Chiesa dell’Inviolata

Overview

The Church of Santa Maria Inviolata is considered one of the most important Baroque buildings in Trentino and one of the most beautiful churches in the entire Alpine region. Consecrated in 1636, it stands in the centre of Riva del Garda and is surprising for the decorative richness of its interior, in stark contrast to the sobriety of the exterior façade.

History and Architecture

Construction of the church began in 1603 at the behest of the community of Riva, who wanted to build a place of worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Work continued for several decades, with the consecration taking place in 1636. The adjoining convent housed the fathers of the Congregation of the Oratory. Over the centuries, the church has retained its decoration intact, making it an extraordinary document of 17th-century sacred art.

The church has an octagonal plan, a rare and refined architectural design that distinguishes it from any other religious building in the area. The interior is a triumph of gilded stucco, polychrome marble, frescoes and canvases covering every surface. The dome, frescoed with sacred scenes, crowns the space with an effect of great Baroque theatricality. The stuccoes are the work of Davide Reti, while the frescoes are attributed to various artists active in 17th-century Trentino.

Practical Information

Admission is free and the church can be reached on foot from the centre of Riva in 3 minutes. A typical visit takes about 20 minutes to appreciate the interior decorations and artistic details.

Tips for Visitors

The church is particularly impressive in the morning hours, when the natural light illuminates the gilded stuccoes. The Church of the Inviolata is located a short distance from the Torre Apponale and the MAG Museo Alto Garda. A walk to the Venetian Bastion completes the discovery of Riva’s historical heritage.