From the top of the hill, the Scaliger Castle dominates Valeggio and the Mincio Valley with its unchanged and fascinating Medieval impressiveness.
Its most ancient part was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1117; only the Round Tower, a particular horseshoe-shaped building dating back to the 10th century, remained standing.
In 1285, the Lords of Verona, called Scaligeri, rebuilt and fortified the Castle of Valeggio sul Mincio, which was located in a strategic place for the defense of their borders.
The part you can visit nowadays was called “rocca” (fortress) and it had two entrances through two drawbridges. By a third drawbridge, the only one you can still see today, the visitor could get into the widest part of the building, called “castello” (castle), and now you can find only the ruins of its side-walls. In the inner area stands a private villa, built in the first years of the 20th century.
A lot of shows and film projections take place in summer inside the inner courtyard.
From the center of Valeggio sul Mincio, along via San Rocco, you get into via degli Scaligeri, a small uphill street with a marble roadway.
From Borghetto, near the parking area of the old train station, a stair-step path goes up the hill till the castle. It is unadvised for people having difficulties of movement.
Free access to the square. For the visit to the Tower and the parapet walks: only on Sundays and holidays, 9:30 am – 12:30 am and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Entry ticket: € 2.00.
Free access to the square. For the visit to the Tower and the parapet walks: only on Sundays and holidays, 9:30 am – 12:30 am and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Entry ticket: € 2.00.