The Castle and the Castle Museum

The Castle and the Castle Museum are two important attractions in Conegliano that are well worth a visit. The castle is characterized by its tower, known as "della Campana," which housed a bell used to summon the population and signal important events in the city. Today, the castle structure houses the city museum.The castle has undergone several renovations over the centuries. Some parts, such as the splayed embrasures, date back to the original Scaliger foundation, while the arched windows were added during a renovation in 1467. The upper part of the tower, including the belfry and lookout post, was rebuilt after the 1491 collapse and was elevated with Ghibelline battlements in 1847-55. Inside the castle, it is possible to admire the Venetian "doge's hat" fireplace room on the second floor, with an exit leading to the court patrol path.The Castle Museum, located inside the castle, has a history dating back to 1868, when the idea of creating a city museum was first proposed. However, it was only in 1946 that the museum found a location in the castle tower thanks to the contribution of Cav. Antonio Tocchio. Later, the museum was enriched thanks to the work of Cav. Alfredo De Mas, who oriented the collection toward artistic choices. Currently, the museum is divided into several sections, including the picture gallery, the lapidary, and a room dedicated to the fireplace or kitchen, which features a large doge's horn hood and a collection of armor and furniture in the late Renaissance style.The museum's picture gallery houses a number of significant paintings, including organ doors attributed to the workshop of Cima da Conegliano, a painting by Palma il Giovane depicting the Delivery of the Keys to St. Peter, and works by other local and national artists of historical and artistic value.In addition to the art section, the museum also includes an archaeological section displaying prehistoric and Roman artifacts found in the area, evidence of ancient human settlements dating back thousands of years. The castle terrace also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and the sea.In conclusion, the Castle and the Castle Museum represent a cultural heritage of great importance to Conegliano, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, art, and archaeology of the region.