Castelvecchio, Verona

The bridge was most likely built to form an escape route for the Scala family. It was completely destroyed during WW2 in 1945 and reconstructed in 1951. Its a fabulous red colour and you can walk along it.

Lots of art, sculptures and statues. Housed in the Scala family castle and not so much a museum (more art than anything else) I found the actual castle, its architecture and interior areas very interesting in itself as it has been lovingly restored in the 1950s-60s.

6€ entry unless you have the Verona card (which you can also buy here - 10€ for a one day Verona card or 15€ for a 3 day - see general tips for info on the Verona card)

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In the mid 1300's, the Castelvecchio was built for the Scaligeri family - who ruled Verona. This fortified castle along the Adige River was their residence and provided protection for the family; and also provided a quick escape route in case of trouble.

Drawbridge, dry moat, thick walls and clock tower and all the other castle essentials are there for your enjoyment.

The Castelvecchio is now a museum within a museum. You can tour the castle as well as see the art collection housed within.

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The Castelvecchio dates back to the 14th century and it was built for the Scaligeri family, who ruled over Verona during the Middle Ages. In reality, the castle was more like a medieval fortress built to protect the family from their enemies in Venice and also from popular uprisings, complete with a moat (it's now dry), a drawbridge, and a fortified bridge at the back that would allow the Scaligeri to escape in case of attack. The Castelvecchio now houses a really nice art museum, made all the more pleasant to visit since it allows you to explore many rooms of the castle and enjoy some amazing views of the Adige River and Ponte Scaligero. The museum was designed by Carlo Scarpa, an Italian architect who was well known for his ability to integrate historic features into modern designs, and the final result is quite impressive. Once you're done visiting the museum, don't forget to walk across the beautiful Ponte Scaligero and climb up the steps for a great view of the Adige River!

The Castelvecchio museum is included in the Verona Card (closed on Mondays).

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Consider starting at the Arco dei Gavi (Gavi Arch) and making an immediate left before Piazza Bra. Go under the portico, and stop at Savoia. This has to have the best gelato, ice cream in the city of Verona. They have video showing how they make the ice cream. You will not regret it.

Continue down Corso Cavour until you see the structure in front of you. This is Castelvecchio.

The "old castle" is an imposing structure that can be best described as a fortress. From the city side, there is the entrance via a small drawbridge to the Castelvecchio Museum. There is a great deal to explore, both within and without. A good start is just across the small drawbridge, the Castelvecchio Museum.

The museum has a nice courtyard, and there are signficants artifacts, and paintings and frescoes from the 14th century within. There are works by Andrea Mantegna (Holy Family), Pisanello (Madonna with the Quail), as well as paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese.

There is much to be learned about the history of Verona from the palace rooms, the ground floor gallery, and the exhibition of Veronese Painting.

There are original fresco decorations that were part of the original San Martino in Aquara Castle built by Cangrande II della Scala between 1354-1356.

The emphasis of the ground floor gallery are sculptures. The range of these works is between 1179-1335. This includes the Sarcophagus of Satins Serge and Bacchus, and the equestrian statue of Cangrande.

The first floor of the museuem has fourteenth century fresces that have been taken from churches and other buildings of Verona. The second floor is pure Renaissance with paintings by Andrea Mantegna, Jacopo and Giovanni Bellini, and other artists that represented the Venetian School and the Mantegna School.

On the second floor of the gallery, where one can see the statue of Cangrande up close and personal, is an exhibition of fifteenth century Veronese painting.

The castle is surrounded by a moat, and therfore to get to the Scaliger Bridge that spans the Adige River, one has to cross the street, turn left, and look for a long walkway. On certain days you can find strolling musicians. Entering the front or riverside, there are spots to climb and get in a nook and take a neat picture of the person high above you.

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The Della Scala, or Scaliger, family built this castle as a royal residence from 1354 to 1375. They also added the bridge over the Adige River. The Scaligers left the city in 1387, and others took control.

It remained a military fort until right after World War I. Since then, it's been an art museum. This is one of Verona's most distinctive buildings.

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Built between 1355-1375 by Cangrande II, this castle was a defense against the intruders to the area during the many years of warring. The influential Scaligeri family ruled the city from the 13th century, and that continued for 200 years. The crenelated walls are magnificent and very decorative with the curved brick pinnacale. It was situated along the Adige river for protection on one side and access to water and river traffic flow. The Austrians used the site as barracks. The strategic location right on the river is a good defense position. In 1923 and 1965 the castle was restored, and in good shape today.
The museum holds one of the finer art galleries in Veneto region. There is also a lot of statues, ceramics, and gold works. It also has a number of wood works done by a famous (forget me who) artist in 1950's. IN the rear area is armor and armory items for viewing, and a big bell, and frescoes leading unto the wall perimeter. The view form the perimeter top is nice, and you feel like you were there during the hey day of the empire. The castle was restored 1959 through 1973 by architect Carlo Scarpa, and he modified some areas for impact of the museum items to present.
Entry is around 6 Euro-but a Verona card for 11 Euro allows entry to this and many other sites. 9-17 except Monday

the castelveccio was built by cangrande II between 1355 and 1375. this impressive brick fortress now houses an excellent art museum. on display are roman, medieval, and renaissance works of art. the museum has an interesting collection of jewery, armor, and swords.