Sights and Places to See in Sirmione

For such a small town, Sirmione has plenty of places to explore and sights to visit during a stay in the resort or during a day trip to the southern end of Lake Garda.

Here are a few images from the town to help give visitors an idea of how Sirmione looks...

The Hot Springs at Sirmione

Sirmione is known for its thermal baths, which are fed by warm mineral springs. The springs have also caused mineral deposits as they run into Lake Garda at the southern end of the peninsula. These can be seen from a path which leads around the coastline from the east and the west underneath the Roman ruins. Completing the circuit at the headland is possible if the lake is calm and visitors do not mind getting wet feet if they miss their footing.

The mineral deposits caused by the hot springs at Sirmione

Alternatively, those who want a good view of the headland, the mineral deposits and the ruins can take a private boat tour from Sirmione port.

Taking a boat to the end of the Sirmione peninsula

The Caves of Catullo

As mentioned on the Things To Do page, these are not caves, not grottos and not even a single grotto. They are ruins of a Roman villa which make a scenic stroll on a good day.

The Catullus 'caves' near Sirmione

The archaeological area of excavations and the museum are open every day apart from Monday in the summer months. The Grotte di Catullo are around 15 minutes' walk from the centre of Sirmione old town.

Sirmione Old Town

Sirmione actually covers an area larger than most people think, with beaches on the shoreline on either side of the peninsula leading to the castle and the old town.

What most visitors come to see, however, is quite a small area behind the old fortified walls, which is where many of the sights and accommodation is located.

An uncharacteristically quiet old town street in Sirmione

In high season, the shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours in Sirmione centre are packed with day trippers from the lake ferries and drivers arriving from the nearby motorway to the south of the town. But early in the morning and later on in the evening when the crowds die down, the historic centre regains its own special charm.

The old town of Sirmione on Lake Garda

The Scaliger Fortress (Rocca Scaligera)

The imposing fortress or, as some people insist, castle in Sirmione is part of almost all the traditional views of the town. The towers can be seen above the old town when approaching via ferry on Lake Garda. Those arriving by land have to pass the fortifications on their way through the old town wall gate into the historic centre.

The Rocca Scaligera at the entrance to Sirmione

The fortress is open every day except Mondays in summer. The views of the lake and the tower as well as the interesting history make it well worth a visit.