Trentino Alto Adige: 
Riva Del Garda (Lake Garda)

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A gorgeous town is Riva Del Garda — a town with everything — yes, something for everyone…..Riva is located at the northern end of Lake Garda — just before the foothills of the Dolomites (a stunning backdrop). The main center or square in town is the Piazza Novembre III. It’s a lovely square facing the lake and harbor. In Piazza Novembre III (at the harbour) you’ll find the Torre Apponale (13^th century) which was built as a defense for the town (it’s the symbol of the town). The tower had many uses through the years: it was a storage facility for grain and salt; it was a prison; and it was an observation point during the WWI. Also on this piazza are the 14^th century Palazzo Pretorio/town hall and the Palazzo Municipale/Casa Del Comune (15^th century). La Rocca of Riva is the largest building in town (12^th century). Today this fortress/castle houses the Museo Civico. Here you’ll find treasures from the area, local (and important) archeological finds, paintings, frescoes and sculpture (among other things). Do not miss the fabulously Baroque Chiesa Dell’Inviolata (17^th century). Inside you’ll find the Baroque — the outside is rather plain. Once inside, the gilt, the decoration, the paintings, the stucco, the frescoes, the carvings…absolutely gorgeous — a must-see! Another Baroque church is the Chiesa D’Assunta (12^th and 18^th centuries). Inside are paintings, gilt, friezes and stucco (Baroque splendour)…..as you stroll about town you’ll find ancient walls, fine houses, charming squares, numerous churches — a thoroughly charming place to wander. The Bastion (a symbol of Riva) was built (or rather re-built) in the 16^th century. This grey Venetian fortress dominates the town and the lake. The views from here are wonderful — the lake and the town in all their glory. On the way in to town is the 12^th century Chiesa S. Tommaso. Interesting to me for the frescoes on the exterior (some dating to the 14^th century). Windsurfers — there are a lot of them here — it makes for an interesting diversion (whether you’re just watching or participating)…..there’s a daily (weekday) food market in Riva Del Garda.