Discovering Brentonico, among ancient alleys and Alpine panoramas
Discovering Brentonico means being surprised by a village that doesn't reveal itself all at once. Here, every alley has its own rhythm, and every stone seems to carry with it the stories of those who lived there before. Strolling among the low houses and quiet courtyards, the landscape gradually opens up: woods creep between the streets, mountains approach like silent guardians, and the Alpine panoramas gradually take shape, almost as if they must capture the visitor's attention.
In the background, Monte Baldo , often called the “ Garden of Europe ” for the extraordinary variety of flora and fauna it hosts, completes the picture, offering a natural setting that changes with the seasons.
What to see in the ancient villageWalking through the ancient village of Brentonico almost makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. In these parts, the narrow cobblestone streets wind along the hillside, and after just a few meters, you notice the details that make this place unique.
The village streets are dotted with old houses with carved wooden balconies, telling the stories of peasant and artisan families. Among these, Palazzo Eccheli-Baisi stands out. Built in the late 16th century and recently restored, its façade is distinguished by colorful friezes and a decorated portal. Today, it houses a botanical garden.
A little further on is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built between 1584 and 1593 over the original crypt of San Giovanni, which dates back to the 10th century and which still enchants all who visit it.
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Wandering through the side streets, you'll come across stone fountains and hidden courtyards that almost reveal themselves by accident. Round arches, loggias, and portals engraved with dates and initials remind you that generations of people have lived in almost every home here.
Panoramas and mountains around BrentonicoLeaving the village, Brentonico slowly opens up, offering views that surprise without fanfare. The mountains that frame the landscape dominate the horizon, while the meadows and woods below slope down toward the valley. From the small lookouts, you can observe the silhouettes of the peaks changing color with the daylight, creating ever-changing vistas, a balance between the secluded village and the open sky.
Among the most popular trails is the one leading to Malga Campo , where pastures alternate with fir and larch forests. It's not uncommon to spot herds of deer hidden among the trees and stone cottages that retain signs of age. All this accompanied by the gentle, constant sound of a stream flowing through the meadows. Higher up, refuges like Graziani offer perfect vantage points for admiring Brentonico from above, with their stone roofs dotting the green meadows.
The sensation that emerges is that of an authentic closeness to the landscape: the mountains and the paths are not a backdrop, but silent companions of the town and the routes that cross it.
Walks, trails, and hamlets: exploring the plateauThe Brentonico area also includes numerous hamlets, such as Castione, Cazzano, Crosano, Cornè, Prada, Saccone, Sorne, and the mountain resorts of Polsa, San Giacomo, and San Valentino.
Each preserves its own character: some villages perched on the slopes, others nestled in meadows or woods. This network of villages is crisscrossed and connected by a dense network of trails and forest roads that invite you to stroll at a leisurely pace, alternating between cultural landscapes and nature.
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Among the most significant routes is the path called “ai castagneti”, which starts from the centre of Brentonico and leads, passing through country and woodland paths, towards Castione : in autumn the chestnut groves provide the backdrop to the walk.
Another important route is the section of the Sentiero della Pace (Path of Peace) that passes through the Polsa area, marked by trenches and emplacements from the Great War. The hike offers Alpine scenery but also a direct glimpse into the area's military history.
Those who want a tour that includes several hamlets can choose a circular route that starts from the capital, reaches Prada , continues towards Sorne , and returns through Crosano-Cazzano . This route passes through quiet villages, fields and vineyards, woods and rustic settlements, and gives you a complete view of the plateau.
Brentonico's winterWhen snow falls on the plateau, Brentonico changes face. The area boasts the slopes of the Brentonico Ski area, boasting 24 km of trails served by modern lifts, with easy and intermediate sections, and some more challenging descents. Nordic skiing is also available: at the San Giacomo cross-country skiing center, the groomed trails offer 2.5 km for beginners and up to 8 km for those seeking longer, more challenging routes.
Those seeking a slower pace can opt for snowshoeing, which passes through woods, clearings, and mountain pastures on the slopes of Monte Baldo . Each route, from simple to slightly challenging, offers pristine views, where the snow softens the contours and transforms the landscape into a silent canvas. Near San Valentino , the natural ice rink and sledding area add opportunities for exercise and fun without skis, making winter accessible to anyone who wishes to savor the cold air and light of the short days.
In addition to sporting activities, winter in Brentonico is made up of small details that remain etched in your memory: the village and its hamlets are illuminated with warm lights, the cobbled streets of the historic centre host Christmas events and markets , while the snow-covered woods and white meadows emanate profound silences and perspectives that change with the light of day.
Where it is and how to get thereBrentonico is located on the Baldo Plateau , in Trentino-Alto Adige , about twenty kilometers north of Rovereto and just over forty from Trento . It is nestled between the slopes of Monte Baldo and the surrounding valleys, in a position that offers open views of the plain. Its location makes it easy to reach both from those traveling through Vallagarina and from Lake Garda .
By car, the most convenient exit from the A22 motorway is Rovereto Sud. From there, follow a provincial road that slowly climbs towards Brentonico, passing through the main villages and offering the first glimpses of the old town. The roads connecting the higher-lying towns, such as Polsa and San Valentino, are scenic and well-maintained.
Even those using public transportation can easily reach the town. Trains and buses run to Rovereto, where local services depart to connect the town center and the surrounding villages. In winter, these connections are improved to facilitate access to the ski slopes and snow-covered trails.
