Sirmione on the Lake Garda

Sirmione is a one of the most visited coastal towns of the Lake Garda coast. Its narrow streets, Scaligero castle and the remains of an ancient Roman villa mesmerize most of the visitors of the town who have a feeling as if they traveled in time for a chance to re-live an episode of Sirmione’s interesting past.

During the Roman period, Sirmione with the surrounding area was a popular resort for the rich families from Verona. The remains from this period are still visible in one part of the town. Also in the ancient Roman period, Sirmione area was the sight of a battle between the Roman Forces and German coalition forces Alemanni, in which Romans took a decisive victory and secured their northern borders.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Longobards ruled in the north of Italy. After the fall of the Longobard Kingdom, Sirmione was probably a free community until 1197, when it fell under the rule of Verona.
In the 13^th century, the Sermione Castle or in Italian “Castello Scaligero” was constructed by Mastino I della Scala (the Lord of Verona) most probably on the remains of an ancient Roman Castrum (a type of Roman fortification). In 1378, Sirmione was taken by Visconti family of Milan (Lords of Milan), while in the 15^th century it fell under the rule of the Republic of Venice.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic, Sermione was occupied by French forces in 1797. Already in 1816, it fell under the Austrian rule. After the Third Independence War, Sermione became a part of the unified Italy.

For a long period, Sirmione was known for its thermal waters. However, the depth of thermal water springs impeded any commercial use all until the end of the 19^th century. In this period, great efforts were made in order to bring thermal waters from the depth of 19 meters to the surface. This water is nowadays used in thermal baths in Sermione, which became a well-known destination for all visitors of the lake who enjoy this type of relaxation.

What to visit in Sermione
Sirmione Castle (Scaligero Castle) - is a beautiful castle from the 13^th century surrounded almost entirely by the waters of the Lake Garda.
Grottoes of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo)- are the remains of an ancient Roman villa built between 1^st century BC and 1^st century AD.


Interesting facts

• Pataria or Patarines (in Italian “Patarini”) was a religious movement from the 11^th century that originates from Milan and that fought against the sale of church offices and against the clerical marriage and in general against the corruption of high church members. In the 11^th century they were proclaimed heretics by the Roman Catholic Church and thus prosecuted. Sermione was one of the last refuges for this movement. In the 13^th century, whoever did not repent was burned at the stake in Verona.