Scaligeri Tombs: Tomb of Mastino II in foreground, Cansignorio behind, and the wrought iron enclosure

Date

Circa 1910

Under the rule of the della Scala (Scaligeri), from the accession of Alberto I della Scala (died 1301) in 1277 until 1387, Verona expanded to nearly six times the size of the Roman city. The della Scala remodelled the town centre, building their residences near Santa Maria Antica. Next to the church they created the small private cemetery that contains the (five) family tombs, including those of Cangrande I, Mastino II and Cansignorio, which have come to symbolize the artistic culture of their period of power. Most are on a high platform with a Gothic baldachin; in the form of Gothic shrines, or tempietti, enclosing their sarcophagi.