Sirmione

Why choose this tour

Sirmione, the ‘Pearl of Garda’, is a destination that captivates visitors from all over the world. Its unique location, at the end of a peninsula that stretches into Lake Garda, makes it a magical place where history, nature, and relaxation come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Sirmione is a sight to behold, no matter the season. In summer, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. In spring and autumn, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and the temperatures are pleasantly mild. Even in winter, Sirmione holds its charm, with the lake shrouded in mist and the village illuminated by the warm glow of Christmas lights.
This area offers a rich blend of culture, boasting a wealth of historical remains from both the Roman and medieval periods. From Sirmione, you can easily reach all destinations on Lake Garda by boat.
This strategic area of Lake Garda boasts a thermal spring, a treasure from the Roman era. Sirmione’s thermal waters have been renowned since ancient times for their healing properties. It’s well known that the Romans had a strong interest in thermal waters, and Sirmione remains a highly renowned thermal center to this day.

Details

The ancient Sirmione spans three main areas: the Cortine hill, the San Pietro in Mavino hill, and the archaeological area of the Catullo Caves.
The guided tour of Sirmione on Lake Garda encompasses these three areas. The tour starts in Piazza Castello, at the 13th-century Rocca Scaligera. This is a genuine fortress, not a residential building. It is completely surrounded by water. The only connections to the mainland are two bridges. We then proceed to the archaeological site of the Grotte di Catullo. This vast park spans an area of 20,000 square meters.
This Roman archaeological complex, despite its unproven connection to Catullus, remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in northern Italy. Its ruins, overlooking the lake, create a captivating spectacle.
The name ‘Grotte di Catullo’ refers to the Roman villa overlooking Lake Garda, at the tip of Sirmione. It is believed to have belonged to the Gens Valeria, a prominent family from Verona.
Some fifteenth-century travelers mistook the ruins of the Roman villa that stood on the tip of Sirmione and were invaded by vegetation for natural caves: their reports overlapped with the popular belief that the site was that of the villa owned by the Roman poet Gaius Valerius Catullus (84-54 BC)
The views from this point are spectacular. A short walk takes us to the small church of San Pietro in Mavinas, which dates back to the 8th century and is rich in interesting frescoes.
The tour continues through the narrow streets of the old town centre and ends in Piazza Carducci, the old harbour, where there are bars where you can stop for an aperitif or an ice-cream. Strolling through the streets of the village is like stepping back in time. Colourful houses, artisan workshops and hidden squares create a unique atmosphere.
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