Masked thieves invaded the art museum of Verona’s Castelvecchio, one of the Italian city’s prime tourist attractions, Thursday, and left with 15 artworks, including paintings by Tintoretto, Rubens, Bellini and Giovanni Francesco Caroto.
Together the value of the works was estimated at about €15 million. Authorities say they think it may have been a steal-to-order job for a private collector. The thieves struck during the evening guard change, after visitors had left and before alarms were activated. They tied up a security officer and used his keys; they also used his car to escape with the paintings.
The museum is located in Verona’s medieval fortress, built to safeguard Verona from invaders and its ruling Scaligeri family from rebellions.
Photo: Geobia / Wikimedia
