Castle of Cavriana, Medieval castle ruins in Cavriana, Italy.
Castle of Cavriana is a medieval fortress ruin on a hilltop in Cavriana, Italy, overlooking the Mantuan countryside near Lake Garda. The remains show defensive walls that reveal the site's former strategic importance as a stronghold.
The fortress was founded in the 11th century and later expanded by the Gonzaga family in the 15th century as a strategic stronghold for the Mantuan region. The structure was partially demolished in 1771 and has remained as ruins since then.
The castle grounds host the annual Golden Goat Race in July, where participants wear Renaissance costumes and represent different districts of Cavriana. This festival connects local history with contemporary community life and draws visitors who want to experience traditional customs.
The site is accessible via Via Pozzone 20 in Cavriana with paths suitable for walking and cycling. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain, as the ruins sit on a hillside.
The fortress once featured four corner towers and an intricate system of protective ditches, making it one of the largest defensive structures in the Mantuan state. These fortifications demonstrate the engineering skill of medieval defensive architecture from that period.
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