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Hidden Treasures: The "Marocco" in the heart of Riva del Garda
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/ Piazza Marocco (Riva del Garda)Photo: IAT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino -
/ The centre of Riva with the Apponale TowerPhoto: APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ Piazza III Novembre (on the left Palazzo Pretorio), above the BastionePhoto: R. Vuilleumier (APT Garda Trentino), Garda Trentino
Riva del Garda is a town with about 17 thousand inhabitants situated on the northern end of Lake Garda. It definitely dates back to pre-Roman times, but its origins are not certain. From the Roman period onwards, the little town developed thanks to its strategic position for military defence, commerce, and in more recent times, tourism.
A closer look at The town centre with its typical warm-hued buildings overlooking the old harbour, reveals many traces of its colourful past. This particular trail passes through the working class Marocco district and leads to the square of the same name. Along the way, you can still see part of the medieval walls, with laneways now incorporated into some buildings, and you will also come across the remains of three towers which have been swallowed up by the town.
Author’s recommendation
This tour can be combined with the itinerary “In the heart of Riva del Garda” for a more complete visit of the town centre.
Rest Stop
Ristorante Pizzeria Leon D'OroSafety information
The Hidden Treasures itineraries were designed in order to give visitors a chance to get to know places in Garda Trentino that are off the beaten track. For this reason, the signposting is not always in the same style and sometimes missing altogether. We therefore recommend you to take a good map with you on these excursions. And then bear in mind your general reference points: Lake Garda = South, Monte Stivo = East, Rocchetta = West, Arco Castle = North.
The telephone number for the emergency services is 112.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Tips and hints
- This itinerary immerses you in the medieval history of Riva and you come across many traces of that period. Until the 14th century, Piazza Marocco was probably the location of the first castle in Riva, but all that survives is the name of the quarter 15th century, “Castle district”. Heading up the narrow via Marocco, you can see elements of the ancient city walls and large stones incorporated into the houses on either side of the street. It is these very stones, “marocche” in local dialect, which give its name to this street and the surrounding quarter.
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For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 - www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Start out from the Town Hall in Piazza 3 Novembre and walk up Via Fiume to the well (at number 4 on the right a plaque recalls the Jewish printing works active here in the 16th century). At the well go straight at first and then turn left into Vicolo dello Stento to reach Piazza Marocco. Here across the square you will find the Bishop's Palace (14th century) and on the left the old washhouse, one of the few remaining ones in Riva It is believed that the Roman "Castrum" once stood here, hence the medieval name of "castle district". Finally, go down to the eponymous Via Marocco to return to the starting point.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda, Nago and Arco – are connected by a number of urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of the trail. For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service. For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
Free parking in Riva del Garda at the old hospital (via Rosmini) and the old cemetery (Viale D. Chiesa).
Pay parking at the Public Gardens Porta Orientale, Roman Baths, Viale Lutti (Ex Agraria), Monte Oro, Blue Garden.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
- The “Hidden Treasures” brochure is available free of charge in the tourist information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole sul Garda
Questions and answers
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