- BY ISSIMO
- December 15, 2023
Trentino Alto Adige (also known as South Tyrol) is one of those places on earth that looks like a painted masterpiece. Nestled in the Italian Alps on the border of Austria (to the north east), Switzerland (to the north west) and the Italian regions of Lombardia and Veneto, it’s a treasure trove of mesermising landscapes, cultural fusions, eclectic landmarks, and cheese to make your knees weak.
A must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers and the culturally curious, Trentino Alto Adige assumes a particular magic in the winter, when its ski slopes, malga (alpine huts serving cosy vibes and delicious fare) and Christmas markets buzz with activity across the two provinces of Trentino and South Tyrol.
Join us as we pull on our cashmere sweaters and beanies, zip up our backpacks, and venture off the beaten track to explore the pure splendour of this northern Italian region.
LANDSCAPES LIKE PAINTED MASTERPIECES
‘I’m living inside a painting!’ Exclamations like these are common in Trentino Alto Adige, a region that embodies the phrase ‘nature’s gifts.’ With its diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes including alps, valleys, lakes, vineyards and more, it’s a destination that quite literally leaves you lost for words, no matter how many times you see it.
And there they are! The Dolomites command the skyline of eastern South Tyrol, with thousands of mountain formations stretching across more than 300,000 acres of the region. With their imposing snow-capped stone peaks framed by mystical forests of Swiss stone pine trees, a photo simply does not do them justice. Experience this UNESCO world heritage site in all its glory by hiking or biking through Val di Fassa or Val di Sole, where you might hear locals telling folktales in the traditional Ladin language of the region, which sounds a bit like Romansh (spoken in Switzerland) and a bit like Friulian (spoke in north-east Italy).
While South Tyrol’s list of more than ten lakes might be better enjoyed in the summertime when you can behold their pristine beauty with a leisurely stroll or even a dip, natural lakes such as Pragser Wildsee, Völser Weiher and Kalterer See (Lake Caldaro) are like arenas of frozen glass in the wintertime, a surreal sight that feels like something from a movie. We could talk all day about Trentino Alto Adige’s landscapes which are like open-air art galleries, and we haven’t even started our gourmet road-trip through the region’s sprawling vineyards and orchards yet, which are home to a specific variety of South Tyrolean apple.
WHERE CITIES AND TOWNS ARE TIME-MACHINES
Scattered across South Tyrol’s two provinces are historic cities and towns including Trento (Trentino’s capital), Bolzano, Merano and Rovereto. With their cobbled streets, quaint shops and cafes, and curious blend of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture seen in cathedrals, castles and palazzos, these locations are like immersive time-machines that exude ‘winter wonderland’ magic.
Trento Cathedral’s baroque chapel and the nearby Fountain of Neptune are not to be missed, and the town’s mighty Renaissance-style Castello del Buonconsiglio (Buonconsiglio Castle) on the hilltop is arguably the largest historical monument in the whole region. In Bolzano, you’ll find more medieval castles to explore, along with three funiculars that offer sublime views of the mountains, villages, and vineyards that surround the city. By mid-afternoon, be sure to warm up with a mug of cioccolata calda (hot chocolate) at Walther Square, Bolzano’s elegant historic piazza and buzzing social hub.
Speaking of warming up, the town of Merano is known for its spa resorts and ancient natural thermal springs which are perfect for a secret winter weekend escape, while its sprawling local vineyards of red and white grape varieties edge right up to the city. Ever heard of the City of Peace? Rovereto is another charming little town on the southern edge of the Dolomites, known for its grand memorial bell (Campana dei Caduti) that was crafted with the melted bronze of WWI cannons. You can even count the 100 tolls it makes every evening, which symbolise a message of peace.
ART AND CULTURE FOR THE CURIOUS
Trentino Alto Adige isn’t only about nature and ancient history. The region is home to some of Italy’s most intriguing museums, art galleries and even niche galleries that represent contemporary culture and innovation. Spend a wintery afternoon indoors exploring the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Mart) in Rovereto and Trento, which was founded as a ‘cultural hub’ in 1987 and quickly established a reputation as a leading contemporary art museum in Europe.
Trento’s Museum of Natural Sciences (Muse) is a must-see for curious kids and adults, with visitors encouraged to participate in interactive and multimedia exhibits and workshops. And of course, Bolzano’s South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is where you’ll find a curious selection of relics and discoveries unearthed from the region’s Alpine glaciers.
CANEDERLI AND CHEESE, PLEASE!
Between all this walking, skiing and exploring…we are absolutely starving! Luckily, Trentino Alto Adige is a rustic culinary haven. We’re talking artisanal local produce (as fresh as it gets!) and traditional recipes for soul-warming comfort dishes in wintertime. Sure, there’s pasta, but have you ever tried Canederli? These fluffy bread dumplings flavoured with Alpine ingredients like spec are an edible hug! With humble origins from Alto Adige’s ‘farm recipes’, these kneaded gems are served at many malghe (Alpine huts), and taste even better when paired with a glass of local wine.
As they say, you haven’t tasted real cheese until you’ve tried Trentingranaor Spressa delle Giudicarie, fresh from the local dairy farms in the lower Dolomite valleys. Trentingrana is a hard cheese loved for its nutty aroma and unmistakable sweetness, while Spressa delle Giudicarie has an ancient production history and is characterised by its aroma of fresh grass.
THE SHAPES OF THE SURREAL
There’s also a few unexpected wonders in the region that appear like something out of a surreal fantasy novel. The Pyramids of Segonzano or ‘Earth Pyramids’ in Trento’s Valle di Cembra are 20 metre-high columns of golden rock formed by the elements tens of thousands of years ago, resembling giant totems or human-like sculptures from certain angles.
And if you’re anywhere near South Tyrol’s Lago di Resia in the municipality of Curon, there’s something pointy, Romanesque (and possibly haunted) emerging from the water to beguile you. The Belltower of Curon really must be seen to be believed. Part of a 14th century church that was one of the few structures to withstand deliberate flooding in an effort to merge two artificial lakes, the Belltower protrudes from the water like a solemn stone giant. Legend says that anyone who hears the faint toll of its bells soon meets their death, although this is yet to be officially proven.
Don’t forget to pack our new ISSIMO Travel Kit for your winter escape, which combines some of our most-loved skin, bath and body care products found in Pellicano Hotels’ rooms and suites. All this sun, snow, and crisp winter air means your skin might need some extra love and care!
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