The Scaliger Tombs, the Arche Scaligere, are a small open-air monument of great character, tucked into a corner of the old town just off Piazza dei Signori. The Della Scala family ruled Verona in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and the tombs of their most powerful lords stand in a walled enclosure beside the little church of Santa Maria Antica. Cangrande I, the patron of Dante, lies in the earliest tomb, set high above the church door. The monuments of Mastino II and Cansignorio, the latter the most richly decorated, are Gothic masterpieces of carved stone and fine sculpture. The wrought-iron fence around them, decorated with the family’s ladder symbol, lets you see the sarcophagi from the street at any time. Inside the enclosure, access to the courtyard is organised on a seasonal schedule. The original equestrian statue of Cangrande is displayed in the Castelvecchio Museum, which makes a good pairing.
How it works
You can see the monuments from the street through the fence whenever you pass, which is free. Entering the courtyard is possible only in the warmer season, from spring to autumn, on set days, and the VeronaCard gives free admission or a discount. Check the schedule before planning a visit specifically for the interior, because it is limited. The site is accessible, and only small dogs in carriers are allowed.
What to see
Look at the ornate canopy and equestrian statue of the Mastino tomb, the decoration of Cansignorio’s tomb and Cangrande’s monument above the church portal. The fence itself is worth looking at closely. The surrounding lanes, with the Palazzo del Comune and the Domus Mercatorum, are some of the most atmospheric in the city.
Who it suits
History enthusiasts, art and sculpture fans and anyone walking between Piazza dei Signori and Via Mazzini. It needs only ten or fifteen minutes from the street, and gives a good picture of the family that shaped medieval Verona.
What to expect
The experience
A short stop to view the Gothic tombs through the wrought-iron fence from the street, with courtyard entry on a seasonal schedule.
Best time
Any time of day for viewing from the street; check the seasonal schedule if you want to enter the courtyard.
How long
Fifteen to thirty minutes.
Tips
Look closely at the ladder motif in the ironwork, and see the original Cangrande statue in Castelvecchio to complete the story.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone interested in medieval Verona, Dante and the Della Scala dynasty.
- Families
- A quick stop that older children with an interest in knights will enjoy, though it holds little for the very young.
- Couples
- A pleasant five-minute pause between the squares on the way to dinner.
- Pair with
- Piazza dei Signori, Piazza delle Erbe and the Castelvecchio Museum.
- Time needed
- Fifteen to thirty minutes.
Good questions
Who are the Scaliger Tombs for?+
They commemorate the Della Scala family, who ruled Verona in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, including Cangrande I, patron of Dante.
Is it free?+
You can see the monuments for free from the street through the fence. Entering the courtyard is possible only on a seasonal schedule.
Where is Cangrande’s original statue?+
The original equestrian statue of Cangrande I is displayed in the Castelvecchio Museum.
Where are the tombs?+
Beside the church of Santa Maria Antica, on a lane just off Piazza dei Signori.
Is the VeronaCard accepted?+
The VeronaCard gives free admission or a discount for the courtyard visit, so check the current terms.
