Museum of Castelvecchio

The Castelvecchio Museum in Verona is one of Italy’s most prestigious and fascinating museums, located inside the historic Scaliger fortress. Built between 1354 and 1356 by Cangrande II della Scala, the castle was designed as a mighty stronghold along the Adige River, defending the city. The original structure, with its imposing keep, towers, drawbridge, and armory courtyard, showcases the engineering and military skills of the Scaliger era. Over the centuries, the castle underwent numerous transformations. During the Napoleonic occupation in 1805, it was converted into a barracks, a function it maintained under Austrian and Italian rule. It was only in 1925 that the castle was designated as a museum, beginning a new era of conservation and enhancement of Veronese artistic heritage. One of the most significant interventions in the museum’s history was the restoration and exhibition design by architect Carlo Scarpa between 1958 and 1974. Scarpa, with his innovative and respectful approach to the ancient, transformed the castle into a modern museum, integrating exhibition spaces with a unique architectural vision. He used materials such as tuff and marble to create supports and frames that enhanced the exhibited works, while still keeping visible the historical traces of the building. Scarpa masterfully combined medieval elements with modern interventions, creating a continuous dialogue between past and present. The Castelvecchio Museum houses a rich collection of medieval, Renaissance, and modern art. The 29 exhibition rooms feature paintings, sculptures, weapons, archaeological finds, and decorative artifacts, offering a comprehensive overview of Veronese artistic production from the 12th to the 18th century. Among the most significant works are paintings by artists such as Pisanello, Andrea Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Paolo Veronese, and Tintoretto. The Pinacoteca, located in the Reggia wing, displays Venetian works from the 13th to the 16th century, with an exhibition that highlights the quality and beauty of the paintings. One of the museum’s most famous pieces is the equestrian statue of Cangrande I della Scala, one of the most representative works of 14th-century Veronese art. The statue, originally placed on Cangrande’s tomb at the Church of Santa Maria Antica, is now exhibited in the museum, where it can be admired in all its splendor. In addition to the permanent collections, the Castelvecchio Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, further enriching its offerings. The museum also hosts conferences, educational workshops, and activities for both adults and children, with the aim of promoting knowledge and appreciation of Veronese art and history. A visit to the museum also offers the opportunity to explore the castle itself, with its towers, walkways, and hanging gardens, which offer splendid panoramic views of the city and the Adige River. The museum complex also includes the Scaliger Bridge, a magnificent example of medieval military engineering, connecting the castle to the opposite bank of the river.