San Pietro Castle, Verona, Italy

Verona was founded to the site of current Castel San Pietro. This green hill, crowned by cypresses, is home to the remains of the first settlements dating back to the 7th century B.C. From this magnificent vantage-point you can enjoy the view of the whole city spreading out, with its network of Roman Roads, its walls, tall towers and steeples and, if your eyesight is good, you can even make out part of the Arena and the Ponte Scaligero. The current castle was built in 1393, commissioned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti.

At the foot of the hill flows the river Adige, and, on the site of the first ford (used for centuries) the suggestive Ponte Pietra (roman Stone Bridge). At the top of the hill stands the Austrian Fortress erected in the 19th century and which can be reached by a stair-way near the Roman Theatre. He pre-existing castle, on which the fortress rests and from which it takes its name, was erected towards the end oh the 14th century, during the first reign of the Visconti. Napoleon’s troops in 1801, and later the Austrians demolished much of this medieval structure.

The palace is not open to the public.

References:

Verona Tourism

User Reviews

Dino Numić (3 years ago)
A castle hilltop that offers by far the best view of Verona. Excellent place to take breathtaking images sitting on the wall overlooking the whole city. Walk to the top is not too difficult. It get’s a bit steep here and there and takes about 20-30 min. There are fountains with drinkable water along the way. You can take a cable car if not in a mood for a small hike. There is a restaurant at the top and trees that provide shade if visiting this place in summer. Take your significant other and go make some magical photos here.

Geovannie Audrey Christianto (3 years ago)
Best view of Verona? we took the stairs instead of the funicular, turns out the stairs are not so bad. We came there when it was almost sunset and it was really beautiful. One of the must go to places when you visit Verona!

Markus “markobear1” (3 years ago)
Best views of Verona....by far Walk up or take the funicular ( my recommendation). The views from the Castle San Pietro is superb. Walk around for different views of Verona. Tremendous Verona photo op from different angles . Restaurant at the funicular station. Restrooms available also. Pay for view telescopes at different points along the ramparts. The walk down can be steep at some points... not recommended for the handicapped or challenged walkers. Allow 1-2 hrs. Final take.,GO...

Eleni Stef (3 years ago)
A must see place in Verona hills that offers an amazing panoramic view of the city and the river! You can take the funicular to go up. There is also a small Cafe which we didn't visit but I saw people sitting there and soaking the sunlight.

Spencer Hawken (3 years ago)
This is a review of the grounds not the castle, which was inaccessible. I read that the views from the cartel or “Castel’ was the best way to see Verona, they most definitely were not wrong, from up here you get to experience the majesty of Verona from above, its absolutely incredible. Like something from a movie, I can see why so many are drawn to this beauty spot.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

San Pietro Castle

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