Rocca Scaligera in Sirmione was built in the 13th century. It is an unusual fortress located on the narrowest part of the peninsula on Lake Garda and is one of the best-preserved castles in Italy.

Surrounded by the lake except for the artificially structured harbour, which was originally designed to protect Verona’s fleet, the castle has three towers and a 47 metre-high main tower.

Originally accessible from the town of Sirmione and from the outside, the only entrance today is the one from Sirmione itself. Visitors cross the drawbridge into the central portico and up 146 steps to the swallowtail battlements, from there they can take the recently renovated wooden staircases up to the high tower to admire the breathtaking views of Sirmione and Lake Garda.

The castle’s vast portico is home to a lapidarium and a small exhibition on the castle’s history.