Castello Grimani-Sorlini, Montegalda, Italy

The undisputed symbol of Montegalda is the ancient castle which dominates the entire plain, one lucky survivor of the three manors, two of which stood in Montegaldella and Cervarese S. Croce. The building changed over the years and in the 18th century it was transformed from a military facility into a Venetian villa. Its foundation dates back probably to 1176 but in the courtyard a foundation of the Roman period was found, which anticipates that construction. The castle is undoubtedly impressive, marked by three towers, a keep and the crenellated ring-shaped walls of the Guelph form, which would host the famous 'trabocchetto' (trap door) to thwart the invaders. After the tyrant Ezzelino da Romano in 1300, the domain of the castle passed to the dominion of the Scala family of Verona and later, in 18th century it was transformed into a Venetian villa. The castle of Montegalda now seems to have regained its former glory thanks to a meticulous restoration, reflecting the still incredible charm and mystery.

Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

roberta merola (2 years ago)
I came to visit the castle and on their website it was written that today they would be open from 10 to 12, bitter surprise, after a long journey we found it closed. It didn't take much to update the site.

Tiberiu T (2 years ago)
It is open in the second and last Sunday of the month, in the morning, only for at least 10 people, 20 EUR/person. I wasn't lucky to know and I missed the second Sunday.

Claudio Tonello (3 years ago)
It is a marvel, it must be valued and made known for its beauty and history.

Beppe Ceccon (4 years ago)
Beautiful structure which in fact is an example of stratification of interventions from the third century (it seems) to the Renaissance. Congratulations to the owner who takes care of such a place.

mirella Falchi (4 years ago)
A lovely place!

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

Castello Grimani-Sorlini

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