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map
technical info
The Giro’s first opportunity for the fast wheels. The stage kicks off with the ascent of Passo del Tonale (Cima Alfonsina Strada), followed by a very long descent through Val di Sole and Val di Non. After Mezzolombardo, the terrain undulates slightly through vineyards before heading for the finish in Trento.
Final kilometers
Flat urban run-in with wide roads, roundabouts, and a few curves. Final straight: 350 m on asphalt.
start / finish
final kilometres
itinerary timetable
tourist info
Host city:
Trento
Overview
Nestled in the heart of Trentino, Trento is an Alpine city that blends the majesty of the mountains with the cultural richness of a center steeped in millennia of history.
From 1545 to 1563, it was the seat of the Council of Trento, a pivotal event in the history of the Church. Today, the city captivates visitors with its balance between Renaissance heritage and contemporary vision. The Buonconsiglio Castle, the MUSE – Science Museum, various cultural and archaeological sites telling of its Roman origins, frescoed squares, and historic palaces all paint the portrait of a cultured, dynamic city deeply connected to its territory.
Trento is also synonymous with quality of life, thanks to a strong focus on environmental sustainability and the thoughtful care of public spaces, mobility, and the urban landscape. Culture and nature coexist in perfect harmony, making Trento the ideal stage for internationally renowned events such as the Trento Film Festival, the Festival of Economics, and the Sports Festival. Popular traditions like the “Feste Vigiliane” and the magic of the holiday season with the famous Christmas Market and “Trento, City of Christmas” add to its unique charm.
Trento is also a gateway to Alpine valleys and a starting point for outdoor adventures, from scenic bike paths and hiking trails to high-altitude sports. You can enjoy a gentle ride along the Adige River through vineyards and orchards, or take on legendary climbs such as the iconic Charly Gaul route up Monte Bondone. With over 50 kilometers of trails winding through green areas and the city center, Trento offers endless possibilities for trekking, walking, and cycling enthusiasts. Thanks to the new “Bicipolitana” project—a comprehensive cycling mobility map—you can even ride through the historic center, easily connecting to trails that lead into nature. Just a stone’s throw from the city, Monte Bondone and the Piné Plateau expand the outdoor offering with breathtaking landscapes to explore on foot or by bike. Trento isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to breathe, to explore, and to truly live.
Food
The food and wine of the Trento area are a true expression of Alpine culture and mountain biodiversity. Nestled among valleys, hills, and the towering peaks of the Dolomites, the city and its surroundings boast a rich agri-food tradition that blends rural wisdom, innovation, and a deep connection to the land.
Trentino cuisine tells a story of seasonality, genuine ingredients, and recipes that evoke the mountains, forests, barns, and masi. One of the region’s undisputed culinary icons is Trentodoc, the traditional method sparkling wine crafted from grapes grown at high altitudes and slowly aged in cellars carved into the rock. Golden, lively, and complex, Trentodoc is the result of the passionate work of oenologists and winemakers who believe in the strong identity of these “mountain bubbles”, now a symbol of Trentino’s winemaking excellence around the world.
Trento and its surrounding hills, along with the nearby villages of Aldeno, Cimone, and Garniga Terme, tell stories of families deeply rooted in the land—virtuous examples of cooperation between producers and wineries. Alongside Trentodoc are outstanding red and white wines, born from vineyards that respect microclimates and altitude, and the essential and crystal-clear grappa trentina, distilled from carefully selected pomace using traditional methods.
But wine is only part of the story. The local gastronomy offers a rich heritage of flavors. Cured meats such as luganega trentina, speck and carne salada carry centuries-old knowledge of preservation and aging, while Alpine cheeses like Vezzena, Puzzone di Moena DOP and Trentingrana embody the fragrance of high-mountain pastures. These products are celebrated on the tables of both restaurants and mountain lodges, where tradition meets creativity. Signature dishes of the region include canederli, bread dumplings served in broth or with melted butter, zuppe d’orzo, savory vegetable, salty cakes, tortèl di patate and polenta, the undisputed queen of rustic kitchens. During the colder months, hearty dishes such as stinco al forno, gulasch trentino, Tonco de Pontesel, or carne salada e fasoi warm the body and reflect the conviviality of mountain life.
The dessert tradition is equally rich and meaningful: strudel di mele, frittelle di mela, zelten made with dried fruits, strauben, and buckwheat cakes represent sweet rituals tied to family moments and festive occasions—where the simplicity of ingredients meets the depth of memory.
Trento is also a place where gastronomy and culture meet during events and festivals that celebrate local products. The Trento Christmas Market, a journey through aromas and traditional flavors, and numerous food and wine events showcase a region proud to share and enhance its craftsmanship. In many farms and wineries, visitors can take part in guided tastings, tour the vineyards, watch production processes, and immerse themselves in an authentic sensory experience.
Sustainability is a core value: many producers follow organic practices or short supply chains, with growing attention to environmental respect, biodiversity protection, and the promotion of small local realities. In Trento, gastronomy is more than a culinary offering: it is a language that tells stories of identity, landscape, memory, and innovation. It is an invitation to discover the region through taste, slowness, and conviviality.
Points of Interest
Trento is a city that tells its story through its architecture, museums, and sites of memory that engage in dialogue with the present. Its elegant and compact historic center holds an extraordinary heritage, where every corner reveals cultural and artistic treasures.
Standing proudly above it all is the Buonconsiglio Castle, one of the most captivating monumental complexes in northern Italy and the former residence of the Prince-Bishops. Its towers, fresco cycles—like the celebrated Cycle of the Months in the Torre dell’ Aquila—and museum rooms offer a journey through time from the medieval period to the Renaissance. Just steps away lies the Cathedral of San Vigilio, the city’s spiritual heart, beneath which the Early Christian Basilica offers a precious glimpse into Trento’s Christian origins. Also in the city center, the Underground Archaeological Space of Roman Tridentum and the Roman Villa of Orpheus reveal the ancient city’s remarkably preserved streets, homes, shops, and mosaics. Alongside its sacred and Roman heritage, Trento is home to leading cultural institutions. The Tridentine Diocesan Museum, located in the historic Palazzo Pretorio, houses one of the Alps’ most important collections of sacred art. The Civic Gallery of Trento – Mart hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art, while the evocative Gallerie di Piedicastello—two former road tunnels converted into immersive cultural spaces—feature multimedia installations and exhibits exploring the region’s collective memory.
Symbolic of Trento’s innovative spirit is the MUSE – Science Museum, designed by Renzo Piano: a dynamic, interactive institution where sustainability, nature, and scientific research intertwine in a compelling experience for all ages. Just outside the city, the Gianni Caproni Aviation Museum preserves a unique collection of historic aircraft and tells the story of Italian aviation. Beyond the historic center, the landscape surrounding Trento enhances every visitor’s experience. Monte Bondone, known as “Trento’s mountain” is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
In summer, it offers dozens of kilometers of trails winding through meadows, forests, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Brenta Dolomites. The Viote Alpine Botanical Garden—one of the highest in Europe—hosts over a thousand alpine species and highlights the biodiversity of the mountain ecosystem.
In winter, Monte Bondone transforms into a haven for snow sports lovers: over 20 km of wide, sunny downhill slopes, 35 km of cross-country ski trails, a snow-tubing park for families, and scenic snowshoeing routes. For cyclists, Monte Bondone is legendary: the climb named after Charly Gaul, starting right in Trento, is one of the most iconic ascents in Italian cycling. To the east, the Piné Plateau offers a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere. The lakes of Serraia and Piazze, nestled among fir and larch forests, are ideal for peaceful hikes, bike rides, pedal boating, summer swims, and quiet moments in nature. The area also features cultural trails, family-friendly facilities, accessible paths, and projects that enhance the natural landscape. The Piné Plateau is a place where time slows down, and the joy of simple things is rediscovered: a lakeside walk, a dip in cool waters, a moment of pause under the reflection of the sky. Between past and future, art and nature, Trento and its surroundings offer an extraordinary variety of experiences, coming together in a rare and precious balance.