Castle of Malcesine — Attraction in Malcesine

Scaliger Castle of Malcesine is a captivating medieval fortress perched on the Veronese side of Lake Garda. Let me share some intriguing details about this historical gem:

Historical Overview:

The castle’s origins trace back to the last centuries of the first millennium B.C., although some sources suggest that the Lombards built it around the mid-first millennium A.D.

Destroyed by the Franks in 590 A.D., it was later rebuilt.

In 806, King Pepin visited the castle during his trip to Malcesine.

From 1277 to 1387, the Scaliger family controlled and renovated the fortress, earning it the name “Scaliger Castle.”

The House of Visconti occupied it from 1387 to 1403.

The Republic of Venice held sway from 1403 to 1506, followed by the Empire.

Ownership changed hands several times, including French and Austrian control.

Since 1866, it has been under Venetian ownership.

In 1902, the castle was declared a national monument.

Panoramic Views:

Beyond its cultural significance, the castle offers breathtaking vistas. From the Rivellino platform and the tower, visitors can savor a 360-degree panorama of Malcesine, etching memories that endure forever.

Exploring the Castle:

Casermetta: On the left as you enter, this housed the castle guard.

Natural History Museum: Located on the lower ground floor and ground floor, it underwent refurbishment in 2008. The museum now offers an interactive multimedia experience, engaging all five senses.

First Floor: Exhibits and wedding ceremonies take place here.

Goethe Room: Once an Austrian gunpowder magazine, it now displays sketches of the lake and castle drawn by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe during his Italian Journey.

Balcony: At 24 meters high, it provides a stunning view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Garden: Here, you’ll find Goethe’s bust, inviting contemplation.

If you ever find yourself near Lake Garda, don’t miss the chance to explore this enchanting...

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We visited Malcesine on 20 August 2017.

The Scaliger Castle in Malcesine represents one of the most iconic images on Lake Garda.

However, when you visit it, it also offers the most spectacular views in all directions along Lake Garda, particularly to Riva in the North and Limone to the West, but also to Monte Baldo reached by cable car above and to the East and also to the South of the lake.

This is a beautiful castle and well worth a visit. The castle grounds and buildings are stunningly beautiful. It seems that weddings often take place here and one was just finishing when we arrived. What a stunning place for your wedding ceremony!

There is the obligatory tower to climb, which offered some of the best views. Careful when you get to the top, as the bell is fully working and chimes the time. This quite startled a small boy who was inspecting the bells while we were there.

There were some museum spaces to view. We didn't spend a lot of time doing this. We had a quick look at an exhibition devoted to Goethe who had visited Malcesine. There was also a little exhibition about a series of pirate films that had been shot on the lake in the 1960's which was fun.

For us though it was the beauty of the grounds and the stunning views which made this such a special...

The building is extraordinary as the surrounding areas. However our visit was a disaster due the staff. We attend the place Friday 02/08/24 when opening in the morning so we did not have to wait much. We bought tickets together with virtual visit (intelligent glasses), which in my case worked properly. However for my wife and my older son it was not working. The lady at the reception was very unpleasant (Yes!!!! I've found a not sympathisch italian. They exist!!!!!). She was full of irony's comments, unhelpful and complaining all the time she was placed there by the major, and that was not her place. Besides her, there was another unpleasant Italian (Yes!!! Two at the same time and same place). The poor man could hardly speaks in his own mother tongue, and looks like more to be a bizantine warrior than anything else. All the couple did was to replace one intelligent glasses for another one and the problems persists. You can not give a state of the art equipment to unqualified staff. You need technical qualified support and maintenance. You can not give a Ferrari to be managed by a child. Finally , when we were leaving the building, the bizantine warrior appears and stay all time with us until we delivered the glasses back, as we were maybe thinking keeping the glasses with us...