Sirmione is a beautiful town built on the edge of Lake Garda in northern Italy. We visited in late spring to find a busy town full of holiday makers.
Sirmione is famous for the magnificent Scaligero Castle, a 13th century medieval port fortification. It was begun by Mastino della Scala in 1277. The most striking features are the Ghibelline swallowtail merlons.
The castle stands in a strategic position at the entrance to the peninsular. It is surrounded by a moat and can only be entered by 2 drawbridges…not a bad way to make an entrance.
The tiny church, Sant’Anna della Rocca stands near the castle. It dates from the 12th century and was built for the garrison and the few local villagers.
The pretty streets, laneways and piazzas are lined with stylish shops and restaurants.
There are some lovely parks and gardens.
We spotted the place we want to stay in next time.
The warm spring weather meant the beaches were popular.
We took a trip around the lake on one of the boats that leave Sirmione regularly. There are dozens of towns and villages lining the lake. I will show you a couple in the next post.
Sirmione looks wonderful from the lake.
Sirmione is known as “the pearl of the islands and peninsular”. It has been popular with poets and writers for some time. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and its crystal waters and gorgeous scenery attract visitors from all over the world.
It is also famous for the healing properties of its thermal waters…something for our next visit. We also would like to visit the Grotte di Catullo, an archeological site that includes a Roman Villa.
What a gorgeous-looking place. Just love castles and drawbridges.
By: Coral Waight on August 23, 2018
at 11:44 pm
The entrance to the town is stunning!
By: Debra Kolkka on August 25, 2018
at 9:03 pm
Yes, it is indeed a beautiful town. We were there this past May. Very lovely and so interesting. Also took the boat to other towns along the lake
By: Barbara Palumbo on August 24, 2018
at 12:07 am
I prefer Lake Como, but Lake Garda was pretty.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 25, 2018
at 9:03 pm
The place is wonderful and that castle is a dream. Thanks for sharing those beautiful memories.
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 24, 2018
at 4:30 am
The castle is amazing, and well preserved.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 25, 2018
at 9:04 pm
Another new one for me … thanks for taking me there.
By: aFrankAngle on August 24, 2018
at 11:23 am
It was our first time too. We would like to explore the area a bit more.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 25, 2018
at 9:04 pm
I was at Lake Garda a few years ago and it is a wonderful place. I didn’t have much time to stay there and to visit Sirmione, but it certainly looks from your article like a place I need to see when I will be there the next time. Thank you so much for all so interesting articles and great pictures you are posting on your blogs.
By: creativeartphoto on August 24, 2018
at 4:05 pm
Thank you for following and taking the time to comment. Sirmione is a pretty town and there are many more along the lake to visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 25, 2018
at 9:06 pm
One word….Gorgeous!!!! Jxx
By: Jan Williams on August 25, 2018
at 9:24 pm
Looks stunning Debra! 🙂
By: thirdeyemom on August 26, 2018
at 4:50 pm
Reblogged this on Travels About Town and commented:
Debbie did such a fine job describing this spot in Italy we visited on our tour that I want to share it with you. She really captured it!
By: Betty Albert Chronicles on September 7, 2018
at 8:14 pm
Debbie, you captured it so well, I reblogged. Far better than I could for sure.
By: Betty Albert Chronicles on September 7, 2018
at 8:19 pm
I am happy you liked the post!
By: Debra Kolkka on September 7, 2018
at 9:03 pm