Sirmione, Lake Garda
Sirmione
A narrow peninsula reaching into Lake Garda with a historic town. The waterside Scaliger Castle and the Roman ruins of Catullus's villa make it a classic day trip from Verona.
Sirmione lies on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake. A narrow peninsula about 4 km long extends into the water. The entrance to the old town is the waterside castle built by the Scaligeri family in the 13th century. The castle is surrounded by a moat and contains a rare medieval defensive harbor. Visitors can climb the towers for lake views for a few euros. Passing through the town gate, you find stone lanes lined with gelato shops and restaurants. At the tip of the peninsula, the Grotte di Catullo, the largest Roman private villa ruins in northern Italy, sits among olive groves by the lake with wide views. The area is also known for its thermal springs. You can soak in lakeside thermal pools at the Aquaria Thermal Center. Getting there: from Verona's Porta Nuova station, take a train for about 20 minutes to Desenzano or Peschiera, then transfer to a bus or ferry for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take bus LN026 from Verona directly, about 1 hour. In summer, ferries connect Sirmione with other towns on Lake Garda.
Opening hours
Old town open all day; castle approx. Tue-Sun 08:30-19:30 (check website)
Nearby sights
- Mille Miglia Museum
- Santa Giulia Museum
- Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo
- Capitolium & Brixia Roman Archaeological Park
- Brescia Castle
- Duomo Vecchio & Duomo Nuovo
- Piazza della Loggia
- Piazza della Vittoria