A Month In Venice

The region of Trentino is part of the western Dolomites and is very well organized from an Italian standpoint. Certainly this place is beautiful with a hefty and deep tradition of deep studies and containing some of the best academic institutions in northern Italy.

One of the better places to see in this region is the town of Rovereto which is a fantastic place if you are wine lover. The number of vineyards here rivals some parts of Tuscany. Obviously the types of wine grown here are different then in Tuscany but that certainly adds to its charm. I am always drawn to places with vineyards for some reason. This city is also noteworthy in that this was the first city in which Mozart played in Italy. Of course to honor that event each year the city puts on a Mozart festival which many musicians and fans come to visit and soak up the atmosphere.

Since this is a border town from Austria and Italy this place has seen its fair share of war. Having a famous Castello or Castle which is now a war museum. The church bells ring 100 times at night in order to remember all the dead in all the wars that have taken place since the city was founded. At the foot of the castle lies Piazza del Podesta where there is a memorial to all of the fascists that died during the second world war.

Rovereto had many famous residents including the futurist Fortunato Depero who died in 1960 and left the town the Museo Depero. This small museum was designed by the artist himself as was supposed to be dedicated to the futurist movement. Another famous resident is the great archeologist Paolo Orsi who donated many of his findings to the cities Museo Civico . This museum boasts having one of the greatest collection of archeological films in existence. This is also the third oldest museum in the country and contains many of the archeological findings of this man.

The western Dolomites are sure a sight to see on your travels through the Veneto region of italy. Containing many small towns with great historical significance you can see many sites that are just dripping in history. The wealth of this region is not only a natural one but also a historical one as well.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the better locations in the Dolomites. The location for many mountain climbing movies such as Sylvester Stallone’s Cliffhanger and James Bond’s film For Your Eyes Only to name just a few. One of the more stunningly visual and visceral places in the Italian alps this place is known for great skiing and mountain climbing as well as a pretty good night life as well.

Since this is a skiing town it would make sense that the 1956 Winter Olympics was held here. You can ski downhill or even try your hand at ski-jumping if your heart pulls you in that direction. If skiing is not your thing then you are probably interested in trying speed-skating. There are many highly qualified instructors that I am sure if the price is right would give you some of the best individual attention that you can find nowhere else in Italy if not the world.

The nightlife scene or Apres ski scene is quite known and popular in this town. Apres ski is an activity where many downhill skiers dance the night away at the various nightclubs and discos that cater to this crowd. This however is really only geared towards the young kids and adults who seem to take favor to wasting whatever excess energy they may have dancing.Since this town caters to the very wealthy there is not a whole lot of budget hotels in the area and it may be best to stay near this town with a friend if you are so lucky enough to have one. However here is a list of some of the better hotels in the area that are not too much of a rip off.

Miramonti Majectic
Via Pezie 103
Tel: 0436-4201
One of the more traditional and rustic hotels in the area. This hotel does not disappoint however in its charm and warmth. Be sure and get a room with a balcony as that is one of the better ways to enjoy your evenings in this small town.

De La Poste
Piazza Roma 14
Tel: 0436-4271
This is one large historic chalet in the center of town. The hotel’s bar is part of the towns social scene so if you plan on getting out and seeing the locals and the tourists then stay here and you do not have to go far.

Da Beppe Sello
Via Ronco 68
Tel: 0436-803-828
This is a smaller hotel that does not lack in warmth or charm. Containing one of the best restaurants in town this is the place to stay if you are foodie like many of the other Europeans.

The Dolomites is the mountain range that is outside of Venice. In the Veneto region this part of northerner Italy is one of the more spectacular sites you can see if you are a nature lover. The Dolomites are part of the Italian alps and was only incorporated into Italy until after the first world war.

Because the Dolomites are on the Italian alps this is a mecca for many skiers who choose to vacation here during the winter months. In the summer you have the mountain climbers who make it a challenge to scale the many steep ridges that make up the Alps.

Because this was once a transport route between Italy and the rest of Europe there are many mountain passes that can be walked by foot, driven by car or even by train if one should choose to do so.

Many sporting events take place around this area and during the summer you can see many free climbers trying to scale mountains without any help from gear. Free climbing was invented here when a 17 year old Georg Winkler scaled Die Vajolettürme. While I would not recommended doing this for the average tourist it is certainly something to look out for and if you are lucky enough to see one of these acts in person then take the time to  see if the person actually makes it.

You can visit many villages in the area including Arabba, Oritzer and San Martino di Castrozza to name just a few. Most of the villages here though will not be pure Italian as they will have some influences from the surrounding areas. Rather you will see a mix of cultures of Austrian, Swiss and Italian that pervades all of the surrounding valleys and hills in the area.

Regardless if you are backpacking through Italy it is vital that you check out this area as it contains many wonders that are not to be missed.