Arilica, (the name of the city during the Roman Dominion) had already been fortified, as the foundations of two Roman towers near the bridge over the Mincio seem to demonstrate; moreover Arilica was the basis of Roman lakeside military fleet and such a strategic center had to be forcibly protected from possible external incursions.
At the beginning of XIII century it was fortified again and then during the following century it was strengthened by the Scaligeri and by Mastino II della Scala. He was also responsible for the construction of the fortress and the completion of the walls. The village was protected on five sides with turreted walls and the Rocca located in the southern corner, as well as the Mincio river which surrounded the town, also today.
