Cangrande II della Scala

Who was Cangrande II della Scala?

Cangrande II della Scala was Lord of Verona from 1351 until his death.

In 1351, after the death of his father Mastino II della Scala, he inherited the lordship of Verona and Vicenza, initially under the regency of his uncle Antonio. In 1350 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria and Margaret II, Countess of Hainault.

Cangrande, nicknamed Can Rabbioso ruled Verona with iron fist, amassing rich treasures for his illegitimate sons and impoverishing the city. This caused internal strifes which led the suspicious Cangrande to surround himself with Brandenburg mercenaries. This did not prevent him being assassinated by his brother Cansignorio, who, with the help of the Carraresi of Padua, succeeded him.

Cangrande had a castle and a fortified bridge built in the town in order to grant him a safe place and a safe escape route towards Germany in the event of revolt against him in the city.

Among his children were:

Antonia della Scala, married to Mastino Visconti, son of Bernabò Visconti and Beatrice Regina della Scala.

Cleofa della Scala, married to Giammastino Visconti, younger brother of Mastino.