Rocca di Riva: A Fortress on the Lake

The Rocca di Riva is a beautifully preserved medieval fortress that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Built in 1124 at the behest of Altemanno, the prince-bishop of Trento, it was initially constructed to defend the port of the town, a strategic point for trade in Trentino. Over the centuries, the fortress has been under the control of various powerful families, including the Counts of Arco, the Scaliger family, the Viscontis, Venetians, and Habsburgs, each leaving their mark on its architecture and history.The fortress is surrounded by a tranquil moat, fed by the waters of Lake Garda, enhancing its picturesque allure. A charming bridge connects the fortress to the mainland, inviting visitors to step back in time as they cross its threshold. The architecture is a blend of medieval and 19th-century styles. Its imposing keep, standing at 23.5 meters, is a testament to the fortress's defensive past. In the 19th century, under Austrian rule, it was transformed into a barracks, with Neo-Renaissance elements added.Today, the Rocca houses the Museum Alto Garda (MAG), where a wealth of artifacts and exhibits bring the region's history to life. The museum features a painting gallery, a history section, and an archeology section. The painting gallery showcases local culture between the 14th and 19th centuries, with works by artists like Pietro Ricchi and Francesco Hayez. The history section illustrates the history of the Sarca river, from prehistory to the Second World War. The archeology section displays findings from the Riva del Garda territory, dating from the Middle Paleolithic to the Early Middle Ages. The garden of the castle is always open, even outside the museum's opening hours.