Portal designed by Carlo Scarpa in Castelvecchio Museum Verona

Statue Of Cangrande Della Scala

Statue of Cangrande della Scala, Verona, Italy: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Verona, a city deeply rooted in medieval history and celebrated for its vibrant culture, is graced by the Statue of Cangrande della Scala—an iconic equestrian monument that encapsulates the legacy of the powerful della Scala (Scaliger) family. This masterpiece, together with the nearby Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere), offers a vivid window into the era when Verona flourished as a hub of political influence, military prowess, and artistic achievement. Cangrande I della Scala, the dynasty’s most renowned leader, was a visionary ruler and a patron of the arts, notably providing refuge to Dante Alighieri during his exile. Today, the statue—originally commissioned in the 14th century and preserved in the Museo di Castelvecchio—stands as a testament to Verona’s medieval grandeur and cultural prominence.

This comprehensive guide explores the statue’s historical context, artistic significance, and practical visitor information, including hours, tickets, accessibility, and travel tips. Whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or traveler, understanding the story behind these monuments will enrich your visit to Verona. For the most current information, consult resources such as Verona Tourism, the Castelvecchio Museum, and Italia.it.

Equestrian Statue of Cangrande della Scala in Verona

Introduction
Historical Background of the Scaligeri and Cangrande I della Scala
The Scaliger Tombs and the Statue of Cangrande
- Architectural Features and Artistic Significance
- The Equestrian Statue: Original and Replica
Visiting the Statue and Scaliger Tombs
Nearby Attractions in Verona
Cultural and Historical Importance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion

Historical Background: The Scaligeri and Cangrande I della Scala

The della Scala family, or Scaligeri, ruled Verona from 1263 to 1387, transforming the city into a major political and cultural center in northern Italy. Their reign is marked by ambitious military campaigns, fortification of cities like Sirmione, and the expansion of influence to Vicenza, Padua, and Treviso.

Cangrande I della Scala (1291–1329), the most illustrious of the Scaligeri, ascended as Verona’s sole ruler in 1311. Distinguished for his military leadership, political acumen, and steadfast support of the Ghibelline cause, Cangrande also became a celebrated patron of the arts. His hospitality to Dante Alighieri during the poet’s exile further elevated Verona’s cultural standing (Italia.it; Wikipedia).

The Scaliger Tombs and the Statue of Cangrande

Gothic Funerary Artistry and Monumental Design

Adjacent to the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Antica, the Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere) comprise five Gothic funerary monuments, each commemorating a member of the della Scala dynasty (Italia.it; Spotting History). These tombs, adorned with intricate pinnacles, spires, and statues, are considered among the finest examples of Gothic funerary art in Italy. The family’s emblematic stair motif is woven into the decorative iron enclosure, symbolizing their name and legacy.

The Equestrian Statue of Cangrande I della Scala

Crowning Cangrande’s tomb is the equestrian statue—a defining feature and an early masterpiece of medieval sculpture. Carved from a single block of stone, it depicts Cangrande in full armor, astride a warhorse, with a youthful smile—an unusual and expressive detail for the period. Leashed dogs at the base reference his nickname, “Big Dog,” and symbolize loyalty and strength (Thrillophilia). The original statue, due to weathering and preservation needs, now resides in the Museo di Castelvecchio, with a faithful replica atop the tomb (artsandculture.google.com).

Visiting the Scaliger Tombs and Statue of Cangrande

Location and Access

The Scaliger Tombs are centrally located at Via S. Maria Antica, 4, Verona, adjacent to Piazza dei Signori and within walking distance of major sites such as Juliet’s House and Piazza delle Erbe (The Crazy Tourist).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Scaliger Tombs: Generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), closed Mondays and certain holidays. Entry is typically €6 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Check Verona Tourism or Italia.it for updates.
Castelvecchio Museum (original statue): Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM), closed Mondays. Admission is €6 for adults; reduced rates for children and seniors (castelvecchio.verona.it).

Tickets are available both on-site and online. Consider the Verona Card for discounts and combined entry to multiple sites (kimberlykepharttravels.com).

Accessibility

Scaliger Tombs: The exterior is accessible and viewable from the street; the fenced area may have uneven paving and steps.
Castelvecchio Museum: Fully accessible, with elevators and ramps.

Assistance is available upon request at both sites.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours are available daily, often included in ticket prices or bookable via local operators. These tours provide in-depth historical context and bring the stories of the Scaliger family and Cangrande I to life. Special events, including historical reenactments and themed exhibitions, are occasionally held, especially during festival seasons (turismoverona.eu).

Photography and Visitor Tips

The Scaliger Tombs and statue are highly photogenic, especially in the soft light of mornings or late afternoons.
Photography is permitted from outside the iron fence at any time; inside the fenced area, follow posted guidelines and be respectful.
The statue’s elevated position makes a zoom lens or quality smartphone camera useful.
Early visits help avoid crowds and offer the best experience for both photography and contemplation.

Cultural and Historical Importance

The Scaliger Tombs and the equestrian statue are not only memorials to Verona’s medieval rulers but also masterpieces that influenced Gothic funerary art across Europe. Cangrande’s patronage of Dante and his role in shaping Verona’s destiny have left an enduring mark on the city’s identity. The tombs and statue stand as symbols of Verona’s resilience, artistic ambition, and civic pride (Italia.it; Wikipedia).

Nearby Attractions in Verona

Church of Santa Maria Antica: The historic chapel of the Scaliger family.
Piazza dei Signori: The medieval political center, surrounded by palaces and monuments.
Juliet’s House: A literary pilgrimage site, a short walk from the tombs.
Verona Arena: The city’s famed Roman amphitheater, ideal for cultural events.
Piazza delle Erbe: A vibrant marketplace surrounded by historic architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Scaliger Tombs and the statue?
A: Scaliger Tombs are open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Castelvecchio Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM).

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Scaliger Tombs: ~€6 for adults; Castelvecchio Museum: €6 for adults, with reduced rates available.

Q: Are the sites accessible?
A: The tombs’ exterior is accessible; the interior may have uneven surfaces. Castelvecchio Museum is fully accessible.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are offered at both sites, often in multiple languages.

Q: Can I photograph the statue and tombs?
A: Yes, photos are allowed from outside the fence, and inside during open hours with respect for the site.

Visuals and Media

Alt tags: “Scaliger Tombs visiting hours,” “Cangrande della Scala statue Verona,” “Verona historical sites tickets”

Virtual Tour of Scaliger Tombs | Official Verona Tourism Site

Practical Tips for Visitors

Combine your visit: Explore nearby Piazza dei Signori, Santa Maria Antica, and Juliet’s House for a complete cultural experience.
Dress respectfully: The tombs are funerary monuments adjacent to an active church.
Check for events: Special tours and events may affect opening hours; consult turismoverona.eu for updates.
Accessibility: The fenced area may have steps; the main monuments are visible from the street for all visitors.
Plan ahead: Buy tickets online to avoid queues, especially during peak season.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

For the latest information on hours, tickets, and special events, consult Verona Tourism, Castelvecchio Museum, or Italia.it. Download the Audiala app for guided tours, real-time updates, and travel tips. Follow Verona’s official tourism social media channels for news and inspiration.