The castle is built on the site of the first settlements in Verona. Ruins of ancient buildings dating back to the seventh century BC can still be seen on the castle grounds. During Roman times the hill on which the castle is built was considered sacred, and was known as “Rooster Mountain.” Several of the historic buildings on the site were destroyed when Napoleon’s troops invaded Verona in 1801.
After the Austrian army defeated the French in the city in 1805, they built the armed fortress that you see today, comprising an army base and barracks for hundreds of soldiers. Visitors are only able to tour the outside of the buildings and walk in the grounds, but it’s worth the steep uphill walk or bike ride—or the fun funicular rail journey—to enjoy the enviable views from the top.