A trip to Sirmione to discover its ancient origins

Hello everyone,

Today we're going to explore the ancient beauties of Sirmione, one of the most renowned villages at the Lake Garda.

Sirmione is  of one of the most touristic destinations and its city centre is located in a peculiar peninsula in the Southern part of the lake.

If you're planning a visit, don't forget that the best way to get there is by car, although during peak season you might be stuck on a queue. Another option is to travel by ferry, there are a few that allow you to move all around the lake, from Desenzano to Riva and stop in Sirmione too. (https://www.comunitadelgarda.it/Info-utili/Linee-battelli/1185-6-1.html)

Anyway, when we arrived, we left the car  at a comfortable parking lot just few steps from the main entrance of this medieval city, near the Grand Hotel Terme.

What was going to welcome us would leave us wordless and breathless because it's one of the most amazing fortresses ever built on the water.

It is called Scaliger Castle and it is one of the best well-kept medieval citadels of Italy.

We popped up there quite easily but if you want to secure your entrance, it is also possible to pre-book your visit.

Inside, we walked all around the walls and had the chance to climb up to the top of a tower to shoot stunning pictures.

This destination is so special because from up above we had the feeling of a glimpse of heaven materializing in front of our eyes.

What's more, this isn't the only spot where you can enjoy the sun and the lake, as Sirmione is completely surrounded by shores. I suggest you to take your time, as we did, and wander along the coast, lay on the beach and walk barefoot on the pebbles, or sit on a stone and feed the ducks. The natural environment will do the rest.

Moreover, Sirmione offered us another splendid adventure that I suggest you to try, a boat tour around the peninsula. It lasts minimum half hour and I think it's long enough to become the happiest person in the world.

If you're passionate about unavailable and exclusive views, don't miss it! The boat drivers know all about Sirmione, they have some historical knowledge about the Scaliger Castle, the Catullo Grottoes and the thermal springs that makes the difference in this village… and they can speak English and German too.

Sirmione has got so much to offer and there are restaurants and bars everywhere, but today I'd like to concentrate on the other historical site on hand in the city centre, the archeological site of the Catullo's Grottoes, situated at the far end of the peninsula.

They are the ruins of a huge roman Villa, probably the largest ever found in Northern Italy and presumably owned by the latin poet Catullo, who unequivocally mentioned his house in Sirmione in one of his verses.

A visit to it is certainly worth it because its outdoor park is pretty big and delightful and the ruins of the villa are at different levels. It was a sunny day and the roman quarters offered us a bit of shadow and refreshment.

That day we didn't have the chance to stop, but next time I'd like to save some time in the evening to relax at the Aquaria Thermal SPA, I'll keep you updated!