The Bastion
The Bastion
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
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About
The Bastione, a tower of grey stone, located at the foot of Mount Rocchetta, is one the symbols of Riva del Garda, overlooking the city and Lake Garda. It was built in the early XVI century, just after the end of Venetian domination over Riva. It was destroyed in 1703 by the French troops under leadership of general Vendôme, who mined the main body thus rendering it unusable. It’s a few minutes walk from the port of Riva, along a road that winds through the black pinewood of the lower Rocchetta. The path then rises further to the chapel of St. Barbara on the mountainside (610m) and the Rocchetta itself (1520m). The Bastione has recently been restored. Visitors may see the imposing external bodywork and what is left of the inside from a winding staircase. The locations enjoys an excellent view.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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4.5
978 reviews
Excellent
534
Very good
362
Average
66
Poor
9
Terrible
7

Luac84
Brighton, UK531 contributions
Apr 2022
Super walk up to the bastion from Riva.

The grey stone bastion, on the slopes of The grey stone bastion, on the slopes of Mount Rocchetta, was built to ensure greater safety for the village below and its people at the start of the 16th century, after the end of the Venetian rule in Riva. It was destroyed in 1703 by the French troops, who mined the central body and thus made the fort useless., was built to ensure greater safety for the village below and its people at the start of the 16th century, after the end of the Venetian rule in Riva. It was destroyed in 1703 by the French troops, who mined the central body and thus made the fort useless.

There is a funicular to the Bastion but we decided to walk, the path is nice and flat so is easy to walk. The zig zagging path can be a little steep in some areas but if you go early and take your time its a nice gentle walk.

Once you have reached the top you get spectacular views over Riva.

If you are feeling super fit (we weren't but did it anyway) keep going onto Santa Barbara you you will feel like you are on top of the world !!!
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Yas46
Adliswil, Switzerland828 contributions
Oct 2021
We went up the funicular one way and walked back down. We walked to experience the funicular but decided with the cost that we would walk down. Relatively easy walk but is steep.

We went up at 2.30 and the restaurant does not serve after that time-seems crazy considering it is a tourist attraction!

The menu looked good but all we could have was a couple of dry cakes. However, as the Italians do so well, the waiter gave out some "nibbles" with our coffees and drinks which were very generous and welcome.

I would definitely recommend this for the views.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Ambassador76238
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Lovely place to have a drink with great views. We used the panoramic lift for a small charge but you can walk up. Clean and modern restaurant with a breathtaking terrace to take in the views of Riva and beyond.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

TerryandJane
Torquay, UK449 contributions
Jul 2022
Expecting the normal cheap and cheerful fare from a restaurant up a mountain by a funicular we were surprised when visiting for lunch at the class and sophistication of The Bastian.
Quality bar, great music and a very up market fine dining evening menu with plenty of foams, crumbs, drizzles and cremes. So appertising that we booked to return for dinner the same night.
First downside when returning that evening, the funicular ticket is for one journey only so we had to pay another 14 euros just to get there and they don't cover or contribute to the cost if you have dinner with them, so essentially a 14 euro admission fee!
Service was friendly but dissapointing. Wine we had ordered to compliment each course failed to arrive with the food which itself arrived erratically. My wife, for example, had a smoked fish dish main which arrived with great showmanship and clouds of theatrical smoke. Great. Sadly it was another 5 minutes before my pasta dish arrived leaving her to choose to either eat alone or sit looking at her food go cold.
A side order of grilled vegetables took another couple of minutes. This is basic stuff and shouldn't happen anywhere but especially not when paying these prices.
The food itself? It was okay. It read better on the menu than tasted on the plate. Wine was, I think, expensive at an ave of about 70euro a bottle, especially as it was all local wine and not that great.
Whilst in Riva we ate better for a lot less down in the town, BUT, the view as the sun goes down and the town lights up below is amazing and probably as good as any view from any restaurant anywhere. That's pretty much the main reason to go and could be enjoyed by just going up for a cocktail from the bar, sitting on the seperate terrace.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

helen_of_bath
UK25 contributions
Sep 2021
Restaurant with amazing terrace at the top of a short funicular. Incredible views across the lake - shaded or sunny (go for an earlier lunch, to still catch the sun) to suit all needs - and 'one of the best burgers' my husband has ever had! Very friendly and efficient service, in a sleek modern environment. Plus a little historical tour round the tower, before walking or catching the funicular down.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Chee Eng L
United Kingdom16 contributions
Jan 2023
Excellent view at the Bastion.
We had quite a nice walk up to the Bastion and wandered around. This was during winter (Jan 2023) with hardly any footfall except for less than 10 trekkers we met along the way.
I also read somewhere that you had to pay to enter/ climb the stairs in the Bastion but when we were there, the gate was unmanned and could be opened. Even so, there wasn't much inside except for the nicer view from within the Bastion.
It was low season, so the cafe was not open.
We walked further up to Santa Barbara Chapel with an even more amazing view! This chapel is lighted up at night and can be seen from the ground on Riva del Garda (which incurred our curiosity 1-2 nights before). So it was really nice to be able to hike up to the chapel to discover this.
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Andy B
London, UK76 contributions
May 2022
A nice lift style cable car that climbs to provide a good view over Riva Del Garda. Not the highest you will ever go but does provide a good panorama. Little cafe at the top which can get busy but we got a seat ok. Not much else to see up there unless you want to go off walking which we didn't. Was however worth the trip. Possibly have been spoilt with other cable cars and lifts around the region which are more impressive in my view.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

karen c
London, UK50 contributions
Jun 2022
Having visited Riva del Garda many times in the past, this was new to us this year. It was 14 Euros return up the funicular railway. A very steep ride up the face of the cliff but well worth the effort. The views just get better the higher up you go! But not for those who don't have a head for heights.
Once app there the bar / restaurant was modern, clean and had great outdoor seating areas.Great drinks and cocktails and casual dining. You can also climb up un to the ruined castle and have a look around. Highly recommended
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Janet R
Burgess Hill, UK202 contributions
Sep 2020
An easy walk up to The Bastion as the funicular wasn't open till 11. Fantastic views from the top with a very nice cafe where you can get good coffee and admire Riva from on high.
Be careful to check what time the funicular opens, on the day we went it wasn't till 11 as it was closed for maintenance. Very busy by the time we left.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

T88L
212 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We took funicular ride to visit Bastion. Amazing view at lake Garda and beautiful Riva del Garda.
We haven’t been visited the restaurant at the top. But don’t miss this funicular ride, it’s great experience.
And 5€ (round ride) per person is totally affordable.
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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The Bastion (Riva Del Garda) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Bastion

The Bastion is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM