Each year, the magic of Sirmione attracts thousands of tourists to this peninsula of just 4 km in length, which boldly extends outward into the broadest expanse of Lake Garda itself. The peninsula upon which Sirmione stands is of a peculiar shape: in fact, it begins with a long and narrow corridor, and culminates in three hills just 90 metres in height. Although the origins of the village's name are uncertain, historians believe that its may be Gallic, Greek or Dalmatian. One thing, however, is for certain: over the centuries, in addition to the beauty of its shores, this place was also renowned as a strategic defensive location, particularly by the Romans, who left behind one of the most splendid exemplars of a classical villa, which is now known as the "Grottoes of Catullus".
Walking tour through the village
We begin our tour of Sirmione with the suggestive medieval castle known as Rocca Scaligera, which was built at the end of the 13th century by Mastino I della Scala, a nobleman of Verona. This unique structure is the best preserved castle found throughout the entire Lake Garda area. It serves as a striking entrance to the village of Sirmione itself, the historic centre of which is reached by crossing a small stone bridge leading to Piazza Castello, where the Church of Sant'Anna is located, featuring a 14th century votive painting of the Madonna over the altar. Also worthy of mention is the image of Sant'Eligio (St. Eligius), the patron saint of blacksmiths.
Our tour continues with a visit to Piazza Carducci, from which visitors can explore the various narrow medieval roads and alleyways, and the Parish Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its magnificent portico and columns, one of which is a Roman milestone taken from Via Gallica, which traversed the "Mansio di Sirmione" nearly two thousand years ago. Inside, the church features a splendid Venetian-style depiction of the Last Supper, the colours of which are reminiscent of the painting style that Paolo Veronese disseminated throughout the Po River Valley (an exhibit titled Paolo Veronse, the illusion of reality, is currently being held in Verona, at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia), as well as a number of eighteenth century marble altars.
A road with a slight uphill grade leads to the Church of San Salvatore, which was built during the Lombard age by Ansa, the wife of the last Lombard King, Desiderio, the remains of which are still visible. From here, our itinerary takes us through the public park, where the Sirmione Thermal Baths are located. The Thermal Centre (the Boiola Spring) is known throughout Europe for the curative properties of its sulphur water. Even Maria Callas, whose residence still remains, developed a great appreciation for its therapeutic effects, and eventually came to live here during the 1950s with her husband, Giovanni Meneghini (originally from Verona), before selling the property to Aristotle Onassis.
Immersed in the tranquillity of the olive groves and singing birds, we no make our way to the oldest church in Sirmione: the splendid 9th century medieval church of San Pietro in Mavino, which was likely built over top of an earlier pagan temple. Finally, after having admired the park surrounding the prestigious 5-star Villa Cortine Hotel, and after having taken in the panorama of the Lido delle Bionde (the "Beach of the Blondes" - whose bizarre name can be misleading), we come to the entrance to the Grottoes of Catullus, Lombardy's most important archaeological site, which features the largest Roman Villa in all of northern Italy. The ruins, in fact, are those of a grandiose and once extremely luxurious residential complex overlooking the Lake Garda, which eventually came to be recognized as the remains of the villa of Catullus. The site was discovered in 1856 by Orti Manara of Verona, who brought them back to life by having them cleaned and thoroughly studied.
After completing our tour, we can continue to enjoy the sights and landscapes offered by the Lake Garda area, perhaps even taking a stroll in the lively historic centre of Sirmione, which features numerous shops and restaurants. Before leaving the village, make sure you take the opportunity to sample some local specialties, above all the nectar obtained from the moraine hills by the local wine-makers with their pleasant Lugana wine, which is pressed from grapes native to the Lake Garda area.
Get in touch with a tour guide for the visit
Our guided tour of the area can continue with the other villages and attractions surrounding Lake Garda, including the shorelines on both the Brescia and Verona sides. Contact us to obtain more information about creating your ideal itinerary, for an unforgettable tour of the Lake Garda area accompanied by one of our expert tour guides. Our licensed tour guides are at your complete disposal to organize your tours of the provinces of Brescia and Verona, as well as the picturesque village of Sirmione.
