Arco

Welcome to Arco: Let's discover it together!

Arco, with its 17,673 inhabitants, is a municipality in the autonomous province of Trento. It is located north of the plain of Alto Garda, the final part of the Sarca river valley that flows into Lake Garda, just 6 km north-northeast of Riva del Garda. Thanks to its position protected by the mountains and its proximity to the lake, this area has a particularly mild climate, which allows the growth of Mediterranean plants. It is therefore not surprising that Arco has been a well-known resort for centuries.

Physical geography of Arco

Arco is located in a truly privileged position, making it a breathtaking landscape to discover. One of the most interesting natural attractions in the area is the Patone cave, an easily accessible horizontal cave. In addition, thanks to the position of the city, it is possible to see the entire valley from above and enjoy a breathtaking view.

Discover Arco: history, monuments and nature.

History of Arco

The origins of Arco date back to the Neolithic period, when various populations inhabited the areas of the plain of the Sarca river. In the twelfth century, the city was occupied by a lordship from Bavaria who conquered the castle. After being looted and burned, the city became the domain of the Visconti, the Scaligeri, and the Republic of Venice. It was then annexed to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and it was only after the end of World War I that it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Symbols of Arco

The symbol of the city of Arco is the coat of arms granted by royal decree on December 29, 1930.

Monuments and places of interest in Arco

The city of Arco has numerous religious and architectural monuments. Among the religious monuments, the Collegiate Church of the Assumption is one of the oldest churches in the area, built on the ruins of the previous Romanesque church. The façade of the church overlooks Piazza III Novembre and was the provisional burial place of Francesco II of the Two Sicilies, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Naples, who died in Arco in 1894. The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. It was built between 1475 and 1492 at the behest of the local count and today, in the cloister, you can still see the arches and some columns with smooth capitals.

Conclusion

Arco is a magical city, full of history, culture, and beauty, where you can enjoy a mild climate, a breathtaking landscape, and an architectural heritage that will leave you speechless. Visiting Arco is an experience you will surely love, so we look forward to showing you everything that this wonderful city has to offer.

Luca Bianchi
Wrote by Luca Bianchi
Updated Friday, Apr 1, 2022