Tour of Castle in Verona Italy, now Castelvecchio Museum

We made an hour’s stopover at Castelvecchio, Castle in Verona, now a Museum. This Verona castle was the home of Verona’s ruling Scaligeri family during the 14th century. Castelvecchio translates to old castle. I wonder if it was known by this name when it was built or this is a newly acquired name. Considering that it was built in 14^th century, I guess, this Castle Verona Italy got addressed thus.

Castelvecchio Verona Castle and Museum

Well the word castle conjures up beautiful fairy tale like images in mind, but in reality this grand old monument doesn’t have that many ornamental decorations to boast of. However it looks sturdy and bulky fit for a king’s stay and his protection. The castle houses a museum of beautiful medieval artwork.

The castle is large and you can walk into the gardens and around some parts for free however you need to take tickets to visit the museum, but it is included in the Verona Pass. More about the museum as you read further.

Castelvecchio Verona Castle and Museum – The interior of the Castle

The Captivating History of Castle Verona Italy

The rugged façade of Castelvecchio Verona, a medieval fortress, I read up, is steeped in history. A Roman Fortress existed on this very place where the castle stands today. Fast forward many centuries, the castle we get to see today was built in the 14th century by the powerful Scaligeri family. It served as a symbol of their authority and strategic stronghold.

In the year 1350 Lord Cangrande II della Scala built this castle as a defence to attack by competing enemy neighbors like the Sforzas and Gonzagas and the city state of Venice.

Throughout its storied history, Castle Verona Italy played a pivotal role in the region’s conflicts and power struggles. From battles fought during the Middle Ages to the Renaissance era, the fortress stands as a witness to centuries of events and Verona’s turbulent past. Its imposing structure and defensive design carries within its walls the secrets of the past and showcases the military prowess of the time.

Walking through the fortress’s corridors and courtyards, I could see for myself the architectural grandeur of Castelvecchio. Its sturdy towers, imposing battlements, and fortified walls tell tales of an era long gone. From one of the windows I saw the bridge spanning the Adige River, known as the Castelvecchio Bridge, a testament to the engineering brilliance of its time.

River Adige in Verona

Verona Castle of Scaligeri Family

Castelvecchio served as both a defensive fortress and a symbol of power for the influential Scaligeri family, who ruled over Verona during the Middle Ages. The fortress was strategically positioned, overlooking the bustling city and providing a vantage point to keep a watchful eye on potential threats.

The commanding architectural features are hard to ignore. The sturdy towers stood tall, their crenelated battlements evoking images of knights and battles. The inner courtyard, with its elegant arches and graceful porticoes, exuded a sense of grandeur. I tried to imagine the bustling life that once filled these spaces. How thrilling!

The city of Verona flourished during this Scaligeri family’s rule. As we walked in to the square compound made out of red bricks, a classic example of Gothic architecture, I could sense the medieval era suspended and caught within the walls. The ‘M’ shaped merlons running along the castle gave a magical fairytale look to the Castelvecchio. The rooms of the castles are now used to display an amazing collection of art and antiquities.

During World War II bombings, this castle was severely damaged. It was repaired and restored in 1960s and walking through the castle doors gave a feeling of walking through mystery, mood, love and history. The yard is nicely decorated and large. On one side is the castle and on the other is the art museum.

Castelvecchio Verona Castle – Between the castle walls

The rooms had original religious artwork of exceptional quality. Original Roman friezes adorned the original wall.

Peeping out of the windows we saw the Adige river flowing by a silent witness to all that has happened for centuries. There are seven towers in the castle along with a maschio, a super elevated keep. Inside we toured the four main buildings. When the castle was first built, the moat around it was filled with water from the nearby Adige.

Castelvecchio Verona Castle Architecture – Passage on Castle top.

We got incredible views from the top walkways, all brick and stone built. From the windows of the castle the Skaliger Bridge too was visible. It was built around the year 1354 by Lord Cangrande II in order to facilitate escape from his fortress. You can read more about the bridge here: Scaliger Bridge in Verona.

Museo di Castelvecchio

Castelvicchio Museum Architecture

Architect Carlo Scarpa made Castelvecchio museum by restoration of part of the castle from 1959 until 1973. Scarpa’s unique architectural style is preserved well and can be seen in the various details of the furnishings, staircases and doorways of the museum. Don’t miss to see the fixtures that hold the pieces of art.

Verona museum sculptures

Castelvecchio Museum Exhibits

The Castelvecchio Museum, nestled within the fortress, housed a treasure trove of art and artifacts. Each painting and sculpture held a tale of its own, speaking of the Renaissance masters who once graced Verona with their talents. From the delicate brushstrokes of Paolo Veronese to the intricate sculptures of Bartolomeo Rizzo, the museum’s collection painted a vivid picture of Verona’s artistic heritage.

We saw a good collection of gold works, ceramics, ancient weapons, paintings, statues, sculptures and even old bells. Most of the sculptures date back to the Romanesque period. There are works by Tintoretto, Veronese, Andrea Mantegna, and Pisanello. The frescoes and paintings from the 14^th century are truly mesmerizing. Most of the artwork of that period were based on religious themes.

Verona Museum Paintings Collage

Castle Verona Italy Practical Information

Location: It is located along the Adige River, near the Castelvecchio Bridge.
Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
Coordinates: 45.44013652172348, 10.987656753970702

How to reach Castle in Verona, Italy
Follow these directions:
By Air: If you’re arriving by air, the closest airport is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to reach the city center of Verona.
By Train: Verona has excellent rail connections, and the Verona Porta Nuova train station is well-connected to major cities in Italy and Europe. Once you arrive at the train station, you can take a taxi, hop on a bus, or walk to Castelvecchio, which is located in the city center.
By Bus: Verona has an efficient local bus network that can take you to Castelvecchio. You can check the bus routes and schedules to find the one that stops closest to the fortress. Typically, bus lines C1, C2, and C3 are convenient options.
By Car: We reached Castelvecchio Museum in Verona by car from Venice. Verona is easily accessible via the A4 motorway. There are parking facilities available near Castelvecchio, such as Parcheggio Arsenale or Parcheggio Centro.
Once you arrive near Castelvecchio Museum, follow the signs or use a map/navigation app to guide you to the fortress.

Timings and Tickets to Museum
Visit to the castle in Verona is free but you need tickets to visit the museum.
Open from Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 7 PM. A full ticket costs € 6 while a concessionary one costs € 4.50, for groups over 15 people, students aged 14 to 30 and for those over 60. You can book online tickets and skip the line.

No headsets were available when I visited but there were description cards in each room. Keep your ticket handy as you walk through you’ll need to show it upstairs at the highly valuable art level.

FAQ about Castelvecchio Verona

What is Castelvecchio famous for?

Castelvecchio is famous for the castle and the most important museum in Verona. The Castelvecchio Museum (Civic Museum) restored by architect Carlo Scarpa, exhibits Medieval and Renaissance sculpture and has a rich picture gallery, ancient bronze bells, jewelry, weapons and armor.

What is Castle Verona Italy made of?

The Castelvecchio (Old Castle), an imposing military structure from the 14th-century, is composed of bricks of a soft red. It stands along the Adige River on the west side of the historic center of Verona.

How old is the Castle Verona Italy?

Castelvecchio is seven centuries old. It was built in 14th century (1355) by the Della Scala family, the ruling dynasty of Verona in the middle age.

Is Verona an Old City?

Verona exists from ancient times. The historic city of Verona was founded in the 1st century B.C.

Parting Thoughts

Today, Castelvecchio Verona stands not only as a historical landmark but also as a captivating destination for visitors seeking to uncover the secrets of the past. Its history, art collections, and strategic significance make it a must-see attraction for those exploring the rich heritage of Verona.

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