There is some kind of longing for the places we've never been to. Cities and landscapes that were engraved in our memories through old photo albums that we saw as kids. Through pictures that pop up in our teenage life, or simply through the words of others. No matter the language we speak, because those memories are not a matter of semantics, but a product of our hungry imagination.
We draw trails on maps, with our fingers marking the way. Then we put the last coins into a jar with the dreamt of name on it.
And then we are disappointed when we arrive. Or on the contrary, amused by what we see, surprised at how our imagination wasn't able to even get close to what opened up in front of our eyes.
When Luke and I arrived at Riva del Garda, the lake opened its full natural splendour, revealed wild beauty that grew in the form of the infinite water and the high mountains which touch the blue sky above them (I could write a whole essay about the colour of the Italian sky, so different from the Polish one).
Covered with the dew of sweat and filled with this unexpected charm of the place, I knew that Garda couldn't disappoint me, no matter if I'd visit it in the hot summer or windy winter. Riva del Garda has everything that I seek and adore in places: water, wild nature, stunning buildings, and interesting history charmed in the town's landscape.
If you will ever be here, just follow the little streets and they will guard you through Riva. The town is small, so there is no need to follow a map. Even if you stray from a trail, tempted by the bitter smell of coffee or the sweet taste of pistachio ice cream, you will find your way to the most important attractions in Garda.
Here is the list of places that are worth seeing, but just follow your own path and pace, because Riva will give you all the best no matter your itinerary.
What to See In Riva del Garda
The town is small, but if you want to see all the best places in Riva del Garda, enjoy the leisure vibe of the place, and cherish moments by the water, you should stay here for at least one full day.
Chiesa dell'Inviolata
Even though I am far from being religious, churches are always on my must-see list. Especially in Italy, when almost all of them hide real pieces of art behind cold walls. I often enter churches even if they don't look spectacular from the outside.
You can pass Chiesa dell'Inviolata while going from the bus station heading towards Garda. The church has a square base and an octagonal upper part with a not tall tower attached to it. Geometrical lines, regular windows and porticos give the whole place a calm, classicistic rhythm. Although the outside's simplicity might not impress everyone, the interior is simply stunning.
The octagonal plan reminds me a bit of the Roma churches of Bernini and Borromini. The baroque effect is built by all the elements that create this space: starting with impressive, geometrical flooring executed in various colours of marble, through stuccoes, sculptors, main altars and side chapels, to the cupola with windows and great quality paintings.
Porta di San Michele
The city was created in the XIII century and is also known under the name of Porta d'Arco. It was separating the town from the rest of the world. During the times of the plagues, it remained closed to isolate people from the infected. That changed in 1796 when the gate was connected with the Chiesa dell'Inviolata by a wide street. Luckily for us!
Porta di San Michele was demolished and reconstructed in 1862. In a few places of Riva del Garda, medieval walls, most of which have been covered by nineteenth-century buildings, can still be found.
Piazza III November
This square has one of the best views of the lake. Arcades of the beautiful buildings that surround it remind me of the economic past of this place. It was the main point of the city, where merchants were selling their goods, bankers collected money, and the most important fairs took place.
Well, with such a view, it must've been a very nice spot to sell goods.
Torre Apponale - Clock Tower
The clock tower dates back to the 13th century. The town authorities used it to control the most important port located nearby. The entrance is located eight meters above the ground. Together with thick walls, it's proof that the tower had defensive functions as well. Over the years, it became a prison.
On the top of the tower, there is a big clock and a bronze bell that apparently tolls only for special occasions. Well, it did when I got to the top, so I felt honoured!
All those steep steps are worth climbing for the view that you get from the top. Ochre roofs of Italian houses, blue waters of Garda, and the mountains that surround you create a beautiful landscape.
Ascensore Panoramico
Unfortunately, when we were visiting Riva this place was closed. It seems like a perfect spot to get an even better view than from the clock tower. The funicular will take you up the mountain where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Garda.
Beaches
I was surprised by the waves that were on the lake. With a great horizon, where the other side of the lake cannot be seen, it reminded me more of a sea than a lake. If you continue walking by the shore you will find a lot of green areas, with slightly overrun pergolas that create a very romantic image. Keep walking to get to the beaches.
Most of them are covered with pebbles, so sitting on the shore and getting inside the water can be a bit painful for your feet.
We didn't swim, but we had a great time under the shade of a branchy tree while eating lunch. It was the first day of the summer holidays so the place was filled with teenagers and families with younger kids.
We will be back!
There is no doubt that tourism is a very important part of Riva del Garda's life. However, it hasn't turned into a Sunday fair covered with souvenirs produced in China, but maintains its natural beauty and charm of a small town. Perhaps because of the pandemic, we could see more Italians than foreign tourists.
We visited Riva just for a few hours but I'm sure that sooner rather than later we'll come back here and enjoy it once again. Probably then the encouraging waves will convince us to leave dry land and "sail" to other cities that have been quietly nestled in the feet of the mountains and arms of the lake for centuries.
