Welcome to Castelvecchio, or the "Old Castle," the most important military construction built by the Scaliger dynasty in medieval Verona, northern Italy. Constructed between 1354 and 1376 under Lord Cangrande II della Scala on the probable location of an ancient Roman fortress, this powerful red-brick compound offers you a fascinating look at Gothic architecture. As you explore the grounds, you will see a compact structure with very little decoration, featuring seven towers, a superelevated keep known as the maschio, four main buildings inside, and a dry ditch once filled with water from the Adige River.
Be sure to admire the distinct M-shaped merlons running along the castle and bridge walls. The adjoining fortified bridge was created to allow safe escape northwards to the Tyrol during rebellions, later receiving cannons under Venetian rule and undergoing complete rebuilding in 1949 after World War II destruction. Having survived French damage during the Napoleonic Wars when Napoleon stayed here, as well as period use as Austrian barracks, the compound was thoughtfully restored in 1923 and from 1963 to 1965.
Today, you can visit to experience the rich Castelvecchio Museum housed inside this legendary fortress.
What to see at Castelvecchio
- Distinctive red-brick Gothic construction with M-shaped merlons
- Superelevated keep (maschio) and seven surrounding towers
- Fortified bridge over the Adige River rebuilt in 1949
- Castelvecchio Museum housed within the historical buildings
Visiting tips
You can access the local officers' club inside through the left door located on Corso Cavour.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Castelvecchio is easy to reach on Verona’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Verona Arena. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Verona travel guide.
See the full Verona travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.