Built in the 14th century by the Scaliger clan, who ruled Verona in the Middle Ages, Castelvecchio was a moated fortress designed to protect the family in case of revolt. Eventually, popular rebellion forced the Scaligers to escape to Germany while the Venetians took over the city, followed by Napoleon in the 18th century. Napoleon was ousted by Veronese rebels who stormed the castle and left it devastated, and bombings in World War II caused further damage. The building was abandoned until the mid-20th century, when it was eventually transformed into a museum.
Most bike, Segway, and walking tours of Verona follow Corso Castelvecchio across the Castelvecchio Bridge to the Castelvecchio Museum. Hop-on-hop-off tours often include stops at other nearby attractions like Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti) in Piazza delle Erbe, Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), Piazza Bra, the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, and the Arena di Verona.