Castello di Malcesine

The castle hill likely served 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 expansions and alterations, transforming the castle into a customs post. The Castello changed hands multiple times, including the Visconti, the Republic of Venice, imperial troops, the French, and the Austrians, each making structural modifications. In 1902, it was declared a national monument and restored in the 1980s.

The castle is 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.

The Castello di Malcesine is privately owned. Visitors can explore the complex and discover its construction phases. Inside, it now houses a natural history museum and exhibition rooms.