Arco

The municipality of Arco is located in the southern part of the Trentino Alto Adige region, between the Sarca River and Lake Garda, a very picturesque area bordering the municipality of Riva del Garda to the south-west and the municipality of Nago-Torbole to the south-east. Arco's geographical position is particularly favourable. Protected by the surrounding mountains and the proximity of the lake, it enjoys a mild climate that favours the growth of typically Mediterranean plants.

In the 12th century, the Arco area was subject to occupation by the Counts of Bogen. This noble dynasty, originally from Bavaria, conquered the castle and later changed its German surname to the Italian 'd'Arco'. The d'Arco family then received an official feudal investiture from the bishop of Trento Altemanno, consolidating their power in the region.

Over the centuries, a series of pillages and fires led to frequent changes of domination. The Visconti of Milan, the Scaligeri of Verona and even the Venetians of the Serenissima Republic of Venice ruled here. Later there was a period of Austrian domination and it was only with the end of the First World War that Arco became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

The tourism sector has long played a primary role in the economy of Arco, which already established itself as a renowned destination for thermal treatments in the 1800s. Agriculture also remains an essential component of the local economy, with the production of olive oil, wine and high quality fruit and vegetables. Retail trade benefits from the large influx of tourists typical of the summer months, while handicrafts keep alive the traditions and cultural identity of the area. Thanks to its privileged position near Lake Garda, Arco is also a well-known location for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

What to see in Arco

The walking tour in the historic center of Arco begins by crossing the bridge over the Sarca river, in the small Piazza San Giuseppe, close to Via G. Segantini. Here stands the entrance to the Palazzo dei Panni, which houses the Arco Civic Library and the Atelier Segantini. The palace, built at the behest of Count Giambattista d'Arco, dates back to the end of the 17th century; on the portal can be seen the coat of arms of the 'd'Arco' family of the Andrea branch. Towards the end of the 18th century, the palace was purchased by Giovanni Battista Marosi of Bolognano, a priest who turned it into a cloth factory, hence the name Palazzo dei Panni. This unusual initiative, which aimed to reduce unemployment and poverty of that period, continued only for a few years. During the 19th century, the palace was used as a fire station, kindergarten and theatre, while in the early 20th century it housed the children of the Istituto della Provvidenza, later changing its name to Palazzo del Littorio. Currently, the Palazzo dei Panni houses the Civic Library dedicated to Bruno Emmert, a well-known bibliophile from Arco, who contributed to enhancing it with an important collection of historical books. A contemporary work depicting Giovanni Segantini, created by sculptor Renato Ischia, is placed in the palace courtyard. On the ground floor are the rooms of the Atelier Segantini, used to host exhibitions of great artistic relevance.

At the end of Via G. Segantini there is Piazza 3 Novembre, surrounded by the ancient palaces of the Counts of Arco: the Palazzo Nuovo, now known as Marcabruni Giuliani, which houses the Municipal Historical Archives, and the Palazzo di Piazza, the current seat of the Town Hall. Here you will also find the Collegiata di Arco church and on the western side, a palace that was renovated according to the design of the famous Trentino architect Giorgio Wenter Marini.

The Collegiata di Arco or Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, is located where a much smaller church once stood. Its name derives from the fact that it was closely linked to a group of priests who led a collegiate life. The construction of the church began in 1613 and continued for several decades. In 1630, the construction was interrupted due to a severe plague epidemic that struck the Arco area. The church was then consecrated on 15 May 1671.

On the eastern side of the Collegiata di Arco stands Palazzo di San Pietro, better known as Palazzo Marchetti. This building also belonged to the Counts of Arco and was later sold in the mid-19th century to Judge Saverio Marchetti. The back of the church faces the public gardens where there is a monument to Giovanni Segantini, the famous painter born in Arco on 15 January 1858.

Walking along the Viale delle Magnolie you will come across Villa Igea and then to one of the most representative buildings in Arco, the Casinò Municipale. Built in Art Nouveau style towards the end of the 19th century, it was the favourite haunt of prominent personalities and Central European businessmen, with its magnificent ballroom, veranda and winter gardens with a gazebo for the orchestra. As a reminder of the popularity of Arco among the notable personalities of that time, a statue of Archduke Albert of Habsburg stands at the end of the avenue. He was a cousin of Emperor Franz Joseph and established his residence in Arco in 1872, at the Villa Arciducale.

The entire historical center of Arco is a maze of alleys and streets, characterised by splendid houses decorated with frescoes and truly suggestive views. Also worth a mention is the splendid fountain located in the heart of the ancient contrada di Stranfora.

Outside the historical center, there is a characteristic path that crosses an olive grove and leads in about 20 minutes' walk to the ruins of Arco Castle. On the highest part of the cliff there is the Renghera Tower, built on the remains of an earlier structure from the Gothic period and so called because inside it was located the 'Renga', the civic bell used to summon the population. The castle then consisted of the Torre Grande, other smaller towers, the dungeons, the cellar, the blacksmith's workshop, the mill, the cisterns and other spaces useful in the event of a siege. In the 17th century, the castle began its decline, but it was the assault in 1703 by the French soldiers of General Vendôme that marked its final abandonment. Restoration work started in 1986 on several structures, the most significant of which is undoubtedly the fresco room. On the walls of this room, some representations of court life were brought to light, with ladies and knights depicted playing chess.

Curious fact- In 1495, the famous German painter, Albrecht Dürer, painted the castle of Arco in a splendid watercolour known as 'Fenedier Klausen', now on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

What to do in Arco

The territory of Arco, lends itself very well to satisfying the needs of all those people who love life in the open air and in harmony with nature. For the sport lovers, and more specifically for those who love cycling, Arco is a true paradise. From here it is in fact possible to cycle along the Basso Sarca cycle path, an enchanting route that follows the course of the Sarca river, the main tributary of Lake Garda. Along the route you can admire breathtaking scenery, with views of the surrounding mountains and pass through picturesque villages and orchards. The cycle path is well signposted, accessible to sportspeople of all ages, and is part of the Alto Garda cycle path network, through which a vast territory can be explored. The Lower Sarca cycle path is not only a route for sportsmen, but also a cultural journey, where you can discover ancient castles, museums and archaeological sites that tell the history of this region. Along the route there are many refreshment points, where it is recommended to stop and taste typical local products, such as Garda wine and olive oil. This cycle path represents a perfect balance between physical activity, relaxation and cultural discovery, making it a perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Remaining instead near the historical center, we recommend a pleasant walk in the public gardens of Arco, where you can admire the majestic Himalayan cedar. Located right in the heart of the gardens, it was planted in 1873 on the occasion of the first convention of the Società Alpinisti Tridentini (SAT). Only introduced to Europe in 1831, the Himalayan cedar is revered and known in India as the 'tree of the gods' or 'sacred Indian fir'.

Another green area that should be visited is the 'Arboreto di Arco', a part of the large park commissioned by Archduke Albert of Habsburg. Dozens of plants have been planted here, including the sequoia, camphor tree and Lawson's cypress. The sequoia in the Arboreto was planted around 1875 and with a height of 31 metres is one of the tallest trees in Europe.

For those who love trekking and more adventurous excursions, we recommend the route that climbs to the summit of Monte Stivo, the tour of Monte Brione with a visit to the Austrian forts, the Marocche di Dro route, the excursion to the Caproni forest, or the excursion to Monte Creino, in the nearby Val di Gresta. Sport climbing also finds in Arco one of its most famous centres, with crags that attract climbers from all over the world. Among the most famous are the Policromuro crag in Massone, known for its technical routes that challenge even the most experienced climbers, or the Calvario crag that offers routes suitable for all skill levels, nestled among the olive trees in the valley leading to Làghel.

Going southwards and following the course of the Sarca River, we arrive at Lido di Arco, where it is possible to practice one of the many water sports that have made Lake Garda a true sailing paradise. There are several sports facilities where it is possible to rent the appropriate equipment, but this area is also popular among those just looking for a bit of relaxation and a nice tan. Arco and the nearby Lake Garda therefore offer a wide range of possibilities, both to those seeking a relaxed holiday and to those looking for a more dynamic holiday in this beautiful corner of Garda Trentino.

Image gallery

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Map of tourist sites

Click on the button below to open the detailed map of Arco, where we have marked the main tourist sights of this place, sorted by typology.

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