WHAT TO DO IN RIVA DEL GARDA?
Attractions
Riva del Garda is a city with a rich history and many attractions for tourists
Things to see
-The Rocca or MAG (Museo Alto Garda) is a 12th-century fortress located directly on the lake, which houses a museum featuring archaeological exhibitions, an art gallery and sections on local history.
-The Torre Apponale is the ancient civic tower of Riva del Garda, a symbol of the town offering unmissable panoramic views from its top. It is located in Piazza III Novembre, right next to the house and the local harbour. From there, you can take the ferry to all the towns on the lake.
-The Bastione is a fortified Venetian tower offering breathtaking views of the lake and the entire town. It can be reached on foot via a scenic path or by a panoramic lift that will take you to the top, where there is also a lounge bar and restaurant.
-The Varone Waterfalls are a nature park 3 km from Riva del Garda, where the water plunges 98 metres into a deep gorge. It is a well-maintained and picturesque trail.
Activities and excursions
An active holiday in Garda Trentino means exploring the most scenic trails on foot or by bike, reaching the highest peaks, and enjoying water sports and sailing in an area that is an outdoor paradise, ideal for lovers of trekking, mountain biking, climbing, sailing and windsurfing.
Among the most iconic scenic trails is the Sentiero del Ponale, one of the most famous hiking and cycling trails in Europe, offering spectacular views of the lake and connecting Riva del Garda with the Ledro Valley.
Then there is the Busatte-Tempesta trail, another highly appreciated scenic trail, known for its stairways overlooking the lake, which offer unique views. Riva del Garda offers several beaches along the lake shore, which are well equipped and ideal for relaxing and swimming or strolling along the lakefront.
Historical notes
Discovering Riva del Garda:
a journey through medieval walls and historic alleys
Riva del Garda is not just about the lake and breathtaking views; it is a treasure trove of history waiting to be unveiled. If you want to discover the authentic soul of the city, you have to venture into its beating heart, where time seems to have stood still.
The Defensive System: A Fortified City on the Lake
In medieval times, Riva was a veritable fortress. Protected on three sides by imposing walls and naturally defended on the fourth side by the waters of Lake Garda, the city was accessible only through monumental gates.
The first written records date back to 1274, and even today we can imagine passing through the ancient gates: Porta Broli (the eastern entrance), Porta S. Michele (north-east entrance), Porta Montenaria or S. Marco (north-west entrance) and Porta Nuova (added around the 14th century to close off the western front towards Mount Rocchetta).
Above these gates stood the “shielded towers” (open on the inside), symbols of a defensive strategy that remained almost unchanged until the 15th century, when the walls began to lose their military function and were integrated into new civil constructions.
The Medieval Heart
Via Fiume
Via Fiume was once the main street of Riva del Garda. Here, noble families built their palaces and trade flourished. Today, Via Fiume retains that same liveliness: strolling among its historic buildings, you will find characteristic shops, welcoming restaurants and artisan workshops that keep local traditions alive.
The Marocco District
Moving towards the slopes of Monte Rocchetta, you enter the charming Marocco district. The name “Marocco” has a fascinating geological origin: it derives from the dialect term “marocche”, which refers to large masses of rock used to build houses.
Casa Quadra Castello rests on these historical foundations, with original stone fortifications that once defended the city.
This district was part of the Quadra Castello, one of the four historic districts of Riva del Garda.
Where to eat
Near our house, you will find excellent restaurants in Riva del Garda offering typical Italian cuisine and local specialties. The Ristorante al Volt, Leon D’Oro and Bella Napoli are just a few examples, all located on Via Fiume, right where the house is situated.
Of course, strolling through the historic centre of Riva del Garda you will also find many other restaurants, bars, ice cream parlours and shops.
