Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Castle · Sirmione, Lombardia
Castello Scaligero di Sirmione
Fortress of the Scaligeri surrounded by lake water, with crenellated walls, a 47-metre tower and a rare fortified harbor. It is the gateway to the historic center.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castello Scaligero di Sirmione
The Castello Scaligero of Sirmione was built by the Della Scala, the lords of Verona, from the 13th century to control access to the peninsula and the southern part of the lake. It is one of the most complete and best-preserved castles in Italy and a rare example of a water fortress: it is surrounded by the lake on all sides.
The walls and the three main towers have swallowtail-shaped merlons, a hallmark of Scaligeri constructions. Behind them rises the mastio, the main tower, at 47 metres; the prisoners' cells were below. Today the entrance is only on the village side, via a bridge that used to be a drawbridge.
On the lake side is the darsena, the fortified harbor where the Scaligeri fleet sheltered, also enclosed by walls and towers. A staircase of 146 steps leads to the battlement walkways, from which you can see the darsena from above and the lake on both sides of the peninsula.
The castle is administered by the Italian Ministry of Culture, by the regional directorate of museums of Lombardy, and there is a combined ticket with the Grotte di Catullo.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Right at opening, before the tour groups arrive. In summer, from June to August, the line tends to grow in the late morning.
How to get there
It is at the entrance to Sirmione's historic center. From the parking lots outside the ZTL or from the bus stop it's just a few minutes on foot. The boat harbor is next to it.
Tip
The ascent to the walls and the tower is via narrow, steep stairs. On the first Sunday of each month, Italian state museums usually have free entry, and visitor numbers increase.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castello Scaligero di Sirmione
Can you climb the castle tower?
Yes. The visit includes the stairs up to the wall walkways and to the main tower, with views over the lake. There are many narrow steps.
What is the darsena?
It is the castle's fortified harbour, enclosed by walls, where the Scaligeri fleet was sheltered. It is one of the few examples of this type in Italy.
Is there a combined ticket with the Grotte di Catullo?
Yes, there is a combined ticket for the castle and the Grotte di Catullo and, in some options, with the Villa Romana de Desenzano. Check the options before you go.