A gorgeous medieval castle now home to paintings by Renaissance masters from Venice and Verona
A five-minute walk west of the Arena amphitheater on the Via Roma and nestled on the banks of the swift-flowing Adige River, the "Old Castle" is a crenelated fairy-tale pile of brick towers and turrets, protecting the bridge behind it.
It was commissioned in 1354 by the Scaligeri warlord Cangrande II to serve the dual role of residential palace and military stronghold. It survived centuries of occupation by the Visconti family, the Serene Republic of Venice, and then Napoléon, only to be destroyed by the Germans during World War II bombing.
Its painstaking restoration was initiated in 1958 by the acclaimed Venetian architect Carlos Scarpa, and it reopened in 1964. It is now a fascinating home to some 400 works of art.
The ground-floor rooms, displaying statues and carvings of the Middle Ages, lead to alleyways, vaulted halls, multileveled floors, and stairs, all as architecturally arresting as the Venetian masterworks from the 14th to 18th centuries—notably those by Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Veronese, Bellini, and the Verona-born Pisanello—found throughout.
Don't miss the large courtyard with the equestrian statue of the warlord Cangrande I (a copy can be seen at the family cemetery at the Arche Scaligeri) with a peculiar dragon's head affixed to his back (actually his armor's helmet, removed from his head and resting behind him).
A stroll across the pedestrian bridge behind the castle affords you a fine view of the castle, the Ponte Scaligeri (built in 1355 and also destroyed during World War II; it was reconstructed using the original materials), and the river's banks.
Do you want to deepen your knowledge of the beautiful town of Verona? On this long walking tour discover its most famous monuments as well as its hidden gems and little churches.
Did you know that Verona is ranked amongst the most visited towns in Italy, due to its geographic location, rich culture, temperate climate, beauty and hospitality of its people?
On this route, see the most famous monuments as well as smaller churches and squares. In the morning, the sightseeing consists of a tour of some beautiful attractions such as Museo Archeologico, Teatro Romano, Pinacoteca of Castelvecchio, Museo degli Affreschi and Tomba di Giulietta.
After lunch, continue with a private walking tour of the old city center and see the iconic sights like the Basilica of St. Anastasia (with additional entrance fee), Piazza Bra with the famous Roman amphitheater "Arena, Juliet's House, Piazza dei Signori, Piazza delle Erbe with its typical market and the Scaligeri Tombs "Arche Scaligere.
Please note that on Sundays, churches can only be visited in the afternoon. Round trips from different locations on Lake Garda are also available (Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino and Garda).
Take a stroll in the unique views of the river in the romantic setting of this flower garden.
Admire the ancient well which appears in Franco Zeffirelli's 1st version film Romeo and Juliet.
Taste the excellent wine from the Valpolicella hills and Italian traditional food, experience the traditional authentic quality of Verona with a local.
This is NOT A WALKING TOUR.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Verona's Cathedral (Duomo), Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
I'll learn about the area of the Cathedral, from the Roman Emperor to the Renaissance. You'll notice many hidden details about the building that you would not have seen otherwise
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Chiesa di Sant'Elena, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
... with a curious happening from the past
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Chiostro dei Canonici, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
A beautiful romanic cloister
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Biblioteca Capitolare, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
An old Library from the fifth century, one of the oldest in the world
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Piazzale Castel San Pietro, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Amazing view from the top of the hill
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Centro Storico, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Secret garden near Duomo di Verona
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Parrocchia di San Giorgio In Braida
Amazing view on the river Adige and the church
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
view on Castel San Pietro hill
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Piazza Bra, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
You'll listen to many secret tales on Verona and Piazza Bra
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Piazza delle Erbe, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
You'll listen to many secret tales on Verona and Piazza Erbe
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Ponte Scaligero (Ponte di Castelvecchio), Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Old bridge
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Lago di Garda, Garda, Province of Verona, Veneto
Lago di Garda
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Peschiera, Peschiera del Garda, Province of Verona, Veneto
Peschiera
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Villa Romana ed Antiquarium di Desenzano del Garda, Desenzano Del Garda, Province of Brescia, Lombardy
Desenzano del Garda
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Mura di Lazise, Lazise, Province of Verona, Veneto
Lazise
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Palazzo dei Capitani di Malcesine, Malcesine, Province of Verona, Veneto
Malcesine
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Il Castello Scaligero di Torri del Benaco, Torri del Benaco, Province of Verona, Veneto
Torri del Benaco
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Arena di Verona, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Casa di Giulietta, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Statua dei Romeo e Giulietta dOriente, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Tomba di Giulietta, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Basilica di Santa Anastasia, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Anastasia
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Church of Sant'Eufemia, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Sant'Eufemia
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Porta dei Borsari, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Borsari
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Giardini Pubblici Arsenale, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Arsenale
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Basilica Santa Teresa di Gesu Bambino, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
santa teresa
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Teatro Romano, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
teatro
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Palazzo Giardino Giusti, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
giusti
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Fontana delle Alpi, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
fontana
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Palazzo della Gran Guardia, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
gran guardia
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Palazzo della Ragione, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
ragione
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: AMO - Arena Museo Opera, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
amo verona
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Diocesi di Verona, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
diocesi
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Torre del Gardello, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
gardello
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Torre di Ponte Pietra, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
ponte pietra
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Juliet's House
giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Juliet Sculpture
sculpture
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Romeo's House (Casa di Romeo), Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
romeo
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Cortile Mercato Vecchio e Scala della Ragione, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Verona
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Arche Scaligere, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Arche
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Via Sottoriva, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Verona
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Chiesa dei Santi Fermo e Rustico dei Filippini, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Chiesa
Duration: 5 minutes
We are a small Winery boutique in the heart of Valpolicella and we organize activities to share our passion for Valpolicella and Amarone wines with our guests (we offer it directly, without intermediaries or tour operator).
Well start with a walk in the vineyard, telling you the family history about the winery and the estates. Youll learn how to dry Amarone grapes in the traditional drying room, a process called Appassimento. You'll visit our rural house and the cellar from the 17th century used for winemaking and refinement. At the conclusion, the tasting of a selection of our fine wines Valpolicella, RIPASSO and the great AMARONE, learning how to evaluate them by sight, smell and taste.
Youll also enjoy our organic EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, local cheeses called Monte Veronese and Soppressa Valpolicella (a kind of salami).
Well be waiting for you on our amazing terrace with a stunning view of the Valpolicella!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
You'll start with a walk in the vineyards surrounding our Winery in Marano di Valpolicella. We'll tell you the family history about wines and estates. You'll visit 17th century cellar and the special traditional room to dry grapes: Fruttaio. You'll see steps of the wine process and the refinement of our great red wines in oak barrels. Finally you'll taste a selection of our fine wines Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone, learning the evaluation by sight, smell and taste. We'll pair it with our organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, local cheeses called Monte Veronese and Soppressa from Valpolicella (a kind of salami). Enjoy the view from our marvellous terrace where you can have the best view on the Valpolicella Hills!
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde
Tipical religious architecture of the Valpolicella
Duration: 10 minutes
Location: Capitello al Gazzo, Marano di Valpolicella, Province of Verona, Veneto
Lago di Garda
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Lago di Garda, Garda, Province of Verona, Veneto
Pieve di San Giorgio
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Pieve di San Giorgio di Valpolicella, Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Province of Verona, Veneto
Peschiera
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Peschiera, Peschiera del Garda, Province of Verona, Veneto
Desenzano
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Lungolago di Desenzano sul Garda, Desenzano Del Garda, Province of Brescia, Lombardy
Sirmione
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Centro Storico Sirmione, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Lombardy
Grotte di Catullo
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Lombardy
Centro Storico, Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Centro Storico, Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Province of Verona, Veneto
Lazise
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Lungolago di Lazise, Lazise, Province of Verona, Veneto
Garda
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Lungolago di Garda, Garda, Province of Verona, Veneto
Verona
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Centro Storico, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Parco delle Cascate
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Parco delle Cascate, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Funicolare
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giardino Giusti
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Palazzo Giardino Giusti, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Castel san Pietro
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Piazzale Castel San Pietro, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Arena
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Arena di Verona, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Casa di Giulietta, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Tomba di Giulietta, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Statua dei Romeo e Giulietta dOriente, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
castelvecchio
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Museo di Castelvecchio, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Bra
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Piazza Bra, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Signori
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Piazza dei Signori, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giusti
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Palazzo Giardino Giusti, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Erbe
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Piazza delle Erbe, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Leoni
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Porta dei Leoni, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
San fermo
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di San Fermo, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
San Lorenzo
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: chiesa di San Lorenzo - Verona, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Romeo
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Romeo's House (Casa di Romeo), Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Maffei
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Palazzo Maffei, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Arco della Costa
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Arco della Costa, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Domus
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Domus Mercatorum, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Berlina
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: La Berlina ( Tribuna o Capitello), Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Liston
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Liston, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Toscana
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di Santa Toscana, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Lourdes
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Santuario Madonna di Lourdes, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Scavi
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Scavi Scaligeri, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Arche
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Arche Scaligere, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Chiesa
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
verona
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Cortile Mercato Vecchio e Scala della Ragione, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
santa maria in organo
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di Santa Maria in Organo, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
santa maria antica
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Santa Maria Antica, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
san giorgio
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di San Giorgio in Braida-Verona, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
san giovanni in foro
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di San Giovanni in Foro, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
santo stefano
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di Santo Stefano, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
teatro romano
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Teatro Romano, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
museo teatro romano
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
sant'elena
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di Sant'Elena, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
san giovanni in fonte
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa San Giovanni in Fonte, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
san bernardino
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Chiesa di San Bernardino, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
convento
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Convento di San Bernardino, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Valpolicella Winery
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Tenuta Santa Maria Valverde
Religious architecture
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Capitello al Gazzo, Marano di Valpolicella, Province of Verona, Veneto
Ancient church
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Santuario di Santa Maria di Valverde, Marano di Valpolicella, Province of Verona, Veneto
Piazza Erbe
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Piazza delle Erbe, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Piazza Bra
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Piazza Bra, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giulietta House
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Casa di Giulietta, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Arena
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Arena di Verona, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Tomba di giulietta
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Tomba di Giulietta, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Verona centre
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Centro Storico, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Torre dei Lamberti
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Torre dei Lamberti, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Via Mazzini
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Via Mazzini, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Pickup service is available from here
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Ponte Pietra, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Castelvecchio
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Museo di Castelvecchio, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Giardini Giusti
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Palazzo Giardino Giusti, Verona, Province of Verona, Veneto
Peschiera
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Peschiera, Peschiera del Garda, Province of Verona, Veneto
sirmione
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Centro Storico Sirmione, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Lombardy
Sirmione castello
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Lombardy
Peschiera
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: City of Peschiera del Garda
Catullo Grotte
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione, Province of Brescia, Lombardy
Tips
Get into Museo di Castelvecchio for free (and skip the line at the ticket booth) with:
- Verona Card: Free; Skip the line
Useful Italian for sightseeing
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| Where is?... | Dov'é | doh-VAY |
| ...the museum | il museo | eel moo-ZAY-yo |
| ...the church | la chiesa | lah key-YAY-zah |
| ...the cathedral | il duomo [or] la cattedrale | eel DUO-mo [or] lah cah-the-DRAH-leh |
| When is it open? | Quando é aperto? | KWAN-doh ay ah-PAIR-toh |
| When does it close? | Quando si chiude? | KWAN-doh see key-YOU-day |
| Closed day | giorno di riposo | JOR-no dee ree-PO-zo |
| Weekdays (Mon-Sat) | feriali | fair-ee-YA-lee |
| Sunday & holidays | festivi | fe-STEE-vee |
| ticket | biglietto | beel-YET-toh |
| two adults | due adulti | DOO-way ah-DOOL-tee |
| one child | un bambino | oon bahm-BEE-no |
| one student | uno studente | OO-noh stu-DENT-ay |
| one senior | un pensionato | oon pen-see-yo-NAH-toh |
Basic phrases in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | pro-nun-see-YAY-shun |
| thank you | grazie | GRAT-tzee-yay |
| please | per favore | pair fa-VOHR-ray |
| yes | si | see |
| no | no | no |
| Do you speak English? | Parla Inglese? | PAR-la een-GLAY-zay |
| I don't understand | Non capisco | non ka-PEESK-koh |
| I'm sorry | Mi dispiace | mee dees-pee-YAT-chay |
| How much is it? | Quanto costa? | KWAN-toh COST-ah |
| That's too much | É troppo | ay TROH-po |
| Good day | Buon giorno | bwohn JOUR-noh |
| Good evening | Buona sera | BWOH-nah SAIR-rah |
| Good night | Buona notte | BWOH-nah NOTE-tay |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci | ah-ree-vah-DAIR-chee |
| Excuse me (to get attention) | Scusi | SKOO-zee |
| Excuse me (to get past someone) | Permesso | pair-MEH-so |
| Where is? | Dov'é | doh-VAY |
| ...the bathroom | il bagno | eel BHAN-yoh |
| ...train station | la ferroviaria | lah fair-o-vee-YAR-ree-yah |
| to the right | à destra | ah DEH-strah |
| to the left | à sinistra | ah see-NEEST-trah |
| straight ahead | avanti [or] diritto | ah-VAHN-tee [or] dee-REE-toh |
| information | informazione | in-for-ma-tzee-OH-nay |
Days, months, and other calendar items in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| When is it open? | Quando é aperto? | KWAN-doh ay ah-PAIR-toh |
| When does it close? | Quando si chiude? | KWAN-doh see key-YOU-day |
| At what time... | a che ora | a kay O-rah |
| Yesterday | ieri | ee-YAIR-ee |
| Today | oggi | OH-jee |
| Tomorrow | domani | doh-MAHN-nee |
| Day after tomorrow | dopo domani | DOH-poh doh-MAHN-nee |
| a day | un giorno | oon je-YOR-no |
| Monday | Lunedí | loo-nay-DEE |
| Tuesday | Martedí | mar-tay-DEE |
| Wednesday | Mercoledí | mair-coh-lay-DEE |
| Thursday | Giovedí | jo-vay-DEE |
| Friday | Venerdí | ven-nair-DEE |
| Saturday | Sabato | SAH-baa-toh |
| Sunday | Domenica | doh-MEN-nee-ka |
| Mon-Sat | Feriali | fair-ee-YAHL-ee |
| Sun & holidays | Festivi | feh-STEE-vee |
| Daily | Giornaliere | joor-nahl-ee-YAIR-eh |
| a month | una mese | oon-ah MAY-zay |
| January | gennaio | jen-NAI-yo |
| February | febbraio | feh-BRI-yo |
| March | marzo | MAR-tzoh |
| April | aprile | ah-PREEL-ay |
| May | maggio | MAH-jee-oh |
| June | giugno | JEW-nyoh |
| July | luglio | LOO-lyoh |
| August | agosto | ah-GO-sto |
| September | settembre | set-TEM-bray |
| October | ottobre | oh-TOE-bray |
| November | novembre | no-VEM-bray |
| December | dicembre | de-CHEM-bray |
Numbers in Italian
| English (inglese) | Italian (italiano) | Pro-nun-cee-YAY-shun |
| 1 | uno | OO-no |
| 2 | due | DOO-way |
| 3 | tre | tray |
| 4 | quattro | KWAH-troh |
| 5 | cinque | CHEEN-kway |
| 6 | sei | say |
| 7 | sette | SET-tay |
| 8 | otto | OH-toh |
| 9 | nove | NO-vay |
| 10 | dieci | dee-YAY-chee |
| 11 | undici | OON-dee-chee |
| 12 | dodici | DOH-dee-chee |
| 13 | tredici | TRAY-dee-chee |
| 14 | quattordici | kwa-TOR-dee-chee |
| 15 | quindici | KWEEN-dee-chee |
| 16 | sedici | SAY-dee-chee |
| 17 | diciasette | dee-chee-ya-SET-tay |
| 18 | diciotto | dee-CHO-toh |
| 19 | diciannove | dee-chee-ya-NO-vay |
| 20 | venti | VENT-tee |
| 21* | vent'uno* | vent-OO-no |
| 22* | venti due* | VENT-tee DOO-way |
| 23* | venti tre* | VENT-tee TRAY |
| 30 | trenta | TRAYN-tah |
| 40 | quaranta | kwa-RAHN-tah |
| 50 | cinquanta | cheen-KWAN-tah |
| 60 | sessanta | say-SAHN-tah |
| 70 | settanta | seh-TAHN-tah |
| 80 | ottanta | oh-TAHN-tah |
| 90 | novanta | no-VAHN-tah |
| 100 | cento | CHEN-toh |
| 1,000 | mille | MEEL-lay |
| 5,000 | cinque milla | CHEEN-kway MEEL-lah |
| 10,000 | dieci milla | dee-YAY-chee MEEL-lah |
* You can use this formula for all Italian ten-place numbers—so 31 is trent'uno, 32 is trenta due, 33 is trenta tre, etc. Note that—like uno (one), otto (eight) also starts with a vowel—all "-8" numbers are also abbreviated (vent'otto, trent'otto, etc.).
