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Castle · Malcesine, Vêneto
Castello Scaligero di Malcesine
Castle on a rock by the lake, symbol of Malcesine, with a viewing tower, the Baldo and Garda natural history museum and rooms dedicated to Goethe.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castello Scaligero di Malcesine
The Castello Scaligero di Malcesine stands on a rock that drops directly into the lake, at the tip of the historic centre. The fortification on the site is very old: it passed through Lombards, Franks, the bishops of Verona and the Della Scala family, who gave it its current form and name. Later came Venice, the Visconti, the French and the Austrians. It has been a national monument since 1902.
In 1786, the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stopped in Malcesine during his trip through Italy and began to sketch the castle. Residents suspected he was an Austrian spy, and the episode entered the book Italian Journey. Today the castle has a room dedicated to Goethe and a bust of the writer.
In the old guardhouse near the entrance is the Baldo and Garda natural history museum, about the fauna, flora and geology of the lake and the mountain. There is also a section on fishing in the lake. The visit continues through courtyards, ramparts and the main tower, from which you can see the lake as far as Riva del Garda and the Limone shore.
On the way to the castle, near the harbour, stands the Palazzo dei Capitani, headquarters of the Capitano del Lago, the Venetian representative who governed the Veronese shore. The gardened courtyard faces the water.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 for the museum, the courtyards and the tower.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with the low light over the lake. In winter the opening hours are reduced; check before you go.
How to get there
It is located at the highest point of the historic centre, signposted in all the alleys, a few minutes' walk from the harbour.
Tip
The climb up the tower is by stairs. From the upper terrace you get the best view of the northern lake.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castello Scaligero di Malcesine
What does Goethe have to do with the castle?
In 1786 Goethe was sketching the castle when he was taken for a spy by the locals. He recounted the episode in the book Italian Journey, and the castle has a room dedicated to him.
What's inside the castle?
The Baldo and Garda natural history museum, a section about fishing, the Goethe room, the courtyards, the walls and the tower with views over the lake.
Is the castle open in winter?
It usually has reduced hours out of season. Check the dates and times before you go.