What to do and see in Riva del Garda? There are some things that cannot be missed if you pass by Trento. The first is undoubtedly to see Lungolago, the other 4 discover them with me in the post.
There are five things if you pass by Riva del Garda, you absolutely cannot miss it. And they are the following.
1. Lakeside
The first is undoubtedly the Lakeside, starting from the Red House, which can be seen on the Western Gardesana, you can walk the entire lakefront on foot, through the historic center, to the beaches, to finally reach the Port that connects the city to the adjacent Torbole sul Garda. Enjoy the sun, the fresh air that rises from around 13.00 pm, refreshing every space, the benches scattered around every corner, the bars, restaurants and the unmissable ice cream parlors.
2. Church of the Inviolata
The second is the Church of the Inviolata, a small jewel of the town, despite not being located in an adequate square that would make it even more beautiful. The building was built in 1603 and, only thirty years later, it became a pilgrimage destination for its tabernacle, which still stands behind the altar today and is even considered miraculous by some. This beautiful baroque church allows you to discover a splendor inside that is not expected from the outside. Externally square, inside it has an octagonal shape, with five altars and vaults covered with frescoes. L'Inviolata is open to the public every day from 9.00 to 17.00.
3. Rocca di Riva
The third thing not to be missed can only be the old one Rocca of Riva del Garda, a medieval building with four towers and facades dating back to different eras. There is news of this ancient fortification since 1124 when it was built and quickly became a military symbol of the city, thanks also to the canal that surrounds it and the bridge that connects it to the historic center. The peculiarity of this fortress is that today it hosts events, concerts, especially in the summer, and exhibitions. In fact it is also the seat of the Civic Museum as well as the Pinacoteca. Crossing the bridge you have free access to the garden located outside the building, facing the lake. You will find a very quiet garden where you can take a break and observe the view. In winter, the museum is open every day except Monday, from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 13.30 to 18.00. While, from July to September it is always open. Admission costs only € 2.
4. Path of the Ponale
The fourth unmissable place is for me one of the most beautiful ever, the Ponale path. This road, largely unpaved, offers a spectacular view of Lake Garda to say the least. It is an ancient path, dug into the rock in the second half of the 1800s, which connects Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley. It has not been used for vehicles for about 20 years and, walking along it, one wonders how cars could have really passed through it once. Today it is pedestrian and cycle path so, if you are a sportsman, it is an ideal route for a jog or for a mountain bike ride. It is about 6km, more if you want to continue, and you reach a height of about 800 meters. To get there, it is possible to start from the city center, following the coast and passing the historic imposing, albeit very fascinating, hydroelectric plant built by the architect Giancarlo Maroni, friend of Gabriele D'Annunzio and creator of his splendid Vittoriale in Gardone Riviera.
5. Apponale Tower
The fifth unmissable place is the Apponale Tower, symbol of the city. This tower, 34 meters high and made up of 165 internal steps that allow you to climb to the top, was built in 1555 right in the square where the seat of the municipality of Riva del Garda is located. You can easily imagine how its strong point is the view it offers from its highest point, in fact by paying a ticket of € 2 (free for children and teenagers up to 16 years old) you can go up. The Tower is open every day, from Tuesday to Sunday in the months from March to May, while from June to September it is also open on Mondays, from 10.00 to 18.00.
