The Arche Scaligere is a Gothic funerary complex in the historical centre housing the tombs of the most most illustrious members of the Scala family, one of the richest and most powerful families of ancient Verona. The tombs are enclosed by a wrought-iron fence with a staircase motif, the symbol of the family, while the sarcophagi are on the ground or on raised levels.
The first to be built is the Ark of Cangrande, lord of Verona from 1308 to 1311, also known as the friend and protector of the great poet Dante Alighieri.
Then the ark of Mastino II, begun in 1345, which underwent numerous design changes over the years. Also part of the funerary complex are the ark of Cansignorio (1375), the most richly decorated, the sarcophagus of Alberto I, built in 1301 and richly sculpted, and the hanging ark of Giovanni della Scala (completed in 1359).
