Sirmione Castle, the Castello Scaligero

At the southern end of the old town of Sirmione, the defiant and at the same time graceful Scaliger Castle of Sirmione has survived the ages. Built at the narrowest and most strategically important point and surrounded by deep moats, the castle, equipped with crenellated and turreted walls, battlements, narrow embrasures, portcullises and drawbridges, served primarily for defense. The only access to the old town of Sirmione was through one of its gates, which was reached by a drawbridge. The latter has since been replaced by a bridge, but that archway still provides the only access to the old town, which is almost traffic-free.

Today, the graceful fortress is one of the most important tourist attractions on Lake Garda - after all, it is not only the best preserved Scaliger castle, but also the only moated castle on the lake, along with the Rocca di Riva castle.

History of Sirmione castle

The current structure dates back to the second half of the 13th century. After the (bloody) conquest of Sirmione, Mastino I of the influential Veronese noble family della Scala had it built on the foundations of a Roman fort. With this fortress he wanted to extend his power on Lake Garda and make it known far and wide. The main courtyard, the crenellated walls with the three corner towers and the 47 m high main tower, the Mastino, which was soon to serve as the main building and armory, date from this period.

In the course of the centuries, the castle was to undergo several alterations and additions and change hands several times. In this context, the Venetians should be mentioned in particular, who probably built the walled and crenellated harbor basin at the beginning of the 15th century. From then on, this was to ensure the supply and defense of the old town and to house the fleet.

Sirmione castle, from a fortified stronghold to a tourist attraction

The castle of Sirmione has preserved its medieval character to this day, but it has lost its defensive function. Instead, it attracts thousands of tourists every year, who can reach and walk around the battlements from the main courtyard via a steel staircase. The Mastino can also be visited; on it one not only becomes aware of the dimensions of the castle and its ingenious defense system, but also enjoys a picturesque view of the old town of Sirmione and the surrounding area.

Interstings facts about Sirmione castle

The suggestive swallow-tail battlements, by the way, refer to the original builders: the Scaligeri preferred to decorate their buildings with these defensive and symbolic design elements, which made their high social rank widely known.

On the walls above the entrance gate to the castle are still emblazoned the coat of arms of the Scaligeri with the characteristic ladder and the Venetian Lion.

In 1917 the Scaligeri Castle of Sirmione was declared a national monument.

08.11.2022