History Castelvecchio (Verona)
interior view
the castle stands on probable location of roman fortress outside roman city. lord cangrande ii della scala had built along bridge across adige river deterrent powerful neighbors such venice, gonzaga , sforza families. construction carried out between 1354 , 1376 (cangrande died in 1359). fortified bridge intended allow seigniors escape safely northwards tyrol in event of rebellion or coup d état (the scaligeri allies of holy roman empire) , when lost hold on verona, surviving members left italy found german branch of family.
later, during venetian domination, bridge further fortified defend cannons. castle damaged french troops during napoleonic wars (1796-7), in retaliation pasque veronesi, when local population staged violent anti-french revolt. napoleon had chosen stay in castelvecchio on trips verona, widespread , arbitrary requisitions of citizens , churches property, massive draft of male workers french army prompted resistance drove out invaders.
the bridge destroyed retreating german army in 1945 , rebuilt in 1949.
under austrians, castelvecchio turned barracks. in 1923 castle restored, in 1963-1965.
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