All You Need to Know about Scaligero Castle in Sirmione
Scaligero Castle (also known as Scaliger) in the historic center of Sirmione is one of Italy’s best preserved castles in Italy and the symbol of popular resort town Sirmione. It is a fortified medieval castle from the Scaliger era. The special thing about Scaligero Castle is that it is surrounded by the crystal clear water of Lake Garda, resembling Venice. The castle, with its rich history and magical atmosphere, is one of the most visited castles in Italy and I definitely recommend visiting it if you are traveling to Northern Italy. You can easily visit Scaligero Castle as a day trip from Verona.
History of Scaligero Castle
Scaligero Castle was built in the 14th century by the order of the Della Scala family of Verona also known as Scaligers. The family ruled Verona and a large part of Venice between 1259 and 1387. Scaligero Castle was an important fortification area until the 16th century, but later it lost its importance in favor of the neighboring fortress of Peschiera. The castle later became the office of the local government of Sirmione and after WWI it was converted into a museum and a tourist attraction.
Scaligero Castle Location with a Map
Scaliger castle is located in the historic center of Sirmione right at the beginning of the Sirmione peninsula. You can easily explore the old town of Sirmione including the Scaliger Castle on foot because the area is not so big. Please be aware that vehicles are not allowed in the old town of Sirmione where Scaliger castle is located. You will have to park your car outside the city center and get to the old town either by bus or on foot.
How to Get to Scaligero Castle
If you are traveling by car, you can reach Sirmione via the A4 Milan-Venice motorway or the Brescia-Desenzano ring road. Along the road close to the castle there are a few large parking lots. You will have to park your car in a parking lot and walk into Sirmione’s old town on foot.
If you are traveling by public transportation, there are a few options available for you. The easiest is to go to Lake Garda from Verona or from Milan.
Getting to Sirmione by Train
There are no direct trains to Sirmione. Closest train station is located in nearby Desenzano station. You can take a direct train from Milan main station or Verona main station to Desenzano and then the bus line LN026 or LN034 to Sirmione.
Getting to Sirmione by Bus
There is a direct bus line LN026 connecting Verona Porta Nuova station to Sirmione. From Milan there are no direct bus lines to Sirmione but the transfer should be fairly straightforward.
Scaligero Castle Admission and Opening Times
April 1st – september 30th
- Tuesday-Saturday: from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (last entrance 6.45 pm)
- Sunday and holidays: from 9.15 am to 5.45 pm (last entrance 5 pm)
October 1st – March 31st
- Tuesday-Saturday: from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (last entrance 6.45 pm)
- Sunday: from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm (last entrance 12.45 am)
- Holidays: from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (last entrance 6.45 pm)
More information can be found on the official website of the Scaliger Castle.
Scaligero Castle Entry Price
- Full price: €8
- EU citizens (18-25 years old): €3
- Kids (up to 18): free
The Scaligero Castle in Sirmione is part of the Garda Museums complex, together with the Grottoes of Catullus and the Roman Villa in Desenzano del Garda.
The ticket can be purchased directly at the entrance to the castle.
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