Castello scaligero di Sirmione
Fourteenth-century lakeside castle of the Della Scala family at Sirmione, with a fortified harbour and a 37-metre keep overlooking Lake Garda.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle was built after the mid-14th century by the Della Scala family, who ruled Verona and its territory from 1259 to 1387. It stands on the lake, at the start of Sirmione's pedestrian historic centre.
The harbour (darsena), a 14th-century fortified port where fleets took shelter, is an exceptional example of military port architecture. Over the centuries it silted up, and it was reopened to the public in March 2018; today it can be visited only with a guided tour.
Over time the castle was used as an arms store, a barracks and the seat of municipal offices; its present appearance derives from the restorations carried out after 1919. The keep, 37 metres high and once the residence of the castellan, offers a panoramic view of Lake Garda from above.
Highlights
- 14th-century fortified harbour, visitable with a guide
- 37-metre keep with view of Lake Garda
- Courtyards and walkways over the lake
- Position at the entrance to Sirmione's historic centre
Permanent exhibition
- Darsena e mastio del castello – Visit to the castle with the fortified harbour (guided tour only) and a climb to the keep with a view over the lake.
- Operated by
- Ministero della Cultura (Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Lombardia)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 308,459
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2citizens of the European Union aged 18 to 25 |
| Combined ticket Castle, Grotte di Catullo and Villa Romana di Desenzano (valid 7 days) | €20 |
| Annual pass to the sites of the combined ticket | €20 |
The ticket includes the free visit to the Mastio (keep). The categories with free admission are indicated on the Ministry's website (beniculturali.it/agevolazioni). Payment in cash or by card; booking optional.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The castle is only partly accessible to people with mobility disabilities: the main and secondary courtyards, at ground level, and the first floor of the cassero (room for conferences and education) can be reached. Tactile panels and audio-video guides in LIS and ISL are available, as well as multisensory tools. Dogs are not admitted in the castle.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From Desenzano del Garda station take the SIA bus to Sirmione's historic centre.
By car
Paid parking
The castle is at the start of the pedestrian historic centre: a paid car park nearby is recommended.
By car from the SS 11, follow the signs for the centre; from the A4 motorway take the Sirmione exit.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The bookshop sells a guide (2018 edition) in Italian, English and German for €10.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | The harbour can be visited only with a guided tour. Audio-video guides in LIS and ISL are available. |
