Scaliger Castle
Type: Palaces and Castles
Town: PONTI SUL MINCIO
The Scaliger Castle, built between the thirteenth and fourteenth century, dominates the Mincio valley from the top of the hill, with its charming and unaffected majesty, typical of medieval fortifications.
It was built in a strategic position probably after the seizure of power in Verona by Mastino I della Scala around 1260 and then became an important manor for Scala family’s defensive system that included the buildings in Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda, Monzambano and Valeggio sul Mincio.
Two drawbridges led to the fortress, while a third, still existing, leads to the Castle. You can still see the ancient Torre Tonda -Round Tower- with guelph merlons. This horseshoe-shaped building, that creates an even more defensive fortification, dates back to the tenth century.
In 1117 a violent earthquake shook northern Italy and struck most of the buildings, leaving only the Round Tower intact. The boundary wall is being restored and will soon be walkable.
