Torre Viscontea

The Torre Viscontea is the landmark of Castelnuovo del Garda. It was built in 1387 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, after the defeat of Verona’s Scaligeri: it was the castle keep, at the centre of a double ring of walls, and stands on an older 12th-century fortification. Almost 30 metres high, it dominates the old town and the morainic hills; on clear days the lake is visible from its base.

What to see

The bell chamber was added between the late 1700s and early 1800s and houses one of the most complete sets of Veronese-style bells, still rung by local bell-ringers on feast days. Around the tower survive stretches of the walls and the fabric of the medieval village, with the parish church of Santa Maria Nascente a few steps away. On 11 April 1848 the town was set on fire by Austrian troops: the nearby Monument to the Martyrs of Castelnuovo recalls those days.

Tips for your visit

• The tower is admired from outside; the interior is not normally open.
• The best time is sunset, when the light comes in from the lake.
• Parking in the town centre; from here Gardaland is a 5-minute drive.

Practical information

Via Castello, 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda (VR). Free access to the outdoor area. Information: Municipality of Castelnuovo del Garda, tel. +39 045 6459920.