Sirmione: Experience Roman History and Lake Garda

Sirmione combines Roman history, sacred art, Lake Garda and routes for different interests. Notable destinations include the Grotte di Catullo, Castello Scaligero and historic churches; beaches as well as walking and running routes between the historic centre, Colombare and Lugana complete the townscape. This allows you to give different weight to culture, the lakeshore and physical activity when planning your trip.

Roman Traces and Historic Sites

The Grotte di Catullo preserve the remains of a Roman villa built between the late 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD. The Museo archeologico di Sirmione is located within the archaeological area. It displays finds relating to the history of Sirmione and Lake Garda, objects from the prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements around the Sirmione peninsula, as well as numerous artefacts from Roman and medieval times.

The Chiesa San Pietro in Mavino was built in the 8th century AD during the Lombard period. The Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore is located in the historic centre of Sirmione and houses frescoes as well as a 15th-century wooden statue of the Madonna. Palazzo Callas Exhibitions dates from the late 18th century and hosts exhibitions and major events. Villa Callas can be seen from the outside; a commemorative plaque there recalls the stay of Maria Callas and Giovanni Battista Meneghini in Sirmione.

When visiting Castello Scaligero, the inner courtyard, battlements and historic Darsena are just as much part of the experience as climbing the tall tower with its panoramic view.

Tours and Orientation on Site

Several tours through the ruins and the historic olive grove are part of the archaeological area of the Grotte di Catullo; information panels provide orientation. The shortest tour takes about 40 minutes and is also suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, the natural terrain includes gravel and challenging uphill sections.

You can reach the Chiesa San Pietro in Mavino via two short turn-offs from Via Catullo, the road from the historic centre of Sirmione to the Grotte di Catullo. The Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore can be reached from Castello Scaligero via two main routes; the route via Via Dante takes about five minutes.

Lakeshore, Routes and Wine

The archaeological area includes a historic olive grove with around 1,500 trees of traditional varieties cultivated on Lake Garda. The beaches of Sirmione offer opportunities for sunbathing, swimming in Lake Garda and walking along the shore. Sirmione also has walking and running routes between the historic centre and the districts of Colombare and Lugana.

For a culinary accent, Ca' Lojera offers bookable wine tastings at its winery in Sirmione. In this way, wine complements a trip that, depending on its focus, combines Roman and medieval history, time spent by the lakeshore or routes through the town.

Other destinations: Dello, Muscoline, Colombare, Bedizzole, Cologne, Paratico, Iseo, Darfo Boario Terme

To the overarching travel overview: Brescia.