As a border region, not surprisingly Trentino-Alto Adige is with castles that tower over the surrounding countryside.

The region boasts many castles with gardens, including Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento, and the recently-built Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano. Dominated by the Dolomites, the region’s consolidated history of gardens reflects not just local events but external influences that were reinterpreted and incorporated locally.

In addition to castle gardens, the region also has a number of monastic gardens (for example, the Abbey of Novacella), gardens in suburban villas, gardens at stately homes, public parks, and “kurort” gardens, which began to appear towards the end of the 19th century, when tourism inspired by with natural resources gained popularity, and a number of spa complexes were founded and became renowned holiday resorts.