What to See in Riva del Garda

In the northern part of Lake Garda, in what seems like a fjord, lies the beautiful and renowned Riva del Garda. We are in Trentino-Alto Adige, in the autonomous province of Trento, which is about 50 kilometers away.

An unparalleled combination of the lake's mirror and the backdrop of the Brenta Dolomites. Riva del Garda, considered the "pearl of Lake Garda," is indeed immersed in an extraordinary landscape: lemons, olive trees, oleanders, and palm trees on one side, and mountains on the other, reminding us of the nearby Dolomites of Trentino. Thus, it is a breathtaking panorama and an ancient center that truly offers many things to see in Riva del Garda.

But let's start with its history. Riva del Garda, once Ripa, was founded during the Roman era, and later, during the Middle Ages, it went through various historical events. Contested by different states, it was first linked to Trento and then to Venice, returning to being an Italian city in 1918. Riva was an important port up until nearly half a century ago because the mountains surrounding it, back then, prevented the construction of roads.

The town of Riva del Garda extends to the far north of Lake Garda. Its historic center is filled with narrow streets dominated by the tall Apponale Tower, the symbol of Riva del Garda. The lakeside promenade revolves around this center, with an orderly arrangement of buildings that transformed Riva into a sought-after European tourist destination in the mid-nineteenth century.

Even today in the historic center of Riva del Garda, one can see remnants of the ancient walls that surrounded the town during the Middle Ages. At the highest point of Riva, a castle was built, later replaced by a fortress overlooking the waters of Lake Garda. From the Venetian period, there is the circular-shaped Bastion, the Rocchetta, which still stands prominently over the town of Riva del Garda.

Looking at Riva del Garda from a map, the beautiful medieval fortress stands out: the Rocca of Riva, which sits on an artificial islet, washed by the waters of Lake Garda. This fortress was built in 1124 to protect the town of Riva from potential attacks on the port, a crucial point for trade.

Over the years, the Rocca has undergone numerous renovations and has been devastated several times due to conflicts among various families. In the 1500s, when Riva del Garda was under Habsburg rule, the Rocca became the residence of the court of the episcopal principality. In the nineteenth century, it was transformed into a military barracks.

Today, the Rocca di Riva houses the MAG, the Alto Garda Museum. Inside, there are permanent sections, spaces for temporary exhibitions, and areas for various laboratory activities. The central courtyard of the Rocca becomes a perfect stage for shows and events held throughout the year in beautiful Riva del Garda.

But let's return to the MAG. The permanent sections of the Alto Garda Museum include the Picture Gallery, which preserves paintings by nineteenth-century artists such as Pietro Ricchi, Vincenzo Vela, and Francesco Hayez, and the Archaeological Section, featuring artifacts from the Copper Age. In the section dedicated to the History of Riva del Garda, the entire period of its naming is recounted.

These permanent sections are complemented by temporary exhibitions that occur throughout the year, relating to both contemporary culture and the landscape. To conclude your visit, we recommend climbing the tower of the Rocca, from which you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the city of Riva and all of Lake Garda.

MAG Alto Garda Museum Piazza C. Battisti, 3/A info@museoaltogarda.it tel. 0464 573869

For information on rates and hours, we recommend visiting the official website http://www.museoaltogarda.it/it/info/orari

Continuing to stroll through the historic center of Riva del Garda, you arrive directly at its heart, in Piazza III Novembre, the civil and economic center of Riva del Garda. Here, the Austro-Hungarian influence of times past is evident, reflected in the beautiful facades of the buildings.

This symmetrical square houses the Pretorial Palace and the Town Hall of Riva del Garda. Once under these porticos were currency exchange booths and numerous artisan shops offering various goods from the lake.

In Piazza III Novembre, the four most important fairs of Riva del Garda were held, as noted in the ancient city statutes. The rest of the buildings are arranged orderly in an architecture typical of the medieval period.

In Piazza III Novembre of Riva del Garda, you will also find the Apponale Tower from the 1200s, the tower that dominated the port, named so because it is located near the landing point for those coming from Ponale, a location across the way.

In case of siege, the tower served as a safe refuge thanks to its entrance 8 meters high and its thick walls. The Apponale Tower is 34 meters tall, and from here, the view of Riva del Garda is truly spectacular. You just need to climb 165 stairs. At the top of the tower, looking up, you can also see the symbol of the city of Riva, which is a bronze angel known as "Anzolim."

Hours and rates for the Apponale Tower of Riva del Garda From March 17 to May 31: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays); from June 1 to September 30: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; from October 1 to November 4: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays).

The entrance fee for the Apponale Tower is €2.00. Free for children under 15.

The religious center of Riva del Garda can be found in the spacious Piazza Cavour, located in the heart of the city, where the Church of Santa Maria Assunta stands out. The church as we see it today is in the Baroque style, a reconstruction that took place in the eighteenth century. Inside, there is a single nave and a single lateral chapel, known as the chapel of Suffrage.

The altars vary, and the large painting of the Assumption executed by Craffonara at the back of the main altar does not go unnoticed. The same artist also deserves a glance for the Addolorata, located at the fourth altar on the left. The bust of this artist is displayed in the small square named after him, Craffonara Square, right next to Piazza Cavour.

Among the things to see in Riva del Garda, do not miss the characteristic area known as the "Morocco district." This is an almost secret glimpse of the historic center of Riva del Garda, the oldest part found near the city's ancient walls. This picturesque district of Riva del Garda was built on the rocks at the foot of the Rocchetta, the Bastion we mentioned earlier. Its name comes from "Marocche," which in dialect refers to the large boulders where the houses of this district were built. This area is characterized by its narrow alleys and popular houses where the traces of the past are still evident. Along the path, you can indeed distinguish the walkways of old that are now found in some buildings and the remnants of ancient towers incorporated into the houses.

In addition to the things to see, there are also many things to do in Riva del Garda. The lakeside promenade of Riva del Garda, besides being a docking point for numerous boats, also features a port where many sailboats find shelter.

In fact, Lake Garda is navigable year-round, and there are really many activities to engage in. First and foremost is certainly sailing and windsurfing, because you should know that the wind here is ever-present in every season.

Those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground can instead opt for mountain biking, which is an excellent way to explore Riva and Lake Garda, thanks to the various trails and tours available. For those who enjoy keeping their feet literally planted on the ground, then walking remains the best choice, and we assure you it is a lovely option to slowly enjoy the beauties of this place.

For the more adventurous, it's possible to engage in climbing or canyoning in locations not far from Riva del Garda.

The best way to explore Lake Garda remains by bicycle. And those who know this area well know it. Practically, Lake Garda has hundreds of bike paths and numerous trails to explore, varying by difficulty. Among the various paths, definitely the Ponale Trail is the most scenic and fascinating. This Ponale road connects Riva del Garda to Val di Ledro, on a long but relatively simple route, suitable even for families with children, and can also be traversed on foot. Needless to say, the views you'll encounter along the Ponale Trail are truly extraordinary.

On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, the shore begins to lower, creating numerous coves, the beaches of Riva del Garda. Clear waters that attract thousands of tourists in summer while giving way to tranquility in winter. There are two beaches in Riva del Garda where you can enjoy the waters of the lake: Sabbioni Beach and Pini Beach.

Sabbioni Beach is the largest beach in Riva del Garda, and also the most well-equipped. The beach is free but various services are available, including rental of sunbeds, loungers, canoes, and so on. It also offers a refreshment point and is equipped with basketball and volleyball courts, as well as floating platforms with an internal pool, making it fun for kids as well. This area, moreover, being next to the park, is also quite shaded and relaxing, thanks to the tranquility that can be found while taking a nap under a tree.

The other beach in Riva del Garda is Pini Beach, also known as 'Purfina,' and it is said that this is the beach for the young. Here you find small pebbles, gravel, and ample green areas, as well as various services. Pini Beach has a bar cloister immersed in greenery, which, with its music and cocktails, combines fun with a relaxing day. This beach is frequented not only by younger people but also by surfers, as it has a dedicated area.

Riva del Garda is the home of a major event that takes place every year on the shores of its lake, we are talking about the Riva del Garda Bike Festival, now in its 32nd edition. The main focus of the event is clearly the bike, or more precisely, the mountain bike, which showcases its potential in this area with its hills.

For the occasion, an EXPO area is set up with about 150 exhibitors ready to showcase all the new developments in this field. There are numerous events scheduled during the Festival days, which usually take place in early May.

EXPO Area Largo Medaglie d'Oro, at the Congress Palace.

Among the events not to be missed in Riva del Garda, we mention the Fairy-Tale Night, a historical event that takes place every year between the end of August and the beginning of September to bid farewell to summer. A staple for all the locals and the thousands of visitors who come to Riva del Garda to enjoy the show, which has been going on for over sixty years. A festival full of dances, games, and musical events that concludes with a fireworks display that illuminates the waters of Lake Garda for over 40 minutes, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.