Malcesine Castle – a building rich in culture and history

History and description

Probably dating back to the 5th century, the castle was later destroyed by the Franks and rebuilt before becoming, between the 13th and 14th centuries, the possession of the Della Scala family, the Visconti, the Republic of Venice, and eventually the Habsburgs, who transformed it into a military barracks. It was later converted into a museum and, since 1902, has been recognized as a national monument. The castle features numerous interior rooms, including the Sala delle Galee and the Sala Goethe, a pentagonal tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the so-called Rivellino, another panoramic terrace often used today for civil weddings.

Curiosities

The castle is closely linked to the figure of Goethe, who was once suspected of being an Austrian spy. It also preserves symbols of the Scaligeri’s power, such as swallowtail battlements.

Access

The fortress is open daily, with the option of guided tours, and can be visited at the cost of €6, with free entry for residents and specific reductions available.

How to reach it

Located in the historic center of the town, the castle can be reached by car via the A22 motorway with nearby parking, by train from Rovereto station, by ferry, or on foot.

A true testimony to the city’s residential and later defensive history, Malcesine Castle is a site rich in culture and heritage, set in a breathtaking landscape and absolutely unmissable.

Cover photo credits: Wikipedia, Falk2 licensed by CC BY-SA 4.0