Sirmione is a must-see when touring the beguiling array of towns on Lake Garda, although you may want to avoid the weekend crowds during high season especially.
Hotel Sirmione Photo © Alice Joyce
An inviting destination that you might include in a tour of Northern Italy – even if spending time on Lake Garda is not part of your plan – Sirmione is situated at the tip of a narrow peninsula at the southern end of Lago di Garda, where the cities of Desenzano and Peschiera anchor the lake’s edge to the west and to the east.
Villa of Catullus Sirmione © Alice Joyce
In Sirmione you’ll have a fascinating opportunity to immerse yourself in a magnificent historical site. It’s an easy hike to explore The Grotto of Catullus – Grotte di Catullo – as you stroll away from the bustle of Sirmione’s many restaurants, wine bars, and curio shops to arrive at the town’s archaeological area.
Sirmione Villa of Catullus Ruins © Alice Joyce
Emerging from an expansive promontory, the Roman ruins create a panoramic landscape where an impressive private villa once held sway. Not only do the substructures of countless rooms emerge, but also the remains of an earlier site have been identified; dating to the period of the 1st century BC and spanning 1st century AD. Was this the villa belonging to the poet, Catullus?
Sirmione Ruins from Ferry
Returning to my hotel in the town of Bardolino, I gasped at the views from the ferry, taking in images that are imprinted on my mind’s-eye where they will be replayed for years to come.
Poppies Sirmione Italy © Alice Joyce
Meandering amidst the romantic ruins … an utterly delightful way to spend a few hours.
Sirmione Roman Ruins © Alice Joyce
In the main part of town, the formidable medieval Scaligero castle is popular with touring Italians and tourists worldwide.
Sirmione Castle Lake Garda © Alice Joyce
The iconic towers and ramparts are much photographed.
Sirmione Castle Wall ©
Sirmione Castle © Alice Joyce
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