Castelvecchio Museum of Art

Castelvecchio Museum of Art

Introduction

Built along the Adige River, the Castelvecchio Museum of Art was once a castle symbolizing the Scaliger family, lords of Verona. It was commissioned by Cangrande II in the 14th century. This magnificent structure has withstood the trials of war throughout history, accompanying Verona through generations of rulers — the della Scala family, the Napoleonic Empire, the Austrian Empire, and more. It now serves as the Civic Museum (Museo di Castelvecchio). Crossing a wooden drawbridge, a splendid palace of art immediately comes into view, housing numerous highly valuable art treasures such as Pisanello’s “Madonna,” Carlo Crivelli’s “Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist during the Passion of Christ,” Mantegna’s “Holy Family,” and Veronese’s “The Descent from the Cross.” There are also many precious jewels, weapons, and glassware on display, among which the most noteworthy is the knight statue unearthed from the tomb of Cangrande I.

Extending from the castle across the Adige River is the famous Ponte Scaligero (Scaliger Bridge), built in the 14th century. It was destroyed by Nazi forces during World War II and later rebuilt with funds raised by the citizens. The Scaliger Bridge is an excellent subject for photography and appears in many photographic works or landscape paintings depicting Verona. Transportation

It can be reached by walking west along Via Roma from Piazza delle Erbe for 5 minutes.

Admission/Ticket Hours: €3.10. Open from 8:30 to 19:30

Verona, Italy