How many museums have you come across that are located in a medieval castle? Before I tell you more about the museum, let’s first hear about this castle. It was built during the thirteenth century with the aim of protecting the family of the Lord of Verona from enemies, providing them ample time to escape. It also functioned as a storage place for military weapons and munitions in the fourteenth century. Eventually, during the seventeenth century, it became the seat of the Venetian military academy. It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that this castle officially became a museum. If you wish to enter the museum, it’s free for Verona City Card holders, while for others, it costs around six euros. The museum has preserved artifacts from the twelfth to the eighteenth century. You can stroll around to see Veronese jewelry, frescoes, sculptures, epigraphs, weapons, paintings, ceramics, and other prized possessions. The collections begin with Romanesque sculptures salvaged from religious buildings that have collapsed or been destroyed over the years. As you explore the upstairs rooms, you’ll find paintings ranging from the Gothic period to the eighteenth century, with one room dedicated to weapons and armor. Before entering the final room, be sure to take in the stunning view from the walkway. Throughout the museum, informative sheets in Italian, English, German, and French are available to enhance your experience. The museum is home to many remarkable artworks, including the Sepulcher of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, the Crucifix, Saint Cecilia and Catherine, the Madonna of the Quail, and the Holy Family. You’ll find pieces by renowned artists like Stefano da Verona, Carlo Crivelli, Giovanni Bellini, Liberale da Verona, and Girolamo da Libri, all contributing to the museum's rich collection. You may find a map at the entrance, and you can always ask the museum staff for assistance. In addition to the ancient possessions, the dramatic floors and courtyards of this museum are a delight to behold. Speaking of drama, did you know that in two thousand fifteen, an incredible theft took place that felt like something out of a movie? Three criminals managed to immobilize the security guard and the cashier, causing chaos in the museum. They forced a bystander—someone who was just visiting—to help them find their way through the museum and steal valuable paintings. Among the stolen artworks were masterpieces by famous artists like Tintoretto, Pisanello, Rubens, Bellini, and Caroto. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. In May two thousand sixteen, the stolen paintings were recovered and returned to the museum. Feel free to check the museum out before heading to our final stop.