Riva del Garda - Guardian of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda, Italy

Riva del Garda occupies pole position at the Northern end of Lake Garda in Italy. As you approach through the Valley of the Lakes colourful oleander bushes and silvery olive trees line the route. Beyond these field upon field of vines interspersed with patches of Kiwi fruits stretch as far as the eye can see. It is not long before the first evidence of the military history of this waterside town comes into view. The Bastione, a round, Venetian fortress, is perched on a high rocky promontory, Monte Rocchetta, on the west side of the town. This fortress, originally established in originally established in 1450, was rebuilt by the Venetians in 1505. The round shape they created was devised to avoid gun shots. It’s original purpose was to protect the settlement below but as the Venetian empire diminished and the French moved in during the eighteenth century it was destroyed and the remains have now been turned into a museum. It is a half-hour walk from the town and the reward on completing the climb up there is the beautiful panorama of the lake spread out below you.

Historically, Riva del Garda, the second largest town on the lake, was a strategically important town. It controlled the northern half of the lake and also had an influence on trade routes north and south coming and going over the Alps. It’s not surprising therefore that much of its history and its important sights relate to wars and fortifications. Another old fortification is the town tower or Torre Apponale located in the heart of Riva del Garda, in the Piazza III Novembre near the waterfront. It was built in the thirteenth century as a means of protecting the access to the town from the water. The Torre Apponale is thirty-four metres high and during the summer months visitors can climb up to the top. A climb that is worth the effort for the views. However, visitors should remember that the large bell still chimes the hour which can be an uncomfortable experience. On the roof of this tower is the Anzolim (little angel) a weather vane and a symbol of Riva del Garda. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).