Sirmione and Lacise on Lake Garda

sirmione

Against the background of the blue azure of Lake Garda, in the middle of tall sea firs and evergreen magnolias, this unique island of Sirmione stretches. This picturesque island can be reached through a bridge laid from the medieval Scaliger Castle. This ancient castle is an indisputable symbol of Sirmione and will surprise you with its majestic architecture.

In Sirmione, wealthy Roman patricians will build their first villas. In proof of this, at the very edge of the coast, towering scenographic ruins, from a Roman villa of gigantic size, known as the Catulla Grottoes.

On the main square of Sirmione we will meet a monument erected in honor of the famous Latin poet Valery Catullus, who sang Sirmione in his poetry, calling it the pearl of all the seas and lakes of islands and peninsulas.

Legendary lyrical singer Maria Callas spent her free time with her husband in the summer residence known as Villa Callas, where she watched the sunrises and sunsets. For her beautiful voice, she was called Divine and dedicated to a park in the center of Sirmione.

On the walls of the medieval churches of Sirmione you can see ancient frescoes and valuable architectural ornaments made of stucco. We will visit such churches as St. Anne by the castle, St. Mary the Snow, St. Peter on the Movinas hill.

The rich nature of Sirmione will constantly accompany us during the excursion, especially flowering oleanders and lush sea firs, mighty plane trees and tall cypresses, an alley of linden and numerous olive gardens, fragrant rosemary and wonderful bougainvilleas.

lacise

The name Lacise comes from the Latin Laceses, which means simply “host settlement”.

Ancient Lacise is surrounded by velvet hills, between which stretch plains planted with olive plantations and numerous vineyards.

Lazise has a very rich history that dates back several millennia, since Roman times, when the town was an important center of trade and a road hub for trade routes between Lombardy and Germany.

Lazise is still surrounded by medieval walls, which are a symbol of Lazise and his innate characteristic. You will be able to enter the town through the ancient arched gate, as many centuries ago.

The ancient port of Lacise will surprise you with its picturesque view of the ancient church of St. Nicolo, inside which interesting fragments of frescoes have been preserved. From the pier you can admire the special architecture of the Venetian customs, as an important witness to the economic prosperity of Lazise during the Venetian period.

On one of the central streets, we will visit the church dedicated to St. Ginon and Martino, and stop in front of its altars and statues.

Along the wide embankment of Lacise, painted in waves, you will be met by a magical mermaid, which, according to legend, as fishermen told, came out of the water at night. Of course, this is not the only legend that belongs to the history of Lazisa. From a small shore, you can admire the architecture of the majestic Villa Bernini and learn its history.

Despite the fact that Lacise is small, here you can also learn many different interesting events and features, starting from the Middle Ages and ending with our days.

Your guide Christina.

• Transfer costs