Soave Castle

Soave, Italy

Soave castle was built in 934 to protect the area against the Hungarian invasions. It was remodelled by Cansignorio of the Scaliger family in the mid-1300s. in 1365 Cansignorio had the town walls erected and the Town hall was built in the same year.

The castle underwent various vicissitudes until, having lost its strategic importance, it was sold on the private market in 1596. In 1830 it was inherited by Giulio Camuzzoni who restored the manor and in particular the surroundings walls (with is twenty-four towers), the battlements and living-quarters.

Soave castle is a typical medieval military edifice, commanding the neighbourhood of the city from the Tenda Hill. It comprises a mastio (donjon) and three lines of walls forming three courts of different size. The outer line, with a gate and a draw bridge, is the most recent, built by the Venetians in the 15th century. It houses the remains of a small church from the 10th century.

The second and larger court, the first of the original castle, is called della Madonna for a fresco portraying St. Mary (1321). Another fresco is visible after the door leading to the inner court, and portrays a Scaliger soldier. The mastio is the most impressive feature of the castle. Bones found within showed it was used also as prison and place of torture.

The House called del Capitano (the Scaliger commander) houses Roman coins, weapons parts, medals and other ancient remains found during the most recent restoration. Adjacent is a bedroom with a 13th-century fresco with St. Mary and Madeleine and a dining room with medieval kitchenware. Another room houses the portraits of the most famous Scaliger figures: Mastino I, Cangrande, Cansignorio and Taddea da Carrara, wife of Mastino II; the portrait of Dante Alighieri testify an alleged sojourn of the poet in the castle.

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Address

Via Mondello 13, Soave, Italy
See all sites in Soave

Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tarang S (8 months ago)
A spectacular historic site that is close to a very nice winery and I stayed there for a night. The streets are calm and quaint and it feels like you are back a few centuries.
Kyle McGuire (10 months ago)
Beautiful town! Toured the castle and grounds- absolutely amazing!
Pertti Hätinen (11 months ago)
Beautiful castle but hard to access. Tickets from gate at top of the hill.
patricia MacMillan (2 years ago)
I have visited many castles but this one was made particularly interesting by the volunteer who very enthusiastically gave us a tour and explain the many stories and anecdotes about it. Worth the visit truly!
Paul Heller (2 years ago)
Really outstanding, hidden gem of a castle, located about 20 minutes from Verona. The town of Soave is enclosed by old walls, whereas the castle is up on the hill. You can either drive or walk to the castle. There is free parking at the top. Castle closed midday and closes early in evening. It's 7eur to enter and highly worth it with amazing views of the town and vineyards, and alps in the distance. We spent about 45 minutes here. Can also climb the tower for superb views. Highly recommend!
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