recommended route
Walking up to the Castle of Arco
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The Moses fountainPhoto: Patrizia N. Matteotti, Garda Trentino
A short urban trail to discover the historic centre of Arco, perfect for anybody on their first visit to Garda Trentino who wants to find out more about the town.
Arco is a small town nestled about a rocky outcrop crowned by the ruins of the castle, the symbol of the town. The castle dates back to the year one thousand, but archaeological excavations on the site unearthed traces of human presence well before the medieval period.
Thanks to the mild climate, pure healthy air and location a short distance from Lake Garda, Arco has over the years become a famous health resort, particularly popular with the Habsburg nobility at the turn of the twentieth century.
This stroll links up the main monuments in the historic centre of the town with an itinerary that is easy and accessible to all, passing through the different historical periods of the town. From Renaissance palaces to Central European elegance, Arco truly offers an incredible variety and range for sightseeing.
Warning! The path up the hill to the Castle is not accessible to buggies and wheelchairs.
Author’s recommendation
Arco is the birthplace of the Divisionist painter Giovanni Segantini and there is a statue in the town park to commemorate him.
Arco Castle has a spectacular view over all the Bassa Sarca area. A visit to the Castle takes about an hour and there is an admission fee although entrance is free with a Garda Trentino Guest Card. Admission to the Lizza jousting arena (panoramic vantage point) can be accessed free of charge only during castle opening hours. For information on opening hours and admission fees: www.gardatrentino.it.
To learn more about the history of Arco we recommend the itineraries “Rilke Promenade” and “Treasures of Sacred Art”.
Arco is considered the Italian capital of rock climbing. Every year, at the end of August, it hosts one of the major freeclimbing events, Rock Master, which draws the best climbers in the world to the town. This vocation is also clear from the shops in the centre: most of them sell mountaineering gear and clothing from the best brands.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
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
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
First part:
You leave from the Tourist Information Office in viale delle Palme, opposite the town Casino. When you come to the fountain, cross via Garberie and go on straight onto via Roma, for a detour at the Evangelical Church with its particular roof made of multicoloured tiles.
When you get back to the fountain, cross the public gardens to the parish church of Arco, known as the Collegiata. Leaving the church on your left, go around the back of it and on the right you will come to Palazzo Marchetti (famed for its Venetian chimney pots) and the Town Hall. In Piazza 3 Novembre, make sure to take a look at the fountain “del Mosè” and, opposite the church, Palazzo Marcabruni-Giuliani. Leave this building on your right and turn into via Vergolano: on the right hand side of the road you can see the historic building Palazzo del Termine o delle Lega. Keep straight on until you come to the junction with via Fossa Granda, which you follow to the left up as far as the arboretum (Parco Arciducale). To continue, enter the old town of Arco through the Stranfora gate, across the road from the park entrance.
Second Part (the Castle):
In piazza Stranfora turn left and go up via Orbia in the direction of Arco Castle (elevation gain c. 200m.) At the end of your visit, return the way you came as far as the sign for the “Rilke Promenade”, where you take the path through the olive grove, leading first to a panoramic viewing point overlooking the historic centre and then on to piazza San Giuseppe. Here you will find Palazzo Panni, home to the Galleria Segantini. Now follow via Segantini back to Piazza 3 Novembre and from there to the point you started from.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Getting there
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking in Caneve (5 minutes walk to the town centre).
Paid parking: Foro Boario, near the bridge (Via Caproni Maini) or the post office (Via Monache).
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino TREKKING Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
This excursion is quite simple and presents no particular difficulty. However, we still recommend you to wear suitable footwear, a hat, sun screen and sunglasses. And be sure to bring water!
Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
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