Castello Scaligero and other Malcesine, Italy Things to Do Tips

Castello Scaligero

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This medieval castle dominates the town of Malcesine, towering above the harbour.

Its quite a pleasant walk from the harbour, winding through cobbled, narrow winding streets. (follow the yellow signs).

This fortification dates back to pre-roman times, and has undergone periods of destruction and subsequent re-construction.

The Longobards and Francs used the tower for defence purposes. Following Hungarian invasion, it became part of the Verona Bishops feud.

In the 13th century, the 'Della Scala' family transformed it into a residence, living there from 1277 to 1387. The Visconti family then resided here until 1403.

From 1405 to 1797 it was part of the Serenissima (apart for the 10 years of French ownership 1506-1516)

During Austrian occupation, from 1798 to 1866 the castle became a military garrison, with much restoration and construction work being carried out.

In 1902 Scaligero Castle became a National monument.

Visitors come here for its historical and architectural interest, to visit its museums, but mainly to enjoy its location and stunning views over the Lake and Mountains.

Because of its Romantic location, the Castle is a popular place for wedding ceremonies. During my visit there was a wedding taking place. Weddings

Open April- November 09.30 - 19.30 daily

Winter - 10.00 - 17.00 Saturday, Sunday and holidays

Admission Price - sorry can't remember how much!

Reductions for Senior Citizens and Children

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Phone: +39 045 6570333
Address: 1-37018 Malcesine Verona
Website: www.comunemalcesine.it
Other Contact: biblioteca@comunemalcesine.it

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Things To Do: Castello Scaligero - The Museums

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Updated by suvanki

on Feb 6, 2009

Venetian Palace and Museum

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Your admission price includes entrance to the museums located in the castles grounds.

With my ticket I was given a plan of the castle and booklets on 2 of the temporary exhibitions, one of which was the life size concrete African icons by Sunday Jack Akpan. I'd not heard of this sculpturer before, but was quite impressed by his work. The exhibition here finished in October 2007.

The Museo Castello Scaligero is permanantly housed in the Venetian Palace and has exhibits of Natural History from the Lake Garda and Mont Baldo region.

The museum is surprisingly larger than I'd anticipated. Many of the articles are identified in Italian, English and German. It was also more interesting than I'd expected!

I particularly enjoyed the ethnological section, with its objects that were used in day to day life for the people living and working in the mountain and lakeside villages.

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Phone: +39 045 6570333 TEL + FAX
Address: Via Castello 1-37018 Malcesine
Website: www.comunemalcesine.it
Other Contact: biblioteca@comunemalcesine.it

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Things To Do: Castello Scaligero -The Museums - Goethe Hall

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Updated by suvanki

on Feb 6, 2009

Bust of Goethe Castello Scaligero

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Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe is probably this castles most famous visitor.

During his life changing 2 year Italian Journey (1786-1788), Goethe was forced to land in Malcesine (In the 18th century, the roadway around the lake wasn't constructed, so Goethe left Tobole by sail rigged row boat.)

At this time Malcesine was the frontier between the Austrian Empire and Venetian Republic. Strong winds forced the boat to stay in the shelter of the towns harbour. Struck by the sight of Castello Scaligero, Goethe proceeded to sketch the view. However, this was interrupted by soldiers arresting him for spying - the castle being a military base!

Luckily he was saved partly by his own diplomacy and charm, and by a local man named Gregorio, who had visited Germany.

He told the military leaders that "We should treat him as a friend and set him at liberty, so that he may speak well of us to his countrymen and encourage them to visit Malcesine, whos' beautiful situation so well deserves the admiration of foreigners"

(It's not recorded if Gregorio was planning a chain of hotels, or if he worked for the tourist Office ;-) )

Goethe stayed 2 nights in Malcesine - a plaque outside The Hotel San Marco on the Lakeside commemorates this. He then headed for Verona.

Prior to visiting Malcesine, Goethe had resided in Torbole, where he wrote "Iphigenie'

Whilst here he also stayed one night in an inn which was called Alberto alla Rose. This is now a lakeside appartment, but a plaque outside states that he stayed here the night of September 12th 1786.

In the grounds of the castle is a memorial plaque and bust of Goethe.

In The Goethe Hall , which was once the powder room of the fortress, are sketches, and pieces of writing by Goethe, plus articles about the man who is considered to be the best German writer, and one of the foremost thinkers of the Western world.

Goethes work spans literature, poetry, drama, science, theology, and humanism. Although he commenced studies in law at University, he was diverted by poetry and literature.

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Things To Do: Castello Scaligero- Balcone sul Lago

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Written by suvanki

on Aug 5, 2008

Balcony sul Lago Castello Scaligero

by suvanki

Between the Venetian Palace and Goethe Hall, in the fortress walls is this stone balcony that attracts visitors.
Although perhaps not as famous as the balcony 'down the road in Verona' where Juliet was alleged to have uttered her famous catch phrase, you might still have a wait to take in its view over the lake as its a popular place for couples to take a romantic photo.

Less romantically, this was probably an artillery platform or revelino

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Things To Do: Castello Scaligero - Other things to see and do

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Written by suvanki

on Aug 5, 2008

Exhibition of African icons 2007

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Wandering around the Castle, there are some interesting nooks and crannies. Hidden away are some old frescoes including one of Madonna and Child. In a small yard are some old stone relics including an Etruscan tomb.

While I was there in 2007, there was an exhibition of African icons, shaped from concrete then brightly painted. They are the work of the Nigerian sculptor, Sunday Jack Akpan. At the same time as I was viewing the figures, a wedding party appeared, which was slightly surreal as the party posed for formal shots, near these life size African figures in the grounds of an old Italian castle.

Of interest to many visitors - there is a tower to climb!

Climbing the tower is done by a series of steps and staircases. It is worth the climb for the 360 degree views over Lake Garda and towards Monte Baldo and its cable car, and over the towns roofs. At the top of the tower is a large bell.

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Phone: +39 045 6570333 Tel + Fax
Address: Via 1-37018 Malcesine Verona
Website: www.comunemalcesine.it
Other Contact: biblioteca@comunemalcesine.it

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Things To Do: Palazzo dei Capitani

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Written by suvanki

on Aug 5, 2008

15th Century Venetian fresco

Captains Palace

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This is the ancient residence of the Governor "The Captain of the Lake" and the seat of the Venetian "Gardesana del ' Acqua" who were an autonomous authority for territorial control.

I'd wandered into the entrance hall and the gardens without realising the name of the place. I later realised that this was 'The Captains Palace'

I was quite impressed with the 15th century frescoes that decorate the ceiling of the tunnell like entrance hall, which I think was the Salle del Sadle, or Reunions Hall.

Dominating the fresco is the symbol of Venice - The winged lion of St Mark, standing (en passant) with its paw on an open book showing the inscription 'Pax tibi, Marce, Evangelista meus', which are the words spoken by the angel to greet Mark in his Venetian dream.

The Palace which had originally developed on the site of a Roman palace was reconstructed in the Venetian style in the 15th Century.

Its garden is a pleasant place to view the lake, its waters lap the gardens edge.

The Captains Palace is another popular place for weddings - an alternative to Castello Scaligero. The civil ceremony takes place in a room with Renaissance decoration and antique furniture, with views over the lake.

Free entrance to the Reunions Hall, Garden and library

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Address: Via Capitanato Malcesine
Directions: From the harbour, facing the lake, the road to the Right is Via Capitanato

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Things To Do: Chiesa San Stefano

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Written by suvanki

on Aug 5, 2008

Chiesa San Stefano Malcesine

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