Scaligero Castle (Castello Scaligero di Sirmione) at Lake Garda in Italy.

One of the most well-preserved castles in Italy also contains a rare medieval example of a port fortification. During the second half of the 14th century, the ruling family ordered the construction of a fortification on the promontory of Sirmione. The castle served a defensive function, but also acted as a small port with its docks serving as a safe haven for Scaliger and Venetian fleets. The entire castle, even the dock, is surrounded by towers and battlements. The structure was enlarged and improved upon during the following century when the area was governed by the Republic of Venice. The castle remained the most important fortification in the region until the 16th century when a new fortress was constructed in nearby Peschiera del Garda.