Trentino Alto Adige or the Sound of Music
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Photo Credit: Nordenergi
There are many special places into this world and many that are worth a visit. Italy is certainly one of these places.
Italian landscape varies enormously from North to South and it's quiet impossible to choose a region over the other without feeling like you are missing something... are you going to visit the lakes district, or the crystal Sardinian sea, or the wonders of Sicily or the monuments in Rome? Are you going to shop in Milan, see mosaics in Ravenna or follow the classic paths and end up in Venice?
Well, choices are hard and we will write many, many articles about this fabulous, enchanted Country, but for today we are going to give you the tip that only few know... it's called Trentino Alto Adige.
Trentino Alto Adige or South Tyrol is the magic land of witches and dwarfs, fairies and demons that lies in the very North of the Country, between Austria and Switzerland.
It's truly a special place as very little international and national tourism is known in the area. The region is a virgin, unposiled, untouched territory that can give you the goosebumps with its beauty.
This setting encloses mystical, breathless views over the Dolomites ( mountain range, UNESCO world heritage), picturesque villages that will make you travel back in time and enchanting plays of light between the magnificent snow-capped mountaintops.
Trentino is also a land of superstition and dark legends. Locals will congregate at dusk in front of a sparkling fire to narrate the youngster those ancient stories of king dwarfs and princesses, mysterious shadows and terrible demons that were born in this very land many and many years ago.
Tradition is jealously kept alive in South Tyrol, together with a heritage that is a mix between Italian culture and Ladino customs. Remember, Trentino is a so called Region with a special status as it became part of Italy only 100 years ago, so don't be surprised if people speak German ( or even Ladino, the local dialect) between them.
As Trentino has been under Austrian power for a long time, you will feel like being in the Sound Of Music movie when walking the green pastures or visiting the incredible castles this land is rich with.
Food is not less interesting in this realm of happiness where the sun shines almost all year long ( only comparable to the Sicilian sun at the opposite tip of the Country).
Cold cuts, cheese, spectacular wines, sweet treats ( have the Strudel!!!), deer dishes, goulash or canderli ( special dumpling typically made with smoked prosciutto, cheese and butter)... everything is incredibly good, organic and so, so fresh.
Being Trentino the land of apples try any dish that features them, you won't be disappointed!
Special mention goes to the spas. Trentino is well known by locals for being a land where health and balance are the key ingredients for the happy, long life of its inhabitants.
Here, unique in the entire world, you will be able to take a hay bath ( you will be literally submerged in deliciously scented hay collected from the purest pastures and including 79 type of different flowers and herbs). The goal is to feel full of energy and verve and to revitalize your body. Try it to believe! Other treatments include wine baths, massages of all kind with herbs from the surrounding Alps and mud wrap packed with antioxidants properties.
Trentino Alto Adige... What else???
Photo Credit: Hotel Turm
Where to Stay: Finding the right hotel is the key to enhance your experience in Trentino. Without any doubt the place to stay is the magical Romantik Hotel Turm in a picturesque medieval village, called Fie' allo Sciliar at the foot of the emblem of the Dolomites.
Everything in the hotel is pure charm, beauty and respect for tradition. Your heart will beat a little faster when you will step into the Stube ( the traditional South Tyrol parlor), or when you will discover the incredible dining room or when at breakfast you will be served in the gardens of the hotel with panoramic views.
The owner, a second generation art collector, will organize a special tour of the hotel to admire the artworks, complete with a delicious aperitivo.
Nights will be liven up with the opening of the wine cellar and degustations of nectar of gods and ten different kinds of Strudel, served by the lovely Katharina, the wife of the owner.
You will feel like you won't want to leave the Spa... never! A paradise for health conscious travelers or for who wants simply relax. A salt room lighten by hundreds and hundreds of candles will await for you after your treatment. The pine tree sauna and aromatic steam room ( everyday they will place different fruits so that the air is infused with different scents) will revitalize your body and your spirits.
The kitchen is excellent and features those mesmerizing culinary adventures that you won't forget for a long time to come.
As the area is very little know by international tourism the prices are still extremely affordable especially by American standards.
Our suggestion is to choose a Suite. We loved the Owlsuite because of its high wood cathedral ceilings and coziness, because of those details that only in Trentino you can find... like an old, handprinted stove in your own room or that romantic marquetry, such a staple of the area.
The hotel is just pure perfection for couples in the mood of romanticism or families, ready for adventurous trips in the surroundings.
Photo Credit: Dolomitclass
When to go: Every season truly has its own charm here. Great for skiing, carriage tours in the snow and shopping ( special mention goes to the Christmas Markets), winter is wonderful in Trentino. However summer is also a special time to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding areas. Hiking can be both for beginners and pro.
Many enchanted castles can be visited in winter and summer.
Petty zoos and children friendly farms will make the day of the little ones.
Good to Know: Remember, Trentino has its own rhythms. Do not expect shops, farms and attractions ( included restaurants) being open 24/7. Many of these places are completely closed on Tuesdays and sometimes Sundays. Most of them will close for siesta time between 12.30 and 4pm. Before you go, organize well your trip and check operation hours.
For Art Lovers: Don't forget to visit the Messner Mountain Museum. The museum opened in July 2015 and was designed by Zaha Adid. Be mindful to specify which Messner Museum you are going to see ( he owns six properties open to the public). Ask to visit the Corones one. Its architecture will leave mouth-open.
Enjoy!!! and remember, if you have questions we are here for you!
Photo Credit: Hotel Turm