Rovereto Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Rovereto with this extensive travel guide. Explore the culturally important attractions, outdoor adventures, local food and drinks, and transportation options for getting around this charming town in Italy.


Introduction to Rovereto

Rovereto is a charming town located in Trentino, which is a province in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Northeast Italy. The town is located in the Vallagarina Valley and is surrounded by the beautiful peaks of the Italian Alps. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Rovereto is also home to several cultural and historical attractions, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Rovereto

Here is a list of top attractions to visit during your trip to Rovereto:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Rovereto Castle: This imposing fortress was built in the 14th century and has been well-preserved over the years. It offers a great insight into the history of the town and the region. The castle now houses the Civic Museum, which displays artifacts, artworks, and documents from various periods of Trento’s history.
  • MART Museum: For art enthusiast, this museum of modern and contemporary art would be the best option. MART offers several collections of art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
  • The Bell of Peace: It’s a 100-tonne bell that was cast in Austria after World War I, as a symbol of peace. The Bell of Peace is one of the largest ringing bells in the world and has been inscribed with the message “Long live peace among peoples”

Natural Attractions of Rovereto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Vallagarina Valley and its surrounding areas offer picturesque landscapes, outdoor adventures, and various activities. The most prominent ones are:

  • Monte Baldo: Located to the east of Rovereto, Monte Baldo is a stunning mountain range that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a cable car ride up the mountain, hike the trails, or mountain bike around the slopes.
  • The Mincio River: A beautiful river which flows close to rovereto, offers various water activities like fishing, boating, rafting, and kayaking.
  • Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta: A protected natural park, located just 60 kilometers from Rovereto, offers breathtaking views of valleys, mountains, and crystal-clear waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rovereto

  • The Adige River Cycle Route: This cycling and hiking route runs through the Adige Valley, offering picturesque views of vineyards, orchards, castles, and Trento. The itinerary is 93 km long, runs through different towns, and it’s easy for everyone to cycle and enjoy the beautiful scenic view.
  • “Colle di Miravalle” Hiking Trail: The hiking trail to the top of Mount Miravalle provides an incredible panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
  • Fortess Pedersiva Hiking Trail: This trail is suitable for expert trekkers and offers an excellent view of the extensive slope of the carvings, a geological basin formation.

Best Things to Do in Rovereto: Activities and Tours

While in Rovereto, you can explore several exciting activities and tours like:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: The Trentino region is known for its excellent wine production. You can take a tour to several local wineries and vineyards in the area that offer tours with wine tasting sessions.
  • Explore the Medieval Old Town: Rovereto’s historical center boasts a charming medieval atmosphere. You can explore its piazzas and alleys with a guide to discover the city’s hidden corners and stories.
  • Visit the Azienda Agricola Cà de Bezzi: For those who like cheese, this hidden gem is located just 5 km from Rovereto downtown and offers dairy foodies an opportunity to taste another flavor of Trentino’s uniqueness.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rovereto

For an ideal week-long itinerary in Rovereto, you can follow this plan:

  • Day 1: Explore the Rovereto Castle and the MART Museum
  • Day 2: Hike/Bike through the Adige River Cycle Route and visit the Mincio River area
  • Day 3: Discover the Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta and go on a wine-tasting tour at one of the local wineries.
  • Day 4: Visit the Bell of Peace and other historical sites in Rovereto’s old town.
  • Day 5: Take on the “Colle di Miravalle” Hiking Trail and enjoy the exceptional view of the valley.
  • Day 6: Explore off the radar “Cà de Bezzi” Farm to taste some Dairy Cheese Products
  • Day 7: Relax and enjoy the surroundings in one of Rovereto’s beautiful parks, cafes, or restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Rovereto

Rovereto and the Trentino region offers a diverse and exciting food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks from the region:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Polenta dishes: Polenta is a traditional Trentino dish and comes in various forms like fried and baked polenta, polenta with cheese, polenta with meats and sauce.
  • Canederli: Also known as Knödel, canederli are large dumplings made of bread, flour, eggs, and various meats and served with different kinds of broth or soup.
  • Strudel: Sweet or savory, strudel pastry is generally filled with different vegetables, meats, fruits, and even cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Trentodoc: Trentodoc is sparkling wine, made in the traditional Champagne method and is Trentino’s pride.
  • Marzemino: A red wine whose vineyards run around Rovereto’s valleys and hills.
  • Grappa Trentina: A spirit similar to brandy, made from pomace and skins left over from wine production. You can find this drink all around Italy, but the Trentino version is exceptional.

Where to Stay in Rovereto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rovereto offers several options for accommodation based on your preferences and budget. From luxurious hotels and resorts to budget hostels and guesthouses, here are some of the best options:

  • Hotel Leon d’Oro: A luxurious hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites at the center of the town.
  • Ostello di Rovereto: For backpackers and budget travellers, Ostello di Rovereto is a great option. It offers comfortable beds, a shared kitchen, and bike rentals.
  • Hotel Venezia: A small and cosy hotel that offers affordable and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Rovereto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the souvenirs and local products that you can bring back home from Rovereto:

  • Handcrafted Souvenirs: Rovereto has plenty of shops selling handmade items like ceramics, glass artifacts, and lace works.
  • Local Food and Beverages: Don’t leave without trying local Trentino food and wine, but take home some for friends and family to enjoy as well.
  • Olive Oil Products: Rovereto is home to several artisan olive oil producers, and you can find different flavored oils while exploring the valley.

Local Culture and Customs of Rovereto

Rovereto has a rich history and a distinct culture. Its population is known for their regional pride, especially for their love of Trentino’s wines, cuisine, and olive oils. The town has a handful of festivals and fairs throughout the year, like Fai 2019 or the well-known Chocolate Festival.

Best Time to Visit Rovereto

Rovereto can be visited throughout the year, as the seasons here offer various activities and opportunities. However, the best time to visit would be in the summer from June to August. The weather is warm, the valleys and mountains are open, and there are plenty of activities to do. However, visiting in Autumn provides astonishing fall scenery, and Winter offers a beautiful chance to discover Trentino’s ski towns like nearby Folgaria or Folgaria Lavarone Plateau.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rovereto

Do:

  • Try local delicacies and wines
  • Respect the town’s cultural heritage
  • Take care of the environment and follow littering rules

Don’t:

  • Wear bathing attire in the town center or museums and historical sites.
  • Take pictures of locals without asking for permission
  • Trespass vineyards or private olive plantations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rovereto

Rovereto is a safe destination, with low crime rates and no major safety concerns. However, like much of Italy, pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in crowded areas. So, it is recommended to keep your belongings secure and watch out for your surroundings, especially in train stations, public transport, or crowded areas.

Health in Rovereto

Rovereto has a modern healthcare system and well-equipped hospitals. However, it is recommended to have travel insurance and check if your home country has a health agreement with Italy. You should also bring any necessary medication you may need while traveling since drug prescription laws in Italy differ from other countries.

Getting to Rovereto: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rovereto

The nearest airport to Rovereto is Verona Airport, which is approximately 70 km away. From there, you can take a bus or train to Rovereto.

Bus Stations Near Rovereto

Rovereto has a bus station located near the Town Hall, where you can catch local and regional buses to other destinations.

Other Options

Rovereto is well-connected via train and has a train station connected with the regional railway network.

How to Get Around in Rovereto

Rovereto is a small town and can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. It has a well-connected railway station which offers easy access to nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from Rovereto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Rovereto’s location is a perfect starting point for exploring the Trentino and northern Italian cities. You can consider visiting nearby towns such as:

  • Trento: capital city of the Trentino region, with impeccable palaces, castles, and museums.
  • Lake Garda: one of Italy’s biggest lakes located only 30 km south of Rovereto town.
  • Madonna di Campiglio: A well-known ski resort in the Dolomites mountains, famous for its hiking, skiing, and snowboarding activities.

Conclusion

Overall, Rovereto is an ideal destination for culture, history, and nature enthusiasts. With its numerous attractions, outdoor adventures, food, and wine scene, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy in this beautiful town in Trentino, Italy.

A view of Rovereto. A view of Rovereto.