Climb to the tops of bell towers, marvel at the elegant fountain and peruse the relics of martyrs in this 13th-century church.
Trento Cathedral or Cattedrale di San Vigilio is a glorious architectural masterpiece that blends Lombard-Romanesque and Gothic styles. The iconic Fountain of Neptune guards its impressive façade, which features an intricate rose window, bell towers and lions supporting tall columns. Snap photos of the church from beside the fountain in the spacious piazza.
Admire the ornate Bishop’s Door, which was used for processions from the Castello del Buonconsiglio to the church. Marvel at the rose window to the left of the portal. It is known as the Wheel of Fortune and serves to remind us that our luck can change. Gaze up at the belfry and 13th-century rose window on the southern side of the church.
Enter the church to see its nave and two side aisles. Inspect the stunning 14th-century frescoes of St. Julian and the statue of Madonna of the Drowned in the transept. Make your way to the apse to admire the relics of local martyrs Marturius, Alexander and Sisinius from the 4th century. See works by 17th-century French artist Ludovico Dorigny.
Learn the history of this cathedral, which is devoted to St. Vigilius, patron saint of the city and the first bishop of Trento. Records suggest the church was built atop the saint’s temple and burial ground. Architect Adam d’Argogno designed the structure in 1212. His descendants continued the construction for more than a century.
Discover the intriguing wooden sculptures in the Baroque Crucifix Chapel. It is said the decrees of the Council of Trent were issued in front of these statues. Climb the staircases to the summits of the two bell towers for excellent views of the historic city center.
This church opens daily from dawn to dusk with a 2-hour closure at noon. Trento Cathedral is at the southern end of the Piazza Duomo in the center of the city. Take a short bus ride south from Trento Railway Station or walk the 0.4-mile (0.6-kilometer) journey in about 10 minutes. Nearby landmarks include the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Dante Monument in the Public Gardens.
