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View of the Scaliger Tombs. In the foreground, the tomb of Cansignorio Mastino II and that of Mastino II behind.
The original statue of Cangrande I at the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona, moved from its original position at the tomb of Cangrande I in 1909, where a copy now stands in its place. The statue's current position was selected by architect Carlo Scarpa.[1]

The Scaliger Tombs (Italian: Arche scaligere) is a group of five Gothic funerary monuments in Verona, Italy, celebrating the Scaliger family, who ruled in Verona from the 13th to the late 14th century.

The tombs are located in a court outside the church of Santa Maria Antica, separated from the street by a wall with iron grilles. Built in Gothic style, they are a series of tombs, mostly freestanding open tabernacle-like structures rising high above the ground, with a sarcophagus surmounted by an elaborate baldachin, topped by a statue of the deceased, mounted and wearing armour. According to the French historian Georges Duby, they are one of the most outstanding examples of Gothic art.

Description

[edit]

The tombs are placed within an enclosure of wrought iron grilles decorated with a stair motif, referring to the name of the Della Scala family, meaning "of the stairs" in Italian. Although these tombs are located in a crowded area in the city, they have stood for five hundred years and counting.[2] The stone pillars of the enclosure have statues of saints. The tombs are those of the following notable members of the Scaliger dynasty:

  • Cangrande I. This was the first tomb built, in the 14th century, according to the will of the deceased, the most famous Scaliger ruler of the city. The designer was the architect of the church of Sant'Anastasia, who planned it in the shape of a Gothic tabernacle, supported by richly harnessed dogs (Cangrande meaning "Big dog" in Italian). Unlike the later tabernacles, it is built out from the church wall, over a doorway, rather than being free-standing. On the sarcophagus lies a recumbent effigy statue of the lord, characterized by an unusual smile. The sarcophagus is decorated on each side by high reliefs with religious themes and low reliefs with military themes. On the summit of the baldachin is an equestrian statue of Cangrande, now replaced by a copy (the original is in the museum of Castelvecchio).
  • Mastino II. Begun in 1345, this tomb was modified during its construction. It was originally painted and gilt, and is enclosed by a railing with four statues of the Virtues at the corners. The faces of the funerary urn are decorated by religious motifs; on the sepulchre cover lies again the deceased's statue, guarded by two angels. The baldachin has religious themes sculpted on the pediment, and is also surmounted by an equestrian statue of Mastino II.
  • Cansignorio. Dating from 1375, and the most richly decorated. It was designed by Bonino da Campione, and has sculptures portraying warrior saints, Gospel figures, the Virtues and the Apostles, and a large equestrian statue of Cansignorio.
  • Alberto II. Unlike the others, it has no baldachin but only a sarcophagus, though richly decorated. It dates from 1301.
  • Giovanni. This monument is built into the wall of the church. It was finished in 1359 by Andriolo de' Santi, and until 1400 it was located in the church of San Fermo Maggiore, before being moved to join the others.

The tomb of Cansignorio della Scala served as the inspiration behind the funerary monument of Charles II, Duke of Brunswick (completed in 1879) in Geneva, Switzerland.

[edit]
  • Mastino II's tomb on the left, Cangrande I's to the right.
    Mastino II's tomb on the left, Cangrande I's to the right.
  • Tomb of Cangrande I
    Tomb of Cangrande I
  • Sarcophagus and effigy of Cangrande I
    Sarcophagus and effigy of Cangrande I
  • Tomb of Mastino II, from 1345
    Tomb of Mastino II, from 1345
  • Detail of Mastino's tomb
    Detail of Mastino's tomb
  • Tomb of Cansignorio della Scala, 1375
    Tomb of Cansignorio della Scala, 1375
  • Top of Cansignorio's tomb
    Top of Cansignorio's tomb
  • Detail of Cansignorio's statue
    Detail of Cansignorio's statue
  • Pre-1914 photograph
    Pre-1914 photograph
  • Detail of the grilles
    Detail of the grilles
  • Watercolour of the tombs and setting, by 1920
    Watercolour of the tombs and setting, by 1920
  • Tomb of Guglielmo da Castelbarco, nearby
    Tomb of Guglielmo da Castelbarco, nearby

45°26.61862′N 10°59.93565′E / 45.44364367°N 10.99892750°E / 45.44364367; 10.99892750

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References

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Scaliger Tombs

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The Scaliger Tombs (Italian: Arche Scaligere), also known as the Scaligeri Graves, are a renowned ensemble of five Gothic funerary monuments in , , erected to honor members of the Della Scala () family, who ruled the city as signori from 1262 to 1387. Located in a small courtyard adjacent to the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Antica—rebuilt c. 1185 with earlier origins as a private chapel around 1000—the tombs form a private family enclosed by an ornate wrought-iron fence bearing the Scaliger emblem of a ladder (scala in Italian), symbolizing their name and ascent to power. These structures, built primarily in the , exemplify medieval through their towering canopied sarcophagi, equestrian statues, and intricate sculptures depicting biblical scenes, virtues, and warrior saints, serving both as memorials and assertions of dynastic authority. As part of 's historic center, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000, the tombs highlight the city's cultural and artistic flourishing under Scaliger patronage during a period of regional dominance in . The Scaliger family rose to prominence as Ghibelline lords, transforming into a fortified stronghold and cultural hub, with figures like (1291–1329) expanding the city's defenses and hosting exiled poet . The tombs commemorate key rulers, including:
  • Cangrande I's tomb (c. 1330s), featuring a dynamic of the lord in armor atop a red canopy supported by mastiffs, with a below bearing reliefs of scenes.
  • Mastino II's tomb (c. 1351), a quadrangular structure adorned with high-relief panels of sacred history and statues of virtues like Fortitude.
  • Cansignorio's tomb (c. 1375), the most elaborate, designed by Bonino da Campione as a hexagonal with six columns, warrior saints at the corners, and a dome inlaid with gold stars.
Other monuments honor Alberto I (d. 1301) and Giovanni (d. 1365), with the ensemble resembling a fortified encampment guarded by holy warriors on corner pillars. Crafted by Lombard and Veronese sculptors, the tombs prefigure equestrian monuments and underscore the Scaligers' blend of military prowess and artistic ambition, influencing later in . Today, they stand as enduring symbols of Verona's medieval heritage, drawing visitors to appreciate their blend of solemnity and splendor within the city's UNESCO-protected urban fabric.

History

Origins of the Scaliger Rule

The Scaliger dynasty, also known as the della Scala family, originated in during the turbulent mid-13th century, when the city was rife with factional strife between Ghibellines and Guelphs. The founding of their rule is attributed to Mastino I della Scala, who seized power in 1262 following the death of the tyrannical Ghibelline leader in 1259; Mastino was elected and captain of the people, effectively establishing the family's hereditary lordship over by expelling rival factions and consolidating control. Mastino I's assassination in 1277 did not end the dynasty but transitioned power to his brother Alberto I, who ruled from 1277 to 1301 and focused on stabilizing the regime through diplomatic reconciliations, such as with the Papacy in 1278, while initiating territorial acquisitions like in 1297. The dynasty reached its zenith under , who assumed sole rule in 1311 after the death of his brother Alboino and governed until his own death in 1329. Cangrande, knighted as a child and renowned for his military prowess and patronage of figures like , forged a crucial alliance with the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV, which bolstered Scaliger authority. His expansions dramatically enlarged Veronese territory, incorporating in 1312, and in the early 1320s, Monselice and Este in 1317–1318, in 1328, and in 1329, creating a regional dominion that rivaled neighboring powers. As committed Ghibellines loyal to imperial interests, the Scaligers frequently clashed with Guelph-aligned cities such as , , and , engaging in prolonged wars that defined their aggressive foreign policy. These conflicts, coupled with internal divisions and overextension, culminated in the dynasty's deposition in 1387, when the last significant ruler, della Scala, fled amid financial collapse, ceding the city to , Duke of , who absorbed Scaliger territories into his growing Lombard state. The Church of Santa Maria Antica, originally established in the as a Romanesque structure dedicated by the of Aquileia, served as the della Scala family's private and , reflecting their deepening from the late onward through expansions and the erection of monumental adjacent to the site. This sacred space underscored the Scaligers' assertion of dynastic legitimacy and amid their secular ambitions.

Development and Construction Timeline

The development of the Scaliger Tombs began with the simplest element in the ensemble: the for Mastino I della Scala, who died in 1277, marking the earliest known burial monument for the family at Santa Maria Antica in . This initial structure was modest and lacked the elaborate Gothic features that would characterize later additions, serving primarily as a functional before being integrated into the growing complex. The major phase of construction commenced following the death of in 1329, whose —commissioned per his will and completed around 1330—initiated the series of grand Gothic mausolea that defined the site. This , elevated above the church portal, was crafted by Veronese master sculptors influenced by Lombard traditions from , reflecting the family's rising patronage and political prominence during a period of territorial expansion. Commissioned by his successor Mastino II, it drew inspiration from earlier local designs like the 1320 of di Castelbarco, establishing the tabernacle-style archetype for subsequent tombs. In the mid-14th century, amid the Scaliger family's peak influence over , additional tombs were erected to commemorate key rulers. The monument for Mastino II, who died in 1351, began construction in 1345 and underwent modifications during its execution, incorporating painted and gilded elements enclosed by a wrought-iron grille. Similarly, the tomb for Alberto II della Scala, deceased in 1352, dates to the 1350s with a richly decorated but no , while Giovanni della Scala's —completed in 1359 by Andriolo de' Santi or his follower—was initially built into the wall at San Fermo Maggiore before relocation. These mid-century projects underscored the dynasty's commitment to monumental self-commemoration at the height of their power. The ensemble culminated with the tomb of Cansignorio della Scala, who died in 1375, constructed shortly thereafter in 1376 as the most ornate addition, designed by the Lombard sculptor Bonino da Campione. This hexagonal tabernacle, featuring warrior saints and elaborate statuary, was built during a time of waning Scaliger authority, yet it completed the by the late , just before the family's ouster in 1387. Spanning from 1277 to 1375, the timeline encapsulates over a century of evolving funerary tied to the deaths and legacies of successive lords.

Architecture

Gothic Style and Structural Elements

The Scaliger Tombs represent a prime example of , characterized by freestanding, open tabernacle-like structures elevated on columns or arches that permit visibility from multiple angles. These designs emphasize verticality and openness, allowing the monuments to function as communal focal points within the cemetery adjacent to the church of Santa Maria Antica in . The elevated positioning of the sarcophagi on columnar supports evokes a sense of ascension, underscoring the spiritual and social elevation of the interred lords. Central to their structural framework are pointed arches supported by columns, which form the elaborate surmounting each and contribute to the overall Gothic emphasis on height and lightness. Gables crown the arches, adding to the decorative yet functional layering that defines the style. are collectively enclosed by a wrought-iron fence adorned with the Scaliger ladder motif—a recurring symbol of the della Scala family—providing both physical protection and emblematic reinforcement of lineage. Constructed primarily from red , valued for its durability and sourced locally from the region's quarries, the monuments also incorporate white stone accents to delineate key architectural features and enhance contrast. This material choice ensures longevity while harmonizing with 's broader built environment, where the tombs rise prominently to command visual attention across the site.

Sculptural and Decorative Features

The sculptural program of the Scaliger Tombs exemplifies Gothic artistry through its integration of symbolic equestrian figures, narrative reliefs, and intricate ornamental motifs that emphasize both spiritual salvation and lordly authority. These elements, carved primarily in marble, adorn the tabernacle-like structures enclosing the sarcophagi, creating a visual dialogue between the eternal and the temporal realms of the Della Scala rulers. Prominent among the sculptures are the equestrian statues crowning several tombs, portraying the Scaliger lords as armored knights mounted on horseback to evoke their military prowess and commanding presence. For instance, the statue atop Cangrande I's tomb depicts him in full armor on a rearing horse, capturing a sense of dynamic motion and triumph that underscores the family's martial legacy. Similarly, the equestrian figure of Mastino II, now housed in the Museo Civico di Castelvecchio, reinforces this theme of equestrian dominance. These stone figures, unusual for their medium in Gothic funerary art, draw from classical traditions while adapting to northern Italian stylistic preferences. The tombs' surfaces feature extensive reliefs and bas-reliefs that narrate religious and familial narratives, including depictions of biblical scenes, warrior saints, Gospel figures, virtues, and apostles. These carvings, often placed on the sarcophagi and canopy fronts, serve as didactic elements promoting Christian piety alongside dynastic pride. Family is interwoven throughout, with motifs of ladders—symbolizing the Della Scala name derived from "scala" (stair or ladder)—appearing on wrought-iron enclosures and shields, sometimes paired with canine elements alluding to "Cangrande" (great dog), as seen in winged dog figures and crests on Cansignorio's tomb. Such emblems blend secular identity with sacred , evident in the hexagonal grille surrounding Cansignorio's monument, which includes canine-headed helmets and ladder motifs amid portrait busts. Ornamental details further enhance the flamboyant Gothic character, with crocketed gables, finials, and foliate capitals adorning arches and pinnacles to evoke organic growth and heavenly aspiration. Iconographic themes center on resurrection and eschatological hope, manifested through angels guiding souls and virtuous figures interceding for the deceased, juxtaposed against the lords' equestrian displays of worldly power to fuse Christian theology with feudal glorification. The sculptures reflect contributions from the Campione masters, a Lombard workshop known for transitioning from Romanesque solidity to Gothic elegance, as seen in Bonino da Campione's design for Cansignorio's richly sculpted tomb in 1375, featuring tabernacles with warrior saints and apostles. Local Veronese sculptors, working alongside these influences, contributed to earlier monuments like Cangrande I's, evolving toward more elaborate, vertically aspiring forms that mark the progression to flamboyant Gothic in the region.

Individual Monuments

Tomb of Cangrande I

The tomb of (1291–1329), the most prominent ruler of and founder of the Scaliger dynasty's architectural legacy, serves as the inaugural monument in the ensemble and was constructed according to his will shortly after his death. Positioned prominently above the side portal of the Church of Santa Maria Antica in , it was built around 1330 in Gothic style, marking the first such funerary structure for the family. Cangrande, known for his military prowess and expansion of Veronese territory, was a notable patron of the arts, hosting the exiled poet in from 1312 onward; Dante praised the city's stability under Scaliger rule in the , dedicating the Paradiso to Cangrande and envisioning him as a potential savior of . The monument features a tall marble tabernacle attached to the church wall over the doorway, comprising a surmounted by a canopy and crowned by an . The , elevated on a base supported by sculpted dogs, bears a recumbent of Cangrande in armor, unusually depicted with a smile, alongside high-relief panels depicting religious themes such as apostles and virtues, and low-relief military motifs on the sides. The is upheld by six slender columns adorned with Gothic crochets and pointed arches, creating an open, freestanding-like enclosure that emphasizes verticality and grandeur. Atop the structure stands the of Cangrande mounted on a , clad in full armor with a ; the original statue, carved circa 1340, was relocated for preservation to the Museo di Castelvecchio in 1921, with a copy installed in its place. Symbolism permeates the design, reinforcing Cangrande's "Cangrande" (great dog) and themes of loyalty and power; the base is flanked by four dogs grasping shields, evoking and the family's heraldic emblem. The equestrian figure, dynamically posed in a par impazzato stance with the horse rearing, symbolizes triumphant lordship and eternal vigilance, while the religious reliefs—portraying warrior saints, figures, virtues like and Fortitude, and apostles—blend spiritual with martial glory, aligning with Cangrande's dual role as warrior and protector of the . This prototype influenced subsequent Scaliger tombs, establishing the equestrian motif and Gothic form as hallmarks of the family's monumental style.

Tombs of Mastino II and Cansignorio

The tomb of Mastino II della Scala, begun around 1345 and completed after his death in 1351, occupies a central position within the Scaliger family cemetery adjacent to the Church of Santa Maria Antica in . It features a Gothic elevated on four columns, forming a canopy with trilobed arches and a pyramidal apex, originally painted and gilded for added splendor. Atop the structure stands an of Mastino II in a triumphant pose, with his drawn down—a detail interpreted as symbolizing or concealment following his for the of Bartolomeo della Scala—while the below bears a recumbent guarded by angels and surrounded by bas-reliefs depicting military victories and Old Testament scenes that underscore his expansionist policies during his rule from 1329 to 1351. The tomb's reliefs and high-relief panels on the arches, crafted by local Veronese workshops in the aftermath of the , integrate heraldic motifs such as the Scaliger ladder, representing ascent toward heavenly salvation and tying family imperial ambitions to themes of redemption. In contrast, the tomb of Cansignorio della Scala, erected during his lifetime and completed in 1375 shortly after his death on October 19 of that year, is the largest and most ornate of the Scaliger monuments, designed by the Lombard sculptor Bonino da Campione as a final display of dynastic grandeur amid the family's waning power. This double-tiered structure rises on six marble columns supporting an elaborate canopy with cusped arches, a painted dome adorned with gold stars on a blue ground, and an apex of finely worked marble, employing contrasting white and veined stones to heighten visual impact. The of Cansignorio, positioned with visor raised in a commanding gesture, is flanked by extensive bas-reliefs portraying warrior saints like St. George, figures, apostles, and virtues such as , , Charity, , , and Fortitude, which reflect his brief but tyrannical rule from 1359 to 1375, marked by , cunning governance, and urban beautification projects like the fountain in Piazza delle Erbe. Like Mastino II's tomb, it incorporates the ladder climbing toward divine symbols, blending political legacy with salvific imagery to assert enduring imperial aspirations despite the dynasty's decline. Both tombs share stylistic advancements in mid-14th-century Veronese Gothic sculpture, evolving the equestrian motif pioneered by into more intricate, narrative-driven ensembles that emphasize the rulers' martial prowess and moral claims through layered reliefs and symbolic integrations. Enclosed within a wrought-iron fence bearing repeated motifs—the family emblem denoting "Scala" or stairs—these monuments highlight the use of local for structural and decorative contrast, executed by workshops recovering from plague-era disruptions, and serve as paired testaments to the Scaligers' territorial ambitions and the era's fusion of with eschatological themes.

Tombs of Giovanni and Alberto II

The tomb of Giovanni della Scala, constructed around 1359 by the sculptor Andriolo de' Santi following his that year, serves as a modest reflecting his as co-ruler; he was the brother of Mastino II and ruled jointly with his brother Alberto II after Mastino's , then alone during the final years of Scaliger dominance in Verona until the loss to . Unlike the more prominent freestanding monuments of leading rulers, Giovanni's tomb is a tabernacle-like structure integrated into the wall of the Church of Santa Maria Antica, featuring a at ground level elevated by a simple Gothic canopy. It is adorned with heraldic shields bearing the ladder motif and minor reliefs depicting saints and family symbols, emphasizing enclosure rather than grandeur. This design underscores the dynastic hierarchy, positioning Giovanni's at the periphery of the ensemble to denote his status within the family. Alberto II della Scala's tomb, dated to the 1350s, commemorates the lord who jointly ruled with his brother Mastino II from 1329 until Mastino's death in 1351, then with his brother Giovanni until his own death in 1352. As the simpler counterpart to Giovanni's, it consists of a freestanding ark with a richly decorated lacking the elaborate seen in other Scaliger tombs, instead relying on a basic Gothic canopy for shelter. The structure incorporates heraldic elements and subdued reliefs, including symbolic dogs guarding the family ladders, without equestrian representations that denote supreme authority. Its placement at the ensemble's edge further highlights hierarchical distinctions, aligning with Alberto's regency marked by delegation to relatives amid escalating family tensions. Both tombs were erected during a period of internal Scaliger strife, including the aggressive expansionism of the 1340s that provoked coalitions against and contributed to civil discord by the 1350s, ultimately weakening the dynasty. Their designs contrast sharply with the central, equestrian-topped monuments by prioritizing enclosed sarcophagi over ostentatious elevation, a choice that reflects the brothers' lesser prominence compared to figures like Cangrande I. In the current state, these exhibit greater than their more restored counterparts, with surface visible on the ; however, the symbolic dogs and emblems remain discernible, albeit subdued by age and exposure.

Site and Preservation

Location and Environs

The Scaliger Tombs, or Arche Scaligere, are located in a private enclosed cemetery adjacent to the apse of the Church of Santa Maria Antica, situated in Verona's historic center near Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. This positioning integrates the monuments directly into the medieval urban fabric, serving as a dedicated family for the della Scala rulers. The site's courtyard design emphasizes seclusion while remaining visible from surrounding streets, bordered by a 14th-century wrought-iron Gothic featuring ladder motifs that symbolize the family's name, derived from "della Scala" meaning "of the stairs." As part of the "City of ," designated in 2000, the tombs contribute to the recognition of the city's historic core, which flourished under governance in the 13th and 14th centuries. The location enhances 's appeal as a tourist destination, lying approximately 1 km from the Roman Arena and in close proximity to Juliet's House, drawing visitors through interconnected pedestrian pathways in the pedestrian-only zone. Surrounding medieval palazzos frame scenic views of the enclosure, highlighting its role within the broader noble burial grounds of the adjacent Santa Maria Antica cemetery, which includes other aristocratic graves. The monuments face environmental challenges from Verona's , characterized by humid summers and foggy winters, combined with urban , which accelerates through decohesion and pollutant penetration. This exposure underscores the site's vulnerability in its open-air urban setting, where natural interacts with anthropogenic factors to affect the red Verona used in the structures.

Restoration Efforts and Current Status

The Scaliger Tombs have faced conservation challenges since the , when their deteriorating condition was first noted by local authorities, prompting periodic calls for intervention. A complete restoration of the Tomb of Mastino II was undertaken in 1786, addressing structural decay in the monument, while a comprehensive project for the entire complex was designed and implemented in 1839 to stabilize and preserve the Gothic elements. In the early , the of Cangrande I was removed from its position atop the tomb in 1909 due to preservation concerns and relocated to the , where it remains protected from environmental exposure; a now occupies the original site. Structural reinforcements and conservation work occurred between 2006 and 2010, focusing on seismic stability and material consolidation across the tombs, executed under the oversight of Verona's authorities. More recently, a dedicated restoration for the Tomb of Mastino II commenced in 2021, involving detailed analysis and interventions to combat ongoing degradation from and urban factors; the included diagnostic investigations and , with a new sepulchral chamber discovered, and subsequent interventions appear to have enabled periodic public access by 2024-2025 without reported disruptions. As of 2025, the Scaliger Tombs are open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 to 30 , from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry 15 minutes before closing), with free access granted to holders of tickets to other civic museums; the site is continuously monitored by the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the provinces of , , and Rovigo to mitigate risks from pollution and high tourist footfall. Ongoing challenges include exposure to urban air pollution and the physical wear from tourism, though no major structural failures have been reported in recent years, thanks to regular maintenance protocols.

Legacy

Historical and Cultural Impact

The Scaliger Tombs functioned as monumental propaganda for the Della Scala family, glorifying their signorial authority amid widespread perceptions of tyranny, particularly from Guelph factions who viewed the Ghibelline lords as oppressors of communal freedoms. Chronicles from the Venetian era, under which Verona fell after the Scaligers' decline, often contrasted the family's despotic rule with Venice's supposed benevolence, shaping local memory of the 14th-century era as one of princely excess rather than civic harmony. This glorification extended to the tombs' elaborate designs, which asserted dynastic legitimacy and power dynamics in a period of intense factional strife. In the , the tombs captured the imagination of Romantic travelers, with extolling their artistic splendor during his 1827–1828 visit to , as recorded in his Pictures of Travel. Heine marveled at the tombs' overwhelming grandeur next to Piazza dei Signori, though he critiqued their cramped placement, highlighting their role in evoking medieval majesty amid the city's historic fabric. Such accounts contributed to the site's enduring cultural footprint, reinforcing its status as a symbol of Verona's layered past. Scholars have long examined the tombs for their illumination of 14th-century Italian despotism, particularly through connections to Dante Alighieri's in under , whom the poet praised in Paradiso as a model of enlightened rule. The authenticity of Dante's Epistle to Cangrande—a dedicatory letter framing the —remains a cornerstone of this scholarship, with studies like those by Robert Hollander (1993) and Luca Azzetta (2003) linking it to and broader themes of signorial politics. These analyses underscore how the monuments encapsulate the era's tensions between imperial ambitions and papal opposition. The tombs remain central to Veronese civic pride, embodying the city's medieval heritage through the Della Scala ladder motif, which persists on Verona's modern and seal as a nod to its signorial legacy. They also drive local , drawing part of Verona's annual influx of visitors and bolstering the via guided experiences and cultural events. In the broader medieval Italian context, the Scaliger Tombs exemplify the transition from communal churchyard burials to elaborate princely mausolea, marking the ascendancy of dynastic display in Veneto's funerary customs during the . As part of Verona's , the tombs benefit from ongoing preservation efforts, including restorations in the to enhance structural integrity and visitor access.

Influence on Gothic Art and Architecture

The Scaliger Tombs exemplify a stylistic fusion of local Lombard Romanesque elements with imported French Gothic features, evident in their pointed arches, tabernacle canopies, and intricate baldachins that elevate the sarcophagi. This hybrid approach, developed by sculptors such as those from the Campione workshop in Lombardy, marked a significant evolution in 14th-century Italian funerary sculpture, transitioning from simpler Romanesque sarcophagi to elaborate, freestanding Gothic structures. The tombs' design innovations, including added relief panels and corner tabernacles in later examples like Mastino II's monument (c. 1345), influenced regional funerary art by disseminating these motifs through artisan networks across northern Italy. The equestrian statues crowning several tombs, depicting rulers in armor atop rearing horses, established an early precedent for monumental equestrian representations in , bridging Gothic and emerging traditions. This format, symbolizing lordly authority and eternal vigilance, inspired subsequent condottieri memorials, such as the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni in (1496). Iconographically, the tombs prominently feature the Scaliger family's heraldic symbols: the (scala), representing ascent and the family name "della Scala," integrated into wrought-iron enclosures and decorative motifs, and the , emblematic of Cangrande I ("great dog"), sculpted as guardians on sarcophagi bases. These elements reinforced dynastic identity and were adopted into broader , while resurrection themes—depicted through ascending figures and allegorical reliefs—resonated in later sepulchres, emphasizing eternal life and salvation. Art historians have long recognized the tombs' enduring significance, with John Ruskin producing detailed drawings and studies during his 19th-century visits to Verona, praising their vigorous Gothic forms as vital expressions of medieval vitality amid his broader advocacy for the style. Ruskin's extensive documentation, including sketches of Cangrande I's and Mastino II's monuments, contributed to their academic canonization as exemplars of "barbaric" Gothic energy—his term for the raw, inventive power of pre-Renaissance art. Replicas and casts of tomb elements appear in museums worldwide, preserving their sculptural details for study. Through Ruskin's influence, their "barbaric splendor" inspired architects and designers to emulate the blend of structural elegance and symbolic depth in funerary and civic monuments.

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  22. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-smile-of-cangrande-museo-castelvecchio/9wWhCGrqd6jmjg?hl=en
  23. https://www.smingegneria.it/arche-scaligere-vr/
  24. https://studioesseci.net/eventi/progetto-di-restauro-per-larca-di-mastino-ii/
  25. https://museicivici.comune.verona.it/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=44528&lang=en
  26. https://www.therivernews.com/2024/06/27/arche-scaligere-special-opening/
  27. https://www.academia.edu/87939009/Collateral_promoters_of_the_Venetian_Myth_Veronese_chronicles_in_the_age_of_Venetian_hegemony
  28. https://gfi.htk.uni-pannon.hu/hallgatoknak/tananyagok/teszt/664-goethe-heine/file
  29. https://www.princeton.edu/~dante/ebdsa/hollander081208.html
  30. http://web.tiscali.it/veronaguide/arche_frameeg.htm
  31. https://www.touristitaly.com/italy-travel-trends-statistics-2024-2025/
  32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385095628_BURYING_THE_DEAD_NEW_INSIGHTS_INTO_FUNERARY_PRACTICES_IN_MEDIEVAL_AND_EARLY_MODERN_VENETO_ITALY
  33. https://equestrianstatue.org/general/a-short-history-of-equestrian-statues/
  34. https://ruskin.ashmolean.org/collection/8979/object/14311
  35. https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/222138/1/Melius_Ruskin_at_Verona_Final_text.pdf
  36. https://www.academia.edu/105119700/Fossil_creatures_and_the_mockeries_of_life_Ruskin_at_Verona
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