5. Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia, ex piazza d’Armi

Discover Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia (formerly Piazza d’Armi) in Peschiera del Garda, between Roman ruins, millennial churches, and military architecture.

Entering Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia (formerly Piazza d’Armi) in Peschiera del Garda, immediately to your right you will see the facade of the Church of San Martino.

Overlooking Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia, formerly Piazza d’Armi, in Peschiera del Garda stands the Church of San Martino, whose origins date back to the year 1000, bearing witness to a long continuity of Christian worship in this place. The church is built on a historically significant area, where the ruins of the ancient Temple of Jupiter, dating back to the Roman era, were found. This theory is supported by archaeological excavations conducted in the area, which uncovered Roman remains of the ancient city of Peschiera. The ruins that were found have been dated between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, confirming the historical importance of the area since antiquity.

On the southern side of Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia, formerly Piazza d’Armi, directly in front of you, stands the facade of the ancient Rocca complex.

This imposing and strategic structure underwent numerous military modifications starting from the late Roman period. During the Scaligeri‘s rule, between 1275 and 1385, the Rocca was fortified and adapted to the new defensive needs. The Rocca was then renovated during the Venetian Republic, between 1550 and 1700, when the square became a true Naval Arsenal. The military function of the square and its surrounding buildings was maintained during the Austrian period, with the construction of the structures still visible today.

Piazza Ferdiando di Savoia took on its current appearance during the Austrian era, becoming a focal point where military and civilian architecture intersected. The buildings surrounding the square today tell the story of centuries of history, transformations, and dominations, creating an urban space rich in memory.

From Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia, continue your journey by walking over the evocative Ponte dei Voltoni, the architectural symbol of the city.