Riva del Garda is an ancient city of Italy, located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region in the north of Lake Garda (Lago di Garda). The city is surrounded by mountains in the Alpine Range, part of which is called the Dolomites, the peaks of Monte Rocchetta and Monte Baldo are especially beautiful.
Thanks to the protection of mountain ranges, the city is warm enough even in winter, there are no strong gusty winds. In the mild Mediterranean climate lush vegetation reigns: lemon and olive trees, palm trees, laurel thickets.
The city attracts tourists with its frequent air, clear lake water and white pebble beaches, cable car to the top of Monte Rocchetta. It is popular with different categories of tourists: sports and outdoor enthusiasts, families with children, connoisseurs of natural attractions and cultural monuments.
Not far from Riva del Garda are the picturesque lakes Ledro (Lago di Ledro), Tenno (Lago di Tenno), Varone Falls (Parco Grotta cascata Varone).
Story
The city has several historical and architectural objects dating back to the early Middle Ages.
The city of Riva del Garda began to develop actively in the 16th century after the inclusion of the Republic of Venice (Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia). It was from the 16th century that most of the buildings that survived to this day and representing the features of the culture of the era appeared.
From 1803 to 1918, the city was annexed to the Habsburg possessions and was part of Austria-Hungary. Since 1918, part of Italy.
Sights
Despite an area of only 42 km², the city presents a variety of cultural monuments from different eras.
The city has several squares around which the main attractions are located:
- San Rocco Church (Chiesa diSan Rocco), damaged during World War I;
- Santa Barbara Church (Chiesa di Santa Barbara), which appeared in 1935 on the slope of Monte Brione mountain (Monte Brione);
- Palazzo Lutti
- Palazzo Armani (PalazzoArmani);
- Palazzo Martini
- Palazzo Clari (PalazzoClari) and others.
Torre Uponale Tower
The 34-meter-tall Torre Apponale Tower, which appeared in the 13th century, is a symbol of Riva del Garda. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a city prison., and from the observation post at its top it was possible to follow the actions of military opponents. Now from the observation deck of the watchtower overlooks the city and its surroundings.
La Rocca Fortress
The fortress of La Rocca (castello La Rocca) appeared in the XII century, but over the years it was rebuilt several times, first served as a bishop’s palace, in later centuries - as apartments for military personnel, and Now it is a historical museum and concert hall. As in the Middle Ages, the impregnable citadel is surrounded by a moat. Around the fortress are gardens and olive groves.
Palazzo Pretorio
Palazzo Pretorio (Palazzo Pretorio) - building of the XIV century, representing the features of the Venetian style in architecture and featuring unusual frescoes on the facade.
Church of Inviolata
The Church of Inviolata (Chiesa di Inviolata), built in 1603 in the Baroque style and consecrated in 1633, has an unusual architecture:
- The construction of the cubic form inside strikes the octagonal organization of space, including 5 altar niches, wooden and marble confessional, gates;
- The treasures of the interior include well-preserved frescoes, paintings and an image of the Miracle-working Virgin Mary.
Exhibitions and festivals
In Riva del Garda - twice a year the international Exhibition of shoes, leather products and accessories - Expo Riva Schuh (Spring).
Expo Riva Schuh presents mid-range models. Italian and European manufacturers, as well as from India, China and Brazil, present new collections, organize shows, and conclude contracts for the production and marketing of products right at the Exhibition. In 2017, the exhibition will be held in winter from January 14 to 17.
Sports and Entertainment
Lake Garda is a favorite water area for enthusiasts and professionals involved in windsurfing and sailing.
Every year in the summer there are competitions of windsurfers-athletes "King of Lake" ("King of the lake").
Another popular sporting event is the Garda Trentino Half Marathon, which gathers participants from different countries and passes along the route in the city center, on the coast and among the vineyards. Detailed information on the official website: www.trentinoeventi.it.
In Riva del Garda, sports are practiced all year round.Many diving fans come to test themselves in the transparent greenish depths of Lake Garda.
Numerous sports facilities are in demand throughout the year:
- Ski resort "Monte Baldo" (MonteBaldo);
- Golf courses;
- Bike paths;
- Tennis courts;
- Riding schools;
- Scooter, bicycle and other sports equipment rental shops.
Fishing of different species with an instructor is also famous. You can rent a boat and arrange fishing on Lake Garda at www.gardastar.ru
Riva del Garda provides ample opportunities for recreation:
- Night clubs, dance halls;
- Pubs, cafes and restaurants;
- Shops, souvenir shops and shopping centers, etc.
Traditional holidays are held for residents and guests:
- On Sundays - a pyrotechnic show;
- At the end of August for 4 days there is a theatrical festival Notte di Fiaba ("Fairytale Night"), where every child can take part in a fabulous performance.
How to get there
By public transport, the fastest way to get to Riva del Garda is by high-speed or regional train to Rovereto, and from there take the 332 bus to your destination. The cost of train tickets from Verona is from 6.85 to 14.90 euros. The current bus schedule can be checked at www.ttesercizio.it
- See instructions: how to buy tickets on the official website trenitalia.com
Taxi
For a company of 2-4 people, we recommend ordering an individual transfer from Verona Airport to Riva del Garda - this is slightly more expensive than a train + bus connection, but much faster and more comfortable.
The nearest airports to Riva del Garda are in the cities:
- Villafranca (Verona);
- Orio al Serio (Bergamo) and Malpensa, Linate (Milan);
- Marco Polo (Venice).
Hotels
5 stars
Accommodation in a 5-star hotel is notable for its proximity to Lake Garda, a wide range of services:
- Hotel spa;
- Gym;
- The presence of several pools, etc.
5 star hotels in Riva del Garda are spacious rooms with a set of cosmetics, minibars, a combination of European and national cuisine in restaurants, the presence of VIP services. Bed linen and room cleaning are provided daily.
Hotel lido palace
Lido Palace - the only 5 star hotel in Riva del Garda, awaits guests in an old mansion, is a couple of minutes walk from the city beach and lake. The hotel has a health center, equipped gyms, a winter and summer pool, a bath complex. The rooms are elegant, equipped with household appliances, have underfloor heating. The restaurant is awarded two Michelin stars.
- Room rate per day: from 385 euros.
4 stars
4 star hotels are located in the old quarters of the city, within walking distance to the beach area. Guests are offered the services of SPA-salons and gyms in the hotel building.
Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort
Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort is located in the middle of the park a 5-minute walk from the beach. The hotel invites you to relax in 2 spacious pools with clear water, a health center and a sports training center, on the pool terrace. Guests can attend free aerobics classes and use bicycles.
All rooms have balconies, beautiful views of the mountain slopes from the outdoor pool.
- Room rate per day: from 220 euros.
Grand hotel liberty
Grand Hotel Liberty is a 6-minute walk from the beach. The hotel, built at the beginning of the 20th century in the middle of the garden, is decorated in the Art Nouveau style, offers the services of a SPA salon, a winter and summer pool, a sauna and a Turkish bath. The hotel is equipped for a comfortable stay for guests with disabilities.
- Room rate per day: from 250 euros.
3 stars
3 star hotels are designed for a comfortable stay in rooms up to 16 m². Housekeeping and towels are replaced every day, bedding is changed once a week.
Hotel gabry
Surrounded by a Mediterranean garden and olive groves, Hotel Gabry has mountain and lake views from its windows and terraces. There are all amenities for guests with disabilities, for vacationers with pets.
- Room rate per day: from 130 euros.
Bellavista Hotel Deluxe Apartments
Bellavista Deluxe Apartments is located in the old quarter of the city by the lake. The hotel invites guests to visit the SPA center and fitness room. The rooms have a jacuzzi, a sauna and a kitchenette. You can sunbathe on the terrace overlooking the lake.
- Room rate per day: from 110 euros.
Apartments and B&B
The apartments are designed for a comfortable family vacation with the ability to cook their own meals. B & Bs are among the budget-friendly options for 10-12 m² rooms, most of which include a breakfast buffet.
Casa Family Riva del Garda
Casa Family is located 1.5 km from Lake Garda, close to cycling, skiing and mountain climbing trails. The rooms are decorated in a rustic style with stylish wooden furniture. Guests have access to a washing machine, kitchenette. The building has a terrace for relaxation, around - a shady garden. It is a 5-minute drive from Varone Falls.
- The cost of accommodation in apartments for 6 adults is from 100 euros.
B&B Posta Pregasina
Located in a mountainous area 10 km from Riva del Garda, on the coastal strip of Lake Garda, Posta Pregasina is a 15-minute drive from Lake Ledro.
- Cost from 44 euros per person.
