The Battle of Rivoli 14 January 1797

Rivoli Veronese: c. 2,000 inhabitants; 30 km from Verona, 65 km from Trent.

Museo Napoleonico: The battle museum’s several artefacts including old maps, proclamations, plastic models, and archaeological findings make it an interesting place to visit.

Forte di Wohlgemuth: The imposing fortress of Rivoli is of later date and therefore had nothing to do with the fighting in 1797. It is open to the public though and its northern walls offer an undisturbed view of the Rivoli amphitheatre.

Mt. Magnone: Apart from being integral to the fighting, Mt Magnone offers beautiful views of the Adige valley and the Rivoli battlefield. The path leading to its southern peak is accessed via the old highway, the Pontare.

Church of Rivoli: When Bonaparte arrived in Rivoli at 2am on 14 January, only a few hours before the battle commenced, he found Joubert, the commander of Rivoli until then, in the local church. Open to the public.

Village of Ceraino: The Austrian General Vukassovich positioned artillery on the left bank of the Adige at Ceraino in support of the columns that were to climb out of the valley. The ground in front of Ceraino offers a perfect view ofthe valley outlet, revealing the strategic importance of Mt. Magnone and the Trombasore heights.

The Pontare highway: Driving up or down the old highway, the Pontare, connecting the Rivoli plateau with the Adige valley, is essential when exploring the battlefield: this was the sunken road, or gorge as some historians have called it, that saw some of the fiercest fighting.

Napoleonic monument: In 1806 Bonaparte had a monument raised on the battlefield of Rivoli. Although the Austrians in tore down the column when passing through in1814, the secluded monument, or what is left of it, is still worth a visit.