Sirmione is a castle town on a skinny peninsula that lies on the southern end of Lake Garda. The storybook castle is the centerpiece and defining landmark of Sirmione, with its moat and drawbridge and fortified presence that make it the symbol of the town. Beyond are intriguing cobbled lanes lined with stone and stuccoed buildings boasting flower boxes, linked by archways and punctuated with courtyards. Slender alleys open into little piazzas with outdoor cafes. Sirmione is a historic city that was inhabited in the Bronze Age but became a popular Roman resort thanks to its natural hot springs. It was ruled by the lords of Verona and then passed to the Republic of Venice, which ruled it from 1405 until its fall in 1797. The Roman poet Gaius Valerius Catullus was from here and his family had an extensive villa. The remains of a Roman villa that may or may not have been his are on display at the Grotto di Catullo on the tip of the peninsula. Poets, writers and celebrities have drawn to its unique and beautiful atmosphere through the centuries. The skinny isthmus offers views of both sides of the lake, with rocky peaks rising to the west that turn soft hues at sunrise and sunset. The town is well-kept and pretty, a delight to wander and enjoy the charm of an ancient town. Sidewalk cafes and restaurants abound, so taste the lake’s fresh offerings and enjoy a gelato in the sunshine, surrounded by aged buildings with painted shutters and awnings.
Sirmione
