Castello di Malcesine

The origins of the castle complex date back a long time, with the castle hill likely serving as a refuge as early as the Bronze and Iron Ages. In the 6th century, the Lombards built a fortress here, which was destroyed by the Franks in 590. Under Charlemagne, it was rebuilt in 774, and Berengar I expanded the complex at the end of the 9th century. In the 12th century, the keep was raised, and in 1145, the castle was granted its own dominion. After an unsuccessful siege by Frederick Barbarossa, it fell to the Scaligers in 1277, who undertook extensive expansions and alterations, transforming the castle into an important customs post. Over the centuries, the Castello changed hands multiple times, including the Visconti, the Republic of Venice, imperial troops, the French, and the Austrians, each making further structural modifications. In 1902, it was declared a national monument and extensively restored in the 1980s.

The castle is perched on a natural hill approximately 100 m above sea level at the northern end of Malcesine's town center, in the province of Verona, Veneto region, Italy. Its location offers a strategic overview of Lake Garda.

The Castello di Malcesine is privately owned. Visitors can explore the complex and discover its various construction phases. Inside, it now houses a natural history museum and exhibition rooms that shed light on the history of the castle and the region.

• Castello Torri del Benaco (Fortress), approx. 20.1 km away
• Castello di Castellano (Castle), approx. 23.0 km away
• Castello di Lazise (Castle), approx. 29.8 km away
• Antike Stadt Sirmio-Grotte di Catullo (Ancient Buildings), approx. 33.4 km away