The ruins of the Casa della Trota, the former hotel situated at the mouth of the torrent between Riva del Garda and the Ledro Valley, have recently returned to the spotlight. The abandoned building has become a gathering spot for cliff diving enthusiasts, with young people arriving from as far as Germany to jump from its terraces into Lake Garda, sharing videos of their extreme dives on social media.
Access Bans and Hidden Dangers
The building has been abandoned for years and is in an advanced state of decay. Access is strictly prohibited, and the structure is surrounded by fencing, though breaches have unfortunately been created. Beyond the risks posed by the crumbling ruins, the water itself presents hidden dangers: the seabed near the diving points is rocky and dangerously shallow in parts.
From the 18th Century to the Garda Cycle Path
The original core of the building dates back to the 18th century. In the 19th century, the area was reached by the Strada del Ponale, a road carved directly into the rock and opened in 1851 by the entrepreneur Giacomo Cis to connect the Ledro Valley to Riva del Garda.
Looking toward the future, on July 10, 2026, the Autonomous Province of Trento approved the acquisition of the Casa della Trota property for 2.3 million euros. This purchase is fundamental for the Garda Cycle Path project. The new route will avoid a previously planned tunnel, instead passing along a new 300-meter lakefront stretch that connects the sections between the Orione tunnel, the Ponale mouth, and the Titani and Aurora tunnels. Work is scheduled to begin in October 2026, following the end of the tourist season, and will include the restoration of the original 18th-century structure while demolishing later additions and clearing the cliff face.
