Pretty Sirmione was built on the end of an impossibly thin peninsula sticking out from the southern shore of Lake Garda, in northern Italy. It is famous for its Scaliger Castle, the picturesque village and its hot springs. So here are the top attractions to visit in Sirmione.
1) Castello Scaligero
The Scaliger Castle in Sirmione is an extraordinary example of lakeside fortification and one of the most spectacular and best-preserved Scaliger fortresses. Built in the second half of the 14th century, the castle takes its name from the Della Scala family who ruled Verona and the nearby area between the 13th and 14th centuries.
The dock is an exceptional example of 14th-century port fortification. The internal waters were buried by an accumulation of debris over the centuries. Restoration works began in 1919 and it was opened to the public only in March 2018.
Opening Hours and Prices
The entrance ticket to the fortress is € 6 ( € 3 from 18 to 25 years for EU citizens).
From April 1st to September 30th, the Castle is open from Tuesday to Saturday 8.30-19.30, and Sunday 9:15 – 17:45. In winter the opening hours of the castle are from Tuesday to Saturday 8.30-19.30, Sunday 9:15 – 13:30.
Entrance is free the first Sunday of the month, from October to March.
2) Grotte di Catullo
Grotte di Catullo is the name given to the ruins of a Roman villa built between the end of the 1st century BC and the beginning of the 1st century AD at the northernmost end of the Sirmione peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda.
The archaeological complex, is the most valuable testament of the Roman period in the area and an exceptional find of a Roman villa in northern Italy.
Opening Hours and Prices
Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:30 to 19:30, you can visit both the museum and the archaeological area, with variable hours according to the seasons. Sundays and holidays are open with reduced hours, from 8:30 to 14:00. No access on Mondays.
Ticket cost: € 6
Reductions: €3 from 18 to 25 years for EU citizens. Children up to 18 years and holders of the Lombardy Museums Subscription enter for free.
Free admission: free admission for everyone every first Sunday of the month.
3) Sirmione Historic Town Centre
Sirmione has a small picturesque city centre that is totally worth a visit. Just wonder through its small alleys, go souvenirs shopping and take some pictures.
However, the town gets packed with crowds over the summer. So my recommendation is to plan your visit for the low season months, ideally October or April.
How to get to Sirmione
The best way is to take a flight to Verona airport. From there get on the shuttle bus to Verona Train Station. Then get on a train to Milano Centrale, check that it stops at Desenzano del Garda. Once you reach Desenzano del Garda, you will need to rent a car.
In conclusion, the quickest way to get there is to rent a car from Verona airport and drive to Sirmione. It would take you approximately 30 minutes.
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