Riva del Garda: Lake Garda and History

Riva del Garda between Lake, History and Landscape

Riva del Garda combines Lake Garda with historic buildings, panoramic views from the Torre Apponale and prominent elevations in the surrounding area.

Discover Historic Places by the Water

The historic center of Riva del Garda lies between the harbor and the lower slopes of Monte Rocchetta. Rocca di Riva, a medieval fortress, stands on the shore of Lake Garda. The Torre Apponale is another defining landmark; it was documented as early as the 13th century and historically served primarily to monitor and defend the town. Climbing its 165 steps offers panoramic views over the center of Riva del Garda and Lake Garda; tickets for the Torre Apponale are available at the entrance.

Another distinctive building is the monumental hydroelectric power station of Riva del Garda. It was built on the lakeshore in the 1920s to a design by Giancarlo Maroni, D’Annunzio’s architect and the former creator of the Vittoriale degli Italiani. A tour booked in advance is required to visit the hydroelectric power station. The Bastione panoramic lift has a panoramic cabin made entirely of glass. Regina Mundi, a viewpoint, is located in the surrounding area of Riva del Garda. The ancient site of the Area archeologica del Monte San Martino is also in the surrounding area. The fortress named Riva del Garda is also located in the surrounding area of Riva del Garda. Borgo di Canale Castle is likewise nearby. Castel d'Arco Castle is also located in the area around Riva del Garda.

Landscape, Views and Active Days

Monte Brione is home to more than 20 species of wild orchids, adding a distinctive natural highlight. Cima Valdes and Cima di Le, both peaks, are located in the surrounding area of Riva del Garda. The peak of Cima Sclapa is also located in the area around Riva del Garda.

The Ponale Road was converted into a cycle and pedestrian path in 2004. At Porto San Nicolò in Riva del Garda, the sailing school of the Lega Navale Italiana offers courses in dinghies, windsurfing and keelboats.

Experience Riva del Garda at Your Own Pace

Those who want to combine culture and lake views can make Rocca di Riva, Torre Apponale and the hydroelectric power station the focus of a day. The ways of visiting them differ for day planning: Rocca stands on the lakeshore, the Torre combines 165 steps with views over the center and Lake Garda, and the hydroelectric power station requires a tour booked in advance. Tickets for the Torre are available at the entrance. At the same time, Monte Brione, the Ponale Road and Porto San Nicolò add scenic or active highlights.

More Places for Your Planning

Almazzago, San Pellegrino, Stava, Deggiano, Tremalzo, Piazzola, Fiavè and Torra.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trentino.