Veneto

Scaliger Castle on Lake Garda

In the very center of northern Italy in a region called Veneto, on the shores of the picturesque Lake Garda, there is a small commune, Malcesine. The city attracts tourists with bright colors, clean mountain air and stunning lake views. The symbol and the main attraction of this small resort place is the medieval Malcesine Castle. It stands on a steep slope above the lake and is surrounded by beautiful panoramas.

Castle history

According to historical studies, the first building on the site of the modern castle Malcesine was erected back in ancient times (at the end of the 1st millennium BC). Subsequently, already with the advent of the Lombards in Italy, a fortress was built on this site. She has repeatedly undergone global restructuring and reconstruction.

After the Franks, the castle was captured by the Hungarians and for some time belonged to the Bishop of Verona. At the end of the 13th century, it was bought out by one of the Scaliger family - Alberto de Scala. The Malcesine castle belonged to his family for more than 100 years, which is why he got the second name - castle of Scaligero (Castello Scaligero).

Subsequently, the building passed to the Visconti family (Visconti). From them to the Venetian Republic and further under the authority of the Holy Roman Empire until the end of the 18th century. Not long the castle belonged to the French, and after the defeat of Napoleon, it was already Austrians who made a considerable contribution to the restoration of the medieval fortress. In 1866, Italy was unified, and the shores of Lake Garda returned to the Italians. And in 1902, Malcesine Castle was given the status of a national architectural monument.

Scaliger Castle Wedding


In recent decades, holding a wedding ceremony in the castle has become especially popular. The mild climate makes the city a great place to visit at any time of the year. But it is especially good to visit there in spring or autumn. It is not in vain that couples in love from all over the world try to come here just at this time to play a wedding in the romantic scenery of the old castle. At the peak of the wedding season, the castle hosts up to 10 wedding ceremonies per day.

Wedding events can be carried out at one of the three proposed premises. The first, for small receptions, seats about 40 people. This small room offers magnificent views of Lake Garda. The second option is designed for 70 guests. The walls of this hall are decorated with white stone, and it is located in the castle tower. As a third option for a wedding ceremony, a terrace is offered. It is located on the lake side and is capable of marking 80 people.

Museum of Natural History

Today, the Natural History Museum operates on the territory of the castle. It presents visitors with interesting archaeological finds related to the history of the castle and the city as a whole. One of the sections of the museum is dedicated to Johann Goethe.
This famous person visited the city during his travels in Italy from 1813 to 1817. Here you can see the original notes, which describe the castle, accompanied by sketches made by the hand of the famous writer. To sketch a military object at that time, Goethe actually risked his life. Taken as a spy, he was even arrested. But the publication of "Italian Travel" brought the castle of Malcesine European fame.

Museum of the History of Lake Garda and the Baldo Mountain

In May 2008, 9 rooms of the former fortress barracks were occupied by the Museum of the History of Lake Garda and Mount Baldo. The museum operates daily from 9-30 to 19-30. The cost of an adult ticket is 6 euros, children (6-13 years) - 2 euros.

  1. The first hall is called "Depth." It immerses visitors in the very middle of the lake, cutting it off from the outside world and allowing you to look at the largest lake in Italy from a completely different side.
  2. The second room is called "Chronology." It, with the help of special illumination, demonstrates the complete process of the geological formation of Mount Baldo, which took place over billions of years.
  3. The third room is "Lake Stratigraphy". In it you can see the wildlife that surrounded the lake earlier. And in relatively small aquariums there are some species of fish that lived in the lake.
  4. The fourth hall - "In the reeds." It housed lake representatives of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
  5. The fifth hall - "Landscape". Allows you to explore the nature of Mount Baldo.
  6. Sixth Hall - "Restaurant". Allows visitors to relax and unwind while enjoying the original menu.
  7. Seventh Hall - "History". The exposition of this hall presents the works of famous people engaged in research on the shores of Lake Garda and at the foot of Mount Baldo.
  8. The eighth hall - "High mountains". Here are representatives of the mountain fauna.
  9. The ninth hall provides an opportunity to leave a review and express your impressions of viewing the presented expositions.

Up-to-date information on opening hours and cost of visits can be found on the museum’s official website: www.malcesinepiu.org/lake-garda/the-castle.html.

The castle is surrounded by monumental battlements. In the lower part of the fortress, an old amphitheater has been preserved. It often holds chamber concerts. The most beautiful view of Lake Garda and the nearby mountains opens from the balcony of the main 24-meter tower.

Watch the video: The Scaliger Castle Sirmione, Lake Garda, Italy (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Veneto, Next Article

Eurochocolate 2014 kicks off in Perugia
Culture

Eurochocolate 2014 kicks off in Perugia

Chocolate lovers, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Italian branch of paradise for sweet tooth. Eurochocolate is held 21 times in Perugia - one of the largest and most famous chocolate festivals not only in Italy, but throughout Europe. Officially, the "sweetest" event of the year starts today, October 17, and will delight residents and visitors of the city until the 26th of this month.
Read More
Indian Holi festival of colors arrives in Rome
Culture

Indian Holi festival of colors arrives in Rome

The world famous music festival of colors HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLORS will finally be held in Rome on June 14, 2014. Are you ready for a burst of color? In India, one of the most ancient holidays of Hindu mythology is traditionally celebrated. In the days after the first full moon of the month, Phalgun (or Phalgun), usually in February-March, a real carnival takes place, in which the main role is played by multi-color man-made clouds made of paints and water.
Read More
"Girl with a Pearl Earring" caused a stir in Bologna
Culture

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" caused a stir in Bologna

An art exhibition dedicated to the Golden Age of Dutch painting has opened in Bologna. Despite the richness of the exposition, the "Girl with a Pearl Earring" became a real icon of the exhibition. More than one hundred thousand people have already purchased tickets for the exhibition, just to look at it. Vermeermania in Bologna Mass psychosis on the "Girl with a Pearl Earring" The exhibition in the Palazzo Fava opened yesterday, February 8, and will last until March 25.
Read More
An exhibition of monsters in Rome has opened: from the Minotaur to aliens
Culture

An exhibition of monsters in Rome has opened: from the Minotaur to aliens

Want to go on a journey into the world of ancient fears and myths? An exposition opens in Rome, combining for the first time sculptures of monsters and fantastic characters created at all times and from all kinds of materials. Unreasonable fears, the depths of the underworld, hidden threats, witchcraft, deadly temptations, a hidden world of water depths, gloomy abysses of darkness ... for centuries, our anxieties and fears have generated many monsters.
Read More