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
Fondée en 1400 sur l’ancienne église de San Martino in Castro. La façade présente
une décoration en terre cuite, dont le porche appartenant au cimetière attenant ;
romaine la première colonne à gauche : il s’agit d’un jalon de l’empereur Giuliano
l’Apostata et appartenait peut-être à l’église d’origine. A l’intérieur la seule
nef est divisée en trois arcades. Elle contient des fresques des années 1400,
une statue en bois de la Vierge sur un trône (1400) dans l’abside, un crucifix
du XVI siècle attribué à Brusasorci
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
Elle existait déjà à l’époque Lombarde, construite selon la tradition par des
pêcheurs de la zone, sur les ruines d’un tempo païen ; le clocher roman remonte
à 1070 et en 1300 il y eut un remake de l’église. La structure à pignon est cloitrée
par trois absides dont les cotés assez petits. A l’intérieur sont conservé des
fresques du XII-XVI siècle.
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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