Sirmione - Culture
To reach the town of Sirmione you must cross the bridge that separates it from the mainland and pass under the XIV century archway. The Rocca Scaligera stronghold is one of the best preserved in Italy. It is entirely surrounded by water and can be reached via two bridges. The current form of the castle is credited to Antonio della Scala, whose coat of arms can be still be seen along its outer walls. In the fifteenth century the church of Sant’Anna della Rocca was built and, by following Via Strentelle, you will reach the fifteenth century parish church dedicated to Santa Maria Maggiore. From the plain that offers a view of the entire lower lake area, you can find the ruins of the church of San Salvatore. If you follow Sirmione’s main road, Via Vittorio Emanuele and follow the peninsula along the pathway of Ricordanze, or Remembrance, passing the villas dotted along the pathway, such as villa Cortine, from the church of San Pietro in Mavinas, you will reach the Grottoes of Catullus which are surrounded by olive groves. Mention of Sirmione’s thermal spas was made as early as the 16th century.