Cles – Cultural History and Trails to Monte Peller

When planning a trip to Cles, two distinct themes stand out: local history and art, and hiking trails to Monte Peller. If you are looking for a hotel in Cles, you can first decide whether cultural history or hiking should play a greater role in your stay.

Cultural History and Art in Cles

The earliest historical records of Castel Cles date back to the 12th century. Its 16th-century frescoes are attributed to Marcello Fogolino; the castle also has a coffered ceiling in the Sala delle Metamorfosi di Ovidio. Palazzo Assessorile also dates back to the 12th century and is a key part of the history and urban development of Cles. Its fresco cycle by Marcello Fogolino dates to 1543. At both buildings, early records and later works of art can thus be understood as markers of different historical periods.

Another point of reference in time is the Tavola Clesiana, dating from 46 AD. It records that Emperor Claudius granted Roman citizenship to the local population groups. It also attests to a non-violent transition from Rhaetian to Roman culture. The Area archeologica Campi Neri is considered an archaeological site of exceptional interest above the historic centre of Cles. The Valemporga archaeological area was excavated in the 19th century by Luigi Campi, an archaeologist from Cles, and attests to the existence of an ancient sanctuary above Mechel.

Religious works of art and churches are also part of the area’s history: the Chiesa Arcipretale di Santa Maria Assunta preserves silverwork donated by Baron Giuseppe de Cles in 1727. The Chiesa di San Vigilio is an important example of Trentino Gothic painting from the early 14th to the late 15th century. This gives your travel plans a broad historical arc—from the Tavola Clesiana to works of art and buildings from later centuries.

Hiking Trails and Timing

The O313 trail starts in Località Bersaglio, 2 km from the centre of Cles. The route from Cles, at 658 m, to Rifugio Peller is 17 km long and takes about four hours. A separate time estimate applies to the ascent from Rifugio Peller to Monte Peller, at 2,320 m: it is considered easy and takes about an hour. These figures refer to different sections of the route; walking times may vary depending on conditions.

The O313B is a historic trail used by the people of Cles to reach the plateau of Montagna di Cles. It can be combined with the O313 to make a circular hike. When choosing a route, you can focus on different aspects: the stated length and duration of the O313, the described ascent to Monte Peller, or the historic significance of the O313B. No additional time estimate for combining the trails is included here.

Views, Nature and Getting Your Bearings

From Belvedere Croz dele Bonele, the view extends over Cles, its historic districts, Castel Cles, Lago di Santa Giustina and Val di Non. Numerous bird species can be observed at the same viewpoint, including some diurnal birds of prey. The landscape and birdwatching offer two distinct ways to enjoy a stay, although a sighting cannot be guaranteed on every visit.

The Frutteto Storico preserves old fruit varieties from the Valli del Noce, adding an agricultural perspective to the area’s architectural and artistic history. For visits to Cles and Val di Non, the Pro-Loco information office provides information, maps and brochures. This means you can consider the cultural and hiking themes together when planning, and decide for yourself what to focus on during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bocenago, Balbido-Rango, Paneveggio, Pressano, Chiesa, Ronchi Valsugana, Candriai, San Martino Di Castrozza

For the main travel overview: Trentino.