The castle in Malcesine

On the rocky promontory jutting into the lake, the defiant Malcesine Castle has withstood the test of time. As its position suggests, the complex and its predecessor buildings have served as a defense since time immemorial.

With its three courtyards, various buildings and the fortified tower visible from afar, it not only has imposing dimensions, but has also become a landmark of Lake Garda. The castle is particularly popular with lovers, who can say their civil wedding vows here.

A brief look at the eventful history of Malcesine Castle

The current complex dates back to the second half of the 13th century. At that time the powerful noble family of Verona, the Scaligeri, had it built on the foundations of the previous buildings (1).

Although it changed hands (and nationality) several times and underwent various alterations and additions, it has retained its medieval character to this day. Today, it houses a natural science museum dedicated to local geology and the local flora and fauna. There is also a small Goethe room with a few mementos of the illustrious Visitors of yesteryear.

Details Malcesine Castle

The distinctive swallow-tailed battlements, by the way, still bear witness to the original builders: the Scaligeri preferred to decorate their buildings with these defensive and symbolic design elements, which made their high social status widely known.

The marble plaque with the inscription "HINC J.W.GOETHE Id. SePt. MDCCLXXXVI ARCEM DELINEAVIT" (2) on the corner of the house in via Castello 11, incidentally, marks the place where Goethe drew the castle of Malcesine in September 1786, thus attracting the suspicion of the local population. However, this episode may have happened in a slightly different way than it is usually told...

From the fortified tower of the castle there is a spectacular view of Lake Garda, Monte Baldo and Malcesine itself. Especially from up here you can see how close together the roofs of the town nestle - typical medieval.

(1) By the way, the first castle on this spot was built by the Longobards in the 6th century.

(2) Translated: "From here Johann Wolfgang von Goethe drew the castle on the Ides of September (13 September) 1786."