This is an easy and interesting walk touching on the remains of Roman Trento, which was an important military outpost and crossroads at the foot of the Alps. The remains of the Roman “magnificum municipium”, built using the local red and white stone, can be seen 4 metres below the current ground level. These subterranean sites can be visited from a number of locations: A. From the interior of the Cathedral of S. Vigilio, where visitors can descend to the remains of an Early Christian Basilica, erected outside the ancient walls to house the mortal remains of 3 Trento martyrs, Sisinius, Martyrius and Alexander, and the patron saint of Trento, St. Vigilius. B. Beneath Piazza Duomo, in the entrance hall of the Tridentino Diocesan Museum, there are the remains of the monumental Porta Veronensis, the principal southern gate of the Roman city, and traces of the main northsouth street (cardo maximus), with its surprising cart ruts. C. In via Belenzani, near the archaeological area of Casa Terlago (to visit call 335.6933961), there are the remains of a Roman residential quarter, with parts of streets and houses. D. In via Oss Mazzurana, in the basement of Palazzo Tabarelli (to visit call 0461.888111), the remains can be seen of another housing block of the Roman city, with a precious mosaic from the dwelling of a wealthy citizen. E. In the archaeological area of Piazza Lodron, we can observe stretches of the walls, a tower, private houses and a wine maker’s shop. F. Near piazzetta Anfiteatro there are the remains of a large building (71x50m, closed to the public), where gladiatorial and other games were held. G. At the S.A.S.S., in Piazza Battisti, there is a huge area (1,700 square metres) of the Roman city, open to the public, featuring parts of walls, streets, mosaics, courtyards, wells and shops, giving us an insight, albeit necessarily limited, into the atmosphere of the ancient Tridentum, a 2,000 year old city of stone. 

Discover all the urban trekking itineraries in Trento and surroundings.