SIRMIONE HISTORY INFORMATION
SIRMIONE CASTLE
The fortified medieval centre is defended by the Scaligera Fortress, strategically
positioned on the only point of access by the land. There are other similar fortress
from the same period along the Veronese side of the lake.
Sirmione castle is one of the most cofotifications cmplete and best preserved
in Italy. The two crenellated towers stand out impressively, a symbol of the power
of Mastino I della Scala who started the first phase of construction of the Fortress
around 1259.
The castle was once surrounded by fortifications covering a vast area of the
peninsula. It has main courtyard with a main tower, three corner towers and two
entrances. At a later date a secondary courtyard was added to the South of the
main one as well as the small Southern entranceway.
On a third occasion, building work was carried out for the dock and the third
courtyard. The Fortress is sorounded by the water and is accessible today by the
drawbridge. Visitors can climb the main tower by climbng 146 steps and from the
patrol walkways can be reached.
SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE
The patish church of Sirmione, Santa maria Maggiore is located inside the Medieval
centre. this is one of the most significant examples of architecture from the
1400s in the lake area and is noted for its unusual terracotta decorations, the
elegant apsidal structure and the external buttresses.
The amin entrance consists in a porch with five arches. Inside the church are
valuable paintings, fine frescos and a wooden staute of the Madonna della Neve
from the fifteenth century.
SANT’ANNA ALLA ROCCA
A small Church built by the castle for religious services for the officials of
the garrison; frescos of XIV century and a Madonna painted on stone with the
Scaligeri’s coat of arms.
SAN PIETRO IN MAVINO
In 765 AD Cuninomodo, a member of the nobility, was ordered by the King Desiderio
and Queen Ansa to donate his property to Sirmione's basilicas and the Brescian
monastery San Salvatore to expiate his guilt for a murder committed in Pavia's
royal palace.
This is teh period when San Pietro in Mavinas church was build ( the name probably
comes from the Latind "ad summa vineas" meaning palce with the wineyards up high).
The Roman bell tower was definited built at a later date, in two phases between
the eleventh and twelth centuries, which is a when the frescos decorating the
apses were painted. The church underwent restoration in 1320.
The building was lifted and part od the facade was rebuilt. A great range of
frescos were painted inside the church along the side walls. over the last two
centuries the roof has been replastered (dated, as noted by a graffito, 1827).
GROTTE DI CATULLO
Ruins of a large roman Villa, situated at the end of the peninsular in a panoramic
position.
Beside the beautiful ruins of the house and thermae you can visit the new
museum which helps visitors to understand the history and functions of the Villa
along the years.
VILLA CALLAS
Maria Callas continues to shine as the brichtest of stars int the vault of celestial
opera. Born in New York on December 2 1923 she died in Paris on September 16,
1977. From 1950 to 1959 the famous soprano spent her lve at the side of her husband
Giovan Battista Meneghini in their villa in Sirmione to rest far from the wordly
turmoil. Even if occasional, her stays in Sirmione confirmed the affection which
attacted her to Catullus' Peninsula where she would come "to fully enjoy this
paradise, where Titta and I envisage spending our last days being buried." Her
last words to friend, just few days before er death, were: "I yearn for Sirmione."
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