La Rocca d’Anfo
As soon as you climb the first flight of stairs, you step into the history of the Rocca d’Anfo. A leap into the past that laid its foundations in the twelfth century and still shows its impressive side today. A visit to the Rocca d’Anfo which rises above Lake Idro is certainly something you will not forget.
The history of the Rocca in brief
The Rocca has three important periods that have made the fortress what it is today. The first is the Venetian era, in the mid 1400s AD. The Rocca had an important role in terms of trade routes from the rest of Europe as people were obliged to pass through it.
Napoleone Bonaparte
In 1798 Napoleone Bonaparte made his move. Under his supervision, the Rocca was extended, and the ‘Fortezza Napoleonica’ clearly shows the difference between the Venetian style, two completely different building styles that run into each other. In order to be able to observe the whole valley and to signal the enemy in time, Napoleon had an observatory built above the Rocca. To get there, you only have to climb 400 steps! But once at the top……
Garibaldi
During the Austrian domination, the Rocca loses its strategic value. In 1866, Garibaldi decides to use the fortress as his main base. Several other buildings, such as the “Caserma Zanardelli” and the “Batteria Statuto” were built to strengthen the border control between Austria and Italy. There were also several changes made to the existing buildings.
Until 1975, the Rocca was still ‘active’ as a military base of the Italian army. After that, unfortunately, it became a deserted fortress and vandals and thieves had a field day.
The Rocca d’Anfo now
Since 2015, the Rocca d’Anfo is fortunately open to the public again. Fortunately I say because this piece of history really shouldn’t be forgotten. A visit to the Rocca d’Anfo is a mix between history, a clever piece of architecture, and panoramic views of Lake Idro and its surroundings.
A few tips! Take enough to drink because it is quite a climb and you cannot refill your water bottle on the way. For children under 5/6 years old, I don’t recommend the long tour (there are three different tours). If you don’t like small spaces, don’t go to the observatory. To get there, you have to go through narrow and dark passages. Wear good shoes and bring a jumper. Inside the buildings it is quite chilly.
And then… enjoy, listen to what the guides have to say. Listen to what the Rocca has to say.
I would like to thank our guide Sara. She gave us a beautiful experience with enthusiasm and passion.
Info & Tickets
Valle Sabbia e Lago d’Idro
Agenzia territoriale per il turismo
Caserma Zanardelli-Rocca d’Anfo – SS 237, 25070 Anfo BS – Tel. +39.3756221121 | E-mail: info@vallesabbia.info
www.roccadanfo.eu
