Cles: Culture, History and Mountain Trails

Cles between History and the Mountains

Cles takes you from traces of cultural history into the mountain world of Monte Peller. Castel Cles, Palazzo Assessorile, sacred art and archaeological sites give the town several thematic focal points. From the Belvedere Croz dele Bonele, you can see Cles, its historic districts, Castel Cles, Lago di Santa Giustina and Val di Non. When choosing a hotel in Cles, you can therefore focus on culture, views or a mountain route.

Hiking Trails to Monte Peller

Route O313 leads from Cles at an altitude of 658 m to Rifugio Peller. It is 17 km long and takes about four hours. Its starting point is at Località Bersaglio, 2 km from the centre of Cles. This allows you to factor the route length, approximate walking time and starting point separately into your daily planning. The historic O313B trail was used by the inhabitants of Cles to reach the plateau of Montagna di Cles. It can be combined with O313 to create a circular hike. From Rifugio Peller, an ascent leads to the 2,320 m-high Monte Peller; it is considered easy and takes about one hour.

Historical Heritage in the Town

The earliest historical records of Castel Cles date back to the 12th century. The castle has 16th-century frescoes attributed to Marcello Fogolino, as well as a coffered ceiling in the Sala delle Metamorfosi di Ovidio. Palazzo Assessorile was also built in the 12th century and is a central element in the history and urban development of Cles. It preserves a fresco cycle by Marcello Fogolino from 1543. After its opening, Palazzo Assessorile hosted numerous cultural initiatives, including exhibitions, conferences, theatre performances and concerts.

The Tavola Clesiana, dating from AD 46, records that Emperor Claudius granted Roman citizenship to the local population groups; at the same time, it bears witness to a non-violent transition from Rhaetian to Roman culture. The Chiesa Arcipretale di Santa Maria Assunta preserves silverwork donated by Baron Giuseppe de Cles in 1727. The Chiesa di San Vigilio is considered an important example of Trentino Gothic painting from the early 14th to the late 15th century. Above the historic centre of Cles lies the Area archeologica Campi Neri, an archaeological site of exceptional interest. The Valemporga archaeological area was excavated in the 19th century by the Cles archaeologist Luigi Campi and attests to the existence of an ancient sanctuary above Mechel.

Belvedere and Heritage Fruit Varieties

Numerous bird species can be observed at the Belvedere Croz dele Bonele, including several diurnal birds of prey. In addition to views of Cles and Val di Non, the viewpoint therefore offers a specific opportunity for nature observation. The Frutteto Storico preserves heritage fruit varieties from the Valli del Noce and adds another local element to the historic buildings, archaeological heritage and mountain trails.

Regional Orientation

A railway connection links the city of Trento with the main town of Val di Non and continues to Mezzana in Val di Sole. It is commonly known as “vacca nonesa” or “Tram”.

Other Places in the Destination Area

Other places in the same destination area: Prissian, Alba, Comano Terme, Vattaro, Stilfs, S. Cristoforo, Bellamonte, Passo Del Tonale.

To the overview of the wider travel destination: Trentino.