Ala
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Latest page update: 6 March 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The pretty town of Ala is listed as one of Touring Club Italia's Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag) towns which means it's been marked out for its aesthetic, environmental and touristic qualities.
Ala is located a short distance to the east of Lake Garda and just ten kilometres south of the town of Rovereto in the Province of Trento. To reach the town centre you cross a bridge over the River Adige which winds its way around it. The medieval piazza and buildings of various pastel shades are the defining feature here. |
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From the town centre you can walk up a gently sloping hill towards the main church; Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta with its beautiful cupola in the typical style of the Trentino Alto-Adige region. From here you get wonderful views of the town itself but also the backdrop of the mountains that loom large on the other side of the river.
For a small town, Ala has excellent transport links. It's right next to the A22 motorway heading south to Verona or north to Trento while there are also bus and train connections available; the town has its own train station in the centre as well.
If visiting Ala then I'd also recommend stopping in the larger town of Rovereto or slightly further across to Lake Garda with Riva del Garda particularly of interest.
For a small town, Ala has excellent transport links. It's right next to the A22 motorway heading south to Verona or north to Trento while there are also bus and train connections available; the town has its own train station in the centre as well.
If visiting Ala then I'd also recommend stopping in the larger town of Rovereto or slightly further across to Lake Garda with Riva del Garda particularly of interest.
Related links
Ala • Trentino • Historic Mountain Village
Ala, a town in the southern reaches of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, is known for its elegant Baroque architecture and historic significance as a centre for silk production. The town’s well-preserved centre, with its cobbled streets and stately palazzi, reflects a past of wealth and refinement, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries when it flourished under Venetian influence. Palazzo Taddei, with its ornate frescoes and intricate stuccoes, stands as one of the finest examples of this heritage, while the Church of San Giovanni showcases a blend of Gothic and Baroque elements. Ala’s historical charm is further enhanced by annual cultural events, such as the "Città di Velluto" festival, which celebrates its silk-making legacy with costumed performances and open palaces.
The town is surrounded by the rolling vineyards and wooded slopes of the Vallagarina Valley, offering opportunities for outdoor activities in every season. Trails lead into the Lessini Mountains, where alpine meadows and panoramic viewpoints provide a striking contrast to the valley below. Nearby, the Ossuary of Castel Dante in Rovereto commemorates soldiers who fought in the First World War, adding a historical layer to the region’s natural beauty. Wine enthusiasts can explore local cellars along the Strada del Vino e dei Sapori del Trentino, sampling the celebrated Marzemino red wine, which thrives in the valley’s mild climate.
Ala’s location makes it an ideal base for discovering both Trentino and Veneto. The town of Rovereto, with its MART modern art museum and imposing castle, lies a short distance away, while Verona, famed for its Roman Arena and Shakespearean connections, is easily reached by train. To the north, Lake Garda’s northern shore beckons with its dramatic cliffs and waterside villages, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure.
The town is surrounded by the rolling vineyards and wooded slopes of the Vallagarina Valley, offering opportunities for outdoor activities in every season. Trails lead into the Lessini Mountains, where alpine meadows and panoramic viewpoints provide a striking contrast to the valley below. Nearby, the Ossuary of Castel Dante in Rovereto commemorates soldiers who fought in the First World War, adding a historical layer to the region’s natural beauty. Wine enthusiasts can explore local cellars along the Strada del Vino e dei Sapori del Trentino, sampling the celebrated Marzemino red wine, which thrives in the valley’s mild climate.
Ala’s location makes it an ideal base for discovering both Trentino and Veneto. The town of Rovereto, with its MART modern art museum and imposing castle, lies a short distance away, while Verona, famed for its Roman Arena and Shakespearean connections, is easily reached by train. To the north, Lake Garda’s northern shore beckons with its dramatic cliffs and waterside villages, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Historic Centre: Stroll through the medieval streets of the town's historic centre, characterized by well-preserved buildings with Venetian and Tyrolean influences. Piazza San Giovanni and Piazza della Repubblica are the main squares, and the Palazzo dei Cappellari and Palazzo Sandi are some of the notable historic buildings to explore.
- Porta San Giovanni: This 14th-century gate is a well-preserved entrance to the old town and serves as a symbol of Ala's medieval past.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista: This beautiful church, built in the 13th century, features an impressive bell tower and houses several valuable artworks.
- Forte Pozzacchio: Just outside Ala, the fortress of Forte Pozzacchio offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and provides insight into the region's military history.
- Nature and Outdoor Activities: The nearby Lessinia Natural Park and Monte Baldo offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the stunning Alpine scenery.
- Local Cuisine: Experience the flavors of Trentino cuisine in Ala's restaurants and trattorias. Don't miss the chance to taste local specialties like carne salada, polenta, and apple strudel.
- Festivals and Events: Ala hosts various cultural and traditional events throughout the year, providing a glimpse into local customs and traditions.
- Proximity to Lake Garda: The town is located within driving distance of Lake Garda, one of Italy's most beautiful lakes, offering further recreational activities and scenic landscapes.
Comune di Ala
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Province: Trento
Region: Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol Population: 8,794 (in 2024 - source) Size: 119 km² Elevation: 210 metres Close by: Riva del Garda, Arco, Lake Tenno, Lake Garda By train: Trento - 28 minutes (3 stops from Ala) By bus: Rovereto - 15 minutes/ 3 stops By car: Riva del Garda - 31 minutes (27 km) Fly to: Verona Airport - (57 km), 37 min by car, 1 hr 23 train/bus Recommended accommodation: Ai Vellutai |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Since: 2007
1 of 5 in Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol listed by Touring Club Italiano
Since: 2007
1 of 5 in Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol listed by Touring Club Italiano
