This medieval city in northern Italy houses Italy's largest war museum inside its hilltop castle. Its military base and historic center tell stories of centuries-old conflicts.
In northern Italy's Trentino region, Rovereto (population 40,000) sits in the Vallagarina valley. You'll find Futurist art in the MART museum's circular building, medieval weapons in a 14th-century hilltop castle, and Renaissance palaces along narrow streets. Each evening at 9:30, the Maria Dolens bell - weighing 22.6 tons - rings 100 times to honor war victims.
Exploring MART and Modern Art
The circular MART museum building catches your eye with its steel and glass dome designed by Mario Botta. Inside, you can browse through 20,000 artworks from the 20th century, including important pieces from Futurism and Arte Povera movements. Walk three blocks to find the Casa d'Arte Futurista Depero, where three floors display the bold paintings, furniture, and advertising designs of local artist Fortunato Depero.
Walking Through the Historic Center
Via della Terra and Via Mercerie wind through Rovereto's old town, lined with 18th-century buildings with carved stone balconies and rounded window frames. Stop at the Palazzo dell'Annona, now the city library, to see its Renaissance courtyard. The Teatro Zandonai still has its original 18th-century stage equipment and painted ceiling panels. In the early evening, join the passeggiata (evening stroll) when residents walk these streets before dinner.
The Castle and War History
Climb to the 14th-century Rovereto Castle for views across the Vallagarina valley and mountains. The Italian War Museum inside contains weapons, uniforms, and soldiers' personal items from the 16th to 20th centuries. Walk through the medieval guard rooms and along the ramparts to understand how the castle defended the valley. The museum explains the region's role in World War I through maps, photographs, and artifacts.
Local Wine and Cuisine
Vineyards around Rovereto produce Marzemino, a red wine that Mozart mentioned in Don Giovanni. Try it paired with carne salada (cured beef) or strangolapreti (spinach and bread dumplings) in restaurants throughout the old town. Visit Torrefazione Bontadi, Italy's oldest working coffee roaster, where you can learn about coffee production methods dating back to 1790.
Getting Around and Transportation
Trains connect Rovereto to Verona (1 hour) and Trento (20 minutes). The historic center is a 15-minute walk from the train station. Rent a bicycle to ride the 25-kilometer path along the Adige River to Trento. Local buses depart every 30 minutes to nearby towns and the Brentonico Plateau, where you can hike in summer or ski in winter.
