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Castle · Riva del Garda, Trentino-Alto Ádige
Rocca di Riva e MAG Museo Alto Garda
12th-century fortress surrounded by water on an islet linked to the shore, housing the MAG Museo Alto Garda with an art gallery, archaeology and regional history.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Rocca di Riva e MAG Museo Alto Garda
The Rocca di Riva was built in 1124 by order of the prince-bishop of Trento, Altemanno, to protect the town's harbour, a strategic trade point between the lake and the Trentino. It stands on an artificial islet by the lake, separated from the land by a water-filled moat.
In the 14th century, after the city was taken by the Scaligeri, the fortress was remodeled on the same model as those in Sirmione and Lazise, with direct lake access. It later passed to Venice and the Habsburgs, became the residence of the prince-bishops and, in the 19th century, an Austrian barracks, when the towers were lowered.
Since the 1950s the Rocca has housed the town museum, now the MAG Museo Alto Garda. The art gallery displays regional painting from the 14th to the 19th centuries; the archaeology section gathers finds from the Paleolithic to the early Middle Ages; and the top floor tells the history of the lower Sarca valley up to the Second World War. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1h30 for the museum.
Best time
At any opening time. It usually opens Tuesday to Sunday in the season; check winter opening months.
How to get there
It is next to Piazza III Novembre in the historic centre, a 2-minute walk from Torre Apponale.
Tip
Walk around the Rocca along the lakeside to see the moat and the fortress on the lake side. On the first Sunday of the month, entrance is usually free.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rocca di Riva e MAG Museo Alto Garda
What's in the MAG?
A picture gallery with regional painting from the 14th to the 19th centuries, an archaeology section and a local history section, plus temporary exhibitions.
Is the museum open on Mondays?
It usually closes on Mondays and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Check the opening days and months before you go.
Is the Rocca surrounded by water?
Yes. It stands on an artificial islet at the lakeside, separated from the shore by a water-filled moat.