is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the whole area! There are many activities to do and things to see, and it is also an excellent starting point for various day trips in the surrounding area, so it would be a good idea to stay at least 3 days.
But above all, Merano is known as the spa town: there are several thermal baths in which to relax, perhaps after a day of hiking in the nearby mountains! The old town centre, within the ancient city walls, is also wonderful. Little curiosity: Italian and German native speakers coexist here, creating a perfect mix of traditions and culture, which is also reflected in the cuisine and customs!
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports due to the presence of the famous Merano 2000 ski resort
Recommended visit time: 3 days
What to see in and around the city: old town centre, Trauttmansdorff and Sissi Trail, Tappeiner Promenade, Winkel Castle Merano. Bolzano is 30 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €65.00 per room - see offers
15 - Rovereto, Trento
Photos by Gio 2000. Also in the province of Trento, not far from Lake Garda, this town is an important industrial, tourist and cultural centre in Trentino. It is also called the City of the Oak, a symbol present in the city's coat of arms.
Rich in museums, it is a destination waiting to be discovered, among history, culture, good food and nature! It is therefore an ideal destination for everyone: for sports enthusiasts there is no shortage of mountains and trekking in all the surrounding area; for lovers of culture and cultural visits there are numerous museums, including international ones; families will find many activities suitable for children. It is also called the city of festivals, because of the numerous events and manifestations that take place all year round!
Ideal time to visit: all year round, due to the large number of events, events, activities that can be held and museums
Recommended visit time: 3 days
What to see in town and surroundings: historical centre, Castelbarco, Church of San Marco, Italian War History Museum, Futuristic Art House Depero, Mart. Trento is 25 minutes away, Riva del Garda 35 minutes
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €45.00 per room - look at the offers
16 - Ossana
Photo by Luca Giarelli. Also in the province of Trento, the village is in a wonderful location, making it an ideal destination in both summer and winter. In fact, it is located between the Adamello Park and the Adamello Brenta Natural Park and is surrounded by numerous mountain ranges, rich in trails and paths.
But that's not all, even the historical centre, although small and contained, is rich in history and attractions to see. One of the main ones is the Castle of San Michele, also called Ossana Castle, the first evidence of which dates back to 1191. Also worth a visit is the Bosco Derniga, a wonderful botanical garden just outside the centre. Finally, in December until the beginning of January, there are wonderful Christmas markets and the entire village is decorated and festively decked out!
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for hiking and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports. In winter to see the wonderful Christmas markets
Recommended visit time: 2 days
What to see in and around the town: San Michele Castle, San Vigilio Church, Christmas markets in December, Bosco Derniga. Madonna di Campiglio is 40 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €90.00 per room - see offers
17 - Braies, Bolzano
If you're in Trentino, especially in the province of Bolzano, you can't miss a visit to Braies, considered the pearl of the Braies Valley. This small municipality is located in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park and is surrounded by wonderful mountains, orf Tirol.
The main attraction of the area is definitely Lake Braies, a wonderful lake nestled between the mountains, a true jewel of the Dolomites, to be seen at least once in a lifetime! With the advent of Instagram, the lake is becoming increasingly popular and visited, so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, before the many tourists arrive. It has also become famous in Italy as one of the settings for the TV series Un Passo dal Cielo.
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports. In summer it is possible to sail on Lake Braies with wooden boats, while in winter it freezes over completely
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in town and around: Lake Braies, Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, Dobiacco and Dobiacco Lake. San Candido is 20 minutes away, Sesto 25 minutes
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €90.00 per room - see offers
18 - Nova Levante, Bolzano
Photo by Bernard Blanc. It is a wonderful village in the Val d'Elga, at the foot of the Catinaccio, and can be reached along the famous Strada delle Dolomiti, a road 110 km long. In the past also called Nova Latina or Nova Italiana, today it is a tourist destination completely immersed in nature.
Surrounded by the Dolomites, Nova Levante is a perfect destination for both relaxation and sport! For those who love hiking in the mountains, the hike to the Catinaccio is not to be missed. Moreover, in winter, there are numerous cross-country skiing trails leading through the woods to immerse yourself in a Winterwonderland landscape.
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for hiking and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
Recommended visit time: 1 day
What to see in and around the city: Rosengarten, Princess Sissi Monument, Carezza and Lake Carezza. Bolzano is 20 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €100.00 per room - see offers
19 - Prato allo Stelvio, Bolzano
Photos of Kuebi. In the province of Bolzano, Prato allo Stelvio is a village located in the Venosta valley. It is also a market town, i.e. those small municipalities in Europe that have been granted the right to host a market under medieval law.
It is the perfect starting point for excursions to the Ortles, a majestic mountain range popular with experienced hikers and mountaineers! Much of the municipal territory is also located within the Stelvio National Park, characterised by unspoilt nature. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers; thanks to the many outdoor activities here, it is impossible to get bored!
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for hiking and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
Recommended visit time: 1 day
Sightsin and around the town: Ortles, Aquaprad visitor centre, St. John's Church, Kirche St. Georg zu Agums. Resia is 30 minutes away
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €60.00 per room - see offers
20 - Ortisei, Bolzano
Ortisei, in the province of Bolzano, is a destination not to be missed. A market town like Prato allo Stelvio, Ortisei is the main town in Val Gardena. It is also the perfect starting point for exploring the magnificent surroundings, such as the stunning Siusi Alps, about 20 minutes away.
Ortisei, besides being a wonderful village in which to spend a weekend, is famous for its wood-carving tradition: here, for generations, families of expert carvers have been creating artistic wood sculptures, which enchant at first glance! In addition, the historic centre has many activities to offer and its pedestrian area is described as the most beautiful in the Dolomites!
Ideal time to visit: all year round, in summer for hiking and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
Recommended visit time: 3 days
What to see in and around the city: old town centre, Gherdëina Museum, Emozion Col de Flam park, Rasciesa funicular railway. Brixen is 40 minutes away, Siusi 20 minutes
How to get there: Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €100.00 per room - see offers