Castelvecchio Bridge, also known as the Scaliger Bridge or Ponte Scaligero, is a fortified medieval crossing over the Adige River in Verona. Attached to Castelvecchio fortress, its red-brick battlements, pale stone base and three unequal arches make it one of the city's most distinctive landmarks.
Built in the 1350s under Cangrande II della Scala, the bridge provided the Scaliger rulers with an escape route from the castle to the northern bank. Retreating German forces destroyed it in 1945; it was subsequently rebuilt using recovered original materials where possible. The crossing visible today is both a testament to medieval engineering and a careful postwar reconstruction.
Walk across for views of the river, Verona's rooftops and the hills beyond, then look back from the opposite bank to appreciate the bridge's full profile against the castle. It pairs naturally with a visit to the Castelvecchio Museum, known for its art collections and Carlo Scarpa's celebrated architectural interventions.
Early morning or the hour before sunset is a good time to see the brickwork in warm light and avoid the busiest periods. The pedestrian bridge is a short walk from Piazza Bra and the Arena; wear shoes with good grip, as the historic surfaces can be uneven or slippery after rain.