Dro
Welcome to Dro: a small charming town with an ancient appeal and mild climate
Welcome to Dro, a municipality in the autonomous province of Trento with a unique ancient charm, counting approximately 5,047 inhabitants. Dro is a climatic center located to the north of the Upper Garda plain, traditionally a passing point for those traveling from Trento to the Lake Garda area. The town is part of the valley community Alto Garda and Ledro and is equipped with numerous tourist, hotel and sports facilities; there is also a cultural circle, a municipal library, a social music band and a pro loco.
Physical geography of Dro: territory and climate
Dro is located at an altitude of 123 meters above sea level, to the north of the Upper Garda plain. The town borders the city of Arco, located just 5 km further south, and can be reached via the State Road 45 bis Gardesana Occidentale in the direction of the Valley of the Lakes and Trento to the northeast. Dro's climate is mild thanks to its protected position from the mountains and relative proximity to Lake Garda.
The origin of the name Dro and its millennial history
The name Dro derives from a pre-Latin toponym, and according to some scholars, it may derive from the Celtic term "dru," which means "oak tree." The area of Dro was already colonized in Roman times, but the settlement was mentioned only in 1307 with the name of "Dro" or "de Dro," while Nicolò d'Arco called it "Dronum" or "Dronium." Over the centuries, two families had control over the territory: the Sejani, tied to the Dos del Castel Castle, and who obtained recognition from the Episcopal Principality of Trento in the 11th century, and the powerful d'Arco family. The territory of Dro suffered significant damage due to a big fire, which occurred on October 15, 1810.
The symbols of Dro: the coat of arms and the municipality's banner
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Dro, recognized by the royal decree in 1931, depicts an olive tree. In historic coats of arms, this image was surrounded by the Latin inscription "Omnia tellus fert," meaning "the earth produces everything," underscoring the uniqueness of the local microclimate. The municipality's banner, however, is in the form of a green cloth.
Monuments and places of interest in Dro
In Dro, it is possible to visit numerous churches of great historical and artistic interest, including the Church of the Immaculate, built by Don Girolamo Canestrini in 1836. The apse of the church was decorated in 1910. The Church of the Saints Sisinio, Martirio and Alessandro in Dro was built during the Romanesque period and is equipped with one of the most interesting minor portals in Trentino. Since 2012, the church has belonged to the parish of Dro. The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, on the other hand, dates back to 1667 and was erected by the Magnificent Community of Dro and Ceniga. Thanks to this church, Dro was saved from looting during the Invasion of Trentino in 1703.
In conclusion, Dro is a small town with a timeless charm and mild climate, offering many tourist and cultural opportunities. Its millennial history and monuments make Dro an ideal destination for those wishing to explore Trentino's historical and artistic heritage.
