Bastione, 16th-century fortress in Riva del Garda, Italy

The Bastione is a ruined Venetian fortress on the slope of the Cima Sat above Riva del Garda. Its core is a three-storey round tower of white limestone blocks, about three metres thick at the walls, with a walled forecourt and remains of a southern annex. Gun embrasures face the valley; the main entrance lies on the mountain side, and the stone coat of arms of Bishop Georg III von Neideck decorates the upper east wall.

Construction of the Bastione began in late 1507 under the Republic of Venice, represented in Riva's council by Marco Renier, to cover the town against attacks from the north. It never served that purpose: after the Battle of Agnadello in May 1509 the fortress passed to Georg III von Neideck, prince-bishop of Trento. French troops under General Vendôme mined and blew it up on 12 October 1703 during the War of the Spanish Succession.

The name Bastione comes from the round tower built of large white limestone blocks. On the upper outer wall of the east side is the stone coat of arms of Bishop Georg III von Neideck, who took the fortress in 1509. Consoles on the north and east rims mark where balconies once stood, suggesting the tower was originally taller.

A paved path climbs from Riva del Garda's historic centre in several hairpins, taking about 20 minutes on foot. Since 2020 an inclined lift carries up to 17 people to the Bastione in three minutes, replacing the old chairlift; one of its chairs still hangs in the former mountain station, now an inn.

The round tower's upper wall carries the stone coat of arms of Bishop Georg III von Neideck, who took the fortress in May 1509 after the Battle of Agnadello. Corbels on the north and east rims show the tower was once taller than it appears today.