Piazza del Duomo di Trento

Piazza del Duomo has been the center of the city since Roman times. The current Cathedral of San Vigilio (Duomo di Trento) was built in the 13th century by Prince-Bishop Federico Vanga over a pre-existing early Christian basilica. It perfectly blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its northern flank facing the square features an elegant sequence of galleries and a portal guarded by stone lions.

Between 1545 and 1563, the Council of Trent was held here, marking a turning point in Catholic history. The solemn sessions were actually held in the cathedral's presbytery on a specific movable timber structure built over its underground crypt. During this time, the square became the political and religious hub of Europe.

On the eastern side of the square stands Palazzo Pretorio, which served as the residence of the Prince-Bishops in the Middle Ages. Its adjoining Civic Tower is a symbol of secular power. Both structures are integrated with the Cathedral and now house the Diocesan Museum of Trentino, preserving the treasures of the Council.

The Neptune Fountain was added to the center of the square between 1767 and 1769. This Baroque masterpiece not only symbolized the modernization of the city's water supply system during the Enlightenment, but its statue of Neptune holding a trident, supported by seahorses and tritons, also added a highly scenic element to the square.