The first castle of Bardolino was built towards the end of the 9th century, when King Berengario authorised the inhabitants of the lake to build forts for protection. Subsequently, the castle was continuously rebuilt and modified for changing needs. In a map from 1439 in the Venice State Archives, the local topography is already clearly delineated with the square walls open towards the lake, four towers on the four sides, two gates (Porta S. Giovanni towards Garda and Porta Verona to the south).
