Riva del Garda : Things to see

Surrounded by imposing mountains, Riva del Garda stretches along the crescent-shaped shore, extending to the Sarca plain and to the foothills of Mount Brione, which separates it from Torbole. In this Mediterranean oasis where olive trees and palms thrive, tourists can enjoy a delightful holiday with much to offer: history, art, sports and nature, as well as hospitality and first class hotels. Riva was already a popular tourist spot at the end of the last century. Some of its famous guests were Nietzsche (who stayed at Hotel Du Lac), the Hartungen family, the Mann brothers, the Brods, Kafka and Lawrence. Over 10,000 foreigners visited Riva in 1901; more than 37,600 tourists, mostly from Austria and Germany, arrived in the town five years later. This growth gradually continued until World War I, which left its mark on the small town. After it became a part of Italy, Riva developed its tourism industry and improved its sports, business and cultural facilities. Today Riva is one of the leading tourist spots of Lake Garda.

Riva del Garda : Events

Many high profile cultural, tourist and sports events are organized in Riva. The town has done to promote and showcase its immense historical patrimony from the Middle Ages, of which much can still be seen today (city walls, portals, towers, moats), and the breathtaking surroundings along the coast and in the hinterland.

Riva del Garda : Piazza III Novembre

On the square surrounded by 14th century porticos are Palazzo Pretorio from the 14th century and the Apponale Tower built in 1220 and raised in 1555. The 34 m tower, built to defend the town, had salt and grain stores, storerooms, and exchange banks at its foot. It was used as a prison, then as an observation post during World War I. Above it stands the city emblem called “l’anzolim de la tor”.

The Fort

Built following an agreement in the 12th century between Altemanno and the townspeople of Riva, it was later enlarged by the Della Scala family, the Venetians, and the Bishop Princes of Trent. The Austrians renovated it in 1852. It houses the Civic Museum with archeological, geological and mineralogical exhibits, an art gallery, and collections of weapons, prints and rare books. Civic Museum – Piazza Battisti, 3 – phone: 0464-573869 Admission is free for visitors under 20 and over 60 years of age.

Riva del Garda : The Bastion

The Venetian fortress, built in 1508 on a hill of the steep slopes of Mount Rocchetta, affords a splendid view of the city and the northern part of the lake.

Riva del Garda : S. Maria Assunta Church

First mentioned in documents of 1106, the church underwent restoration in 1728. It has a single nave, nine baroque altars and the Suffrage Chapel, with decorative stucco. Behind the beautiful high altar with marble inlay is the large painting of the Assumption by Craffonara. The church has contains the best work of Craffonara entitled “L’Addolorata”.

Riva del Garda : S. Tommaso Church

Located on the main road leading to Riva del Garda, the small 12th century Romanesque church has a cone-shaped bell tower with mullioned windows. The external frescos date back to 14th century. At one time it was used by the adjacent leper’s hospital run by the minor friars.

INFORMAZIONI DI PUBBLICA UTILITA’

Carabinieri
Tel.112
 

Caserma Carabinieri
Via degli Oleandri, 10 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 576300 / 576324
 

Caserma Vigili del Fuoco
V.le Rovereto, 19 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 520333
 

Commissariato di P.S.
Via Brione, 5 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 578011
 

Emergenza Sanitaria
Tel.118
 

Guardia di Finanza
Via Trieste, 1 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 552142
 

Guardia Medica
Largo Marconi, 2 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 582629/582655
 

Polizia Municipale
Via Liberazione, 7 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 553231
 

Polizia Stradale
Via Rosmini, 8 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 550988
 

Soccorso Alpino
Viale Rovereto, 19 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 550550
 

Soccorso Pubblico di Emergenza
Tel.113
 

Ufficio Turistico
Largo medaglie d’Oro al Valor Militare, 5 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 554444 Fax.+39 0464 520308
 

Ufficio Turistico stagionale
Lungolago D’Annunzio, 4/C 38066 Riva del Garda
Tel.+39 0464 550776 Fax.+39 0464 561730
 

Vigili del Fuoco
Tel.115