Sirmione, a short ferry ride across Lake Garda from Desenzano del Garda, is located on a peninsula that divides the lower part of Lake Garda. The first traces of human presence in the area date from the 6th-5th millennia BC and, starting in the 1st century BC, the area was a favorite resort for rich families from Verona. In the late Roma era (4th-5th centuries AD), Sirmione became a fortified strongpoint defending the southern shore of the lake. Sirmione was part of the Venetian Republic from 1405 to 1797, when it was acquired by the Habsburg Empire and later became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Sirmione is one of the most popular locations on Lake Garda, with thousands of visitors flooding in every day for the sights, resorts, thermal baths, castle, and history. We approach on the ferry, enter the town, and wander.
A short distance into Sirmione, we reach Scaligero Castle, a medieval port fortification used by the Scaliger fleet in the 13th century. The castle stands on a strategic location at the entrance to the peninsula and and can be accessed by two drawbridges over its moat. And, oddly enough, an inflatable pink crocodile lives in the moat.
Next to the castle, the beautiful small church of Sant'Anna della Rocca dates from the 12th century, used mainly by the garrison and local villagers.
We return from the castle and reenter the town, walking along the the lake to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (late 15th century) in the town center.
We continue around the lake, approaching the top of the peninsula and then cut through a park to head back into town looking for lunch.
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