A visit to the Museum of Riva del Garda may be a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours discovering the history and art of the local area. The rooms of the Rocca, the ancient mediaeval fortress looking onto the lake, house a number of important historical and artistic documents telling of the places, the people and the territory of the Upper Garda area. In the first section, that dedicated to archaeology, the famous stele statues may be admired: previous findings of international importance, dating back to the Copper Age (end of the IV – III millennium BC).

 The stele statues

The picture gallery features a number of landscapes produced by those painters who, during their travels in Italy in the 19^th century (following in the footsteps of Goethe and other renowned scholars), were struck by the marvellous natural landscapes that Garda offered up to their gaze. As well as these, one may also admire the works of great artists such as Pietro Ricchi, Vincenzo Vela and Francesco Hayez.

 The picture gallery

Following on from there, the rooms dedicated to local history are full of fascinating curiosities to be discovered on the past of Riva and the Lower Sarca area: the various dominations, including those of Verona, Asti and Venice, right up to the golden age, in which Riva became the tourist destination of illustrious guests, from Thomas Mann to Franz Kafka.

Riva

The Museum of Riva also has things to offer its younger visitors, with a series of children’s workshops starting on 2^nd June 2011, including creative games, as well as the chance to experiment with various painting materials and techniques. Plus, there will also be a treasure hunt throughout the exhibition area.

Every year, the Museum also proposes temporary displays, artistic events and tours, aimed at valorising the rich and ancient cultural heritage of the territory.

 

 The view from the Mastio

No day at the Museum would be complete without a visit to the Mastio, the main tower of the Rocca, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the town and the lake. There is also a marvellous view of the town to be had from the top of the Apponale Tower, which may be reached from the Museum on foot, after a short walk through the centre of the old town.