Rovereto
A cultural city punching above its weight, with one of Italy's finest modern art museums.
About Rovereto
Rovereto is a sophisticated small city in the Vallagarina valley that balances a charming Venetian-era old town with cutting-edge culture. The MART (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto) is one of Italy's most important modern art museums, housed in a stunning building designed by Mario Botta. The old town's elegant palazzi and porticoed streets reflect centuries of Venetian rule, while the massive Peace Bell—cast from melted cannon from World War I—tolls every evening from its hilltop position. Rovereto also has unexpected ties to Mozart (who performed here as a child) and silk manufacturing. The surrounding hills produce excellent Marzemino wine—the red that Don Giovanni drinks in Mozart's opera.
Best Time to Visit
April to October. The Oriente Occidente contemporary dance festival in late August-September is internationally renowned. Autumn for Marzemino wine harvest. Winter for skiing at nearby Folgaria.
Local Tips
- Visit the MART.
Mario Botta's dome-covered museum houses an extraordinary collection of modern Italian art. A local will navigate the highlights—from Futurism to Arte Povera—and combine it with the Casa d'Arte Futurista Depero nearby.
- Hear the Peace Bell at sunset.
The Campana dei Caduti, cast from melted WWI cannons, rings 100 times every evening. A local will position you at the viewpoint above the city for the bell's tolling as the sun sets behind the mountains.
- Drink Don Giovanni's wine.
Marzemino, the wine Mozart had Don Giovanni praise, is produced in the hills around Rovereto. A local knows the small cantinas where you can taste this elegant red in rustic settings overlooking the vineyards.