The name Riva conjures up images of fast classical speedboats for many. But Riva is a town itself is at the Northern end of Lake Garda and is a town in its own right! Famous for its water sports it hosts sailing championships. One of which we we have shown a video of below from 2009. Riva boats was actually started in Lake Como when in 1842 when the then twenty-year-old Pietro Riva received an offer which would establish Riva's place in marine history. At the time Pietro, with his father Laglio, worked as general craftsmen turning their hands to numerous trades including boat repairs on and around Lake Como in Northern Italy.

Riva is dominated by Mount Rocchetta (1,575 m)which rises steeply to the west, with Mount Baldo (2,218 m) to the east. This location makes Riva del Garda one of the most spectacular spots around Lake Garda. Due to its location winters can be cold but sunny and with some snow; summers are warm but rarely hot or sultry, with windy afternoons and scattered thunderstorms.

Riva del Garda belonged to the republic of Venice and later to the Austro-Hungarian empire until 1918. Since 1918 Riva del Garda has been a part of Italy. Riva became a tourist spot at the end of the last century established with many famous visitors. Growing to over 35000 tourists by 1910 mainly from Austria and Germany the growth gradually continued until World War I. Riva continued to develop its tourism industry and improved its sports, business and cultural facilities.

The Civic Museum where a lot of the history can be found is located in the Rocca, a medieval fortress on the lake, surrounded by a canal with lifting bridge.

With its two harbours Riva del Garda is well equipped for sailing and windsurfing. Another popular sport in Italy is Basketball and the local top team, the GS Riva Gardacartiere, plays in the Italy's 3rd national division.

The town has "twins" Bensheim, Germany

Popular historical places to visit are:

Piazza III Novembre with its famous Palazzo Pretorio from the 14th century and the Apponale Tower built in 1220
The Fort: Which houses the Civic Museum with archeological, geological and mineralogical exhibits, an art gallery, and collections of weapons, prints and rare books.

Riva del Garda : S. Maria Assunta Church
Riva del Garda : S. Tommaso Church