Landscapes of Trentino Alto-Adige
4 minutes
Mountains that exalt colours and shapes, generating harmony with everything around them. A mountain chain recognised as a World Heritage Site, representing one of the most famous landscapes in Italy and Europe, deeply marking the imagination of anyone who has admired or experienced it. The grandeur of these stone giants has its roots in prehistoric times, in the Triassic period to be exact, when around 250 million years ago the accumulation of shells, corals and algae gave rise to sediments that were later transformed into rock, and the subsequent collision of the European and African plates caused the rocks to emerge, raising them more than 3,000 metres above sea level. An unusual variety of shapes defines the landscape character of this particular area, in striking contrast to the soft lines of the grasslands at its foot, and distinguishes its boundaries vertically - with shovels, spires, pinnacles, towers, teeth - and horizontally - with ridges, roofs, ledges, terraces and plateaus. The very first images of these mountains were not paintings or portraits, but descriptions, words that told of the major groups: Marmolada, Sella Group, Sassolungo Group, Catinaccio, Latemar, Pale di San Martino through extraordinary visions and powerful emotions.
Garda and the Alpine lakes mirror of the Dolomites
A literary place par excellence, a catalyst for travellers from all over the world, Lake Garda is the largest and most frequented lake in Italy, a paradise for those who love an active holiday: windsurfing, SUP, sailing and canoeing to be practised on its waters cradled by the wind, but also numerous paths overlooking the lake immersed in the generous nature that surrounds it to be travelled on foot or by mountain bike. On the Trentino shores, the municipalities of Riva del Garda, Nago-Torbole and Arco are an invitation to discover the sublime beauty of a landscape that, although crowned by mountains 'more sullen and rugged than others', encompasses in the pleasures of climate, views, architecture, even flavours and fragrances, an extraordinary synthesis of all-Italian beauty. Shores, gardens and lakeside beaches, villages and castles almost seem to open the doors to a dreamed land, to announce a style, a propensity for enchantment. From the sunny shores of Lake Garda, move on to admire the alpine basins where the Dolomites are reflected: Tovel, Molveno, Caldonazzo, Levico, Ledro and many other enchanting and secluded mountain lakes... in Trentino there are almost 300, each with its own marvellous setting.
South Tyrol, fairytale castles and contemporary architecture
The history and ancient roots of South Tyrol are recounted by the fairytale castles that rise numerous in these valleys, where the splendour and culture of the mountains mark not only entire towns, but every street, every metre of land, almost every inch of the beautiful houses of the rural tradition as well as the urban architecture characterised in cities such as Bolzano by buildings in the Gothic-Romanesque style and works by great contemporary architects.
Cities that have managed to preserve an unmistakable 'Alto Adige style' through images, flavours and scents that are able to captivate those in search of places with their own character and capable of offering opportunities that are never taken for granted. Like, for example, the breathtaking view of the great walls of the Dolomites and the Alps that can be enjoyed from the magnificent Corones Museum designed by Zaha Hadid, located on Plan de Corones at 2,275 metres above sea level and dedicated to traditional mountaineering.
South Tyrol, from rugged peaks to harmonious valleys
South Tyrol: an astonishing combination of strength and grace, for a unique way of presenting itself to the eyes of the visitor, inspiring everywhere a feeling of loving care that well determines a unique identity. There are the peaks of Europe's most spectacular mountains, such as the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, in the nature park of the same name in Alta Pusteria, the symbol of the Dolomites, and the Ortles, where the Stelvio National Park reaches its highest peak at 3,905 metres, fascinating climbers and mountain lovers from all over the world. Then there are the forests and high meadows with their infinite shades of green, and the countryside, where the cultivation of vineyards, fruit trees, small vegetable plots and even expanses of hay have the pleasantness and dedication of refined gardens.
Sobriety and ornamentation design a landscape that coexists in harmony with severe fortresses and majestic residences, from Thun Castle, a jewel of art nestled amidst the apple orchards of the Val di Non, to Valer Castle, the ancient residence of the Spaur family, a place where time seems to stand still. And if you want to be pampered, the relaxation of the thermal baths, the culinary delicacies and the excellent local wines are an unparalleled and perfect setting for the ski resorts and the seven nature parks.
The Trentino Valleys
A generous, harmonious and well-preserved landscape, where the magnificence of the mountains is softened in sunny and cultivated lands, where the heights rest on woods and meadows arranged and tended. Protected areas, treasure troves of biodiversity where one can take refuge for a 'holiday among the mountains' in the name of beauty, harmony and health. Valleys embraced by forests such as Val di Fiemme, a favourite destination for mountain holidays, or Val Venegia where Stradivari himself roamed in search of the most suitable centuries-old spruce trees to make his violins. Valleys criss-crossed by streams and waterfalls, enhanced by crystal-clear lakes and nature trails.
But also a territory that is less rural and mountainous, more urban, and able to amaze with its modern and contemporary art treasures, its wines and flavours, and a sense of peace and harmony that pervades every place and coexists well with being always at the forefront of quality tourist proposals and the art of hospitality.
