The first settlements date back to the first century AD, and the findings of a tomb with an important funerary equipment and the marbles of a building dedicated to Tiberius, the second Roman emperor, which stood near the Via Postumia, which at the time crossed the territory.
The Via Postumia is a Roman consular road built in 148 BC, which united the two main ports of northern Italy, from Aquileia to Genoa. In 1185, following the vote of the Council of Rectors of Verona, Villafranca arose, in defense of the constant threats of the Mantuan, traditional opponents of the Veronese.
The Scaligero Castle, symbol of Villafranca di Verona, was built near the Tione river, after the Battle of the Bridges of Molini, by Salinguerra de Garamenti in the thirteenth century, to protect the population and the territory from the continuous assaults of the valances, which shortly thereafter however, they managed to conquer it and consequently destroy it.
Immediately rebuilt the following century, the structure was closed by a wall finished with Guelph battlements, surrounded by seven small towers still visible and inside a mighty keep finished with Ghibelline battlements.
The powerful quadrangular structure was very large, and suitable to welcome the inhabitants of the village and animals in case of attack, and to serve as a bulwark for the Scaligero soldiers against the incursions of the valances. The function of the castle was never that of the residence of a feudal lord or a gentleman, this is well known by the void that characterizes the enormous space inside the walls.
Over the centuries the stronghold was completely abandoned, even under the period of Venetian rule, thus falling into decline. Its internal land was purchased by private individuals, who in 1890 built the main tower, inserting a clock on its top.
Today it is a symbol of ancient Scaligero wealth in this land, and represents a role of great importance for understanding the function of some castles of the Middle Ages, erected only for the defense of the population. This incredible fortification in our day, is the setting for the numerous shows and concerts organized by the associations of the city, events that attract artists from all over the world.
