Page 215 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

verona and lake gard a  213

ViSitorS’ CheCkLiSt
Practical Information
n Viale Marconi 8 (030 91 61 14).
∑ sirmionebs.it
Rocca Scaligera: tel 030 91 64 68.
open 8:30am–7:30pm Tue–Sat,
8:30am–1pm Sun. Closed 1 Jan,
1 May, 25 Dec. & Grotte di Catullo:
tel 030 91 61 57. open 8:30am–
7:30pm Tue–Sat (Nov–Feb: to
5:30pm), 9:30am– 6:30pm Sun &
pub hols (Nov–Feb: 8:30am–2pm).
Lakeside Walk Closed 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec. & 7
Following the eastern shores of the peninsula, this
pretty walk links the village to the Grotte di Catullo. Transport
@ g

San Pietro
Founded in AD 765, on
Sirmione’s highest point,
this church contains a
12th-century fresco of
Christ in Majesty.

. Grotte di Catullo
This complex of villas, baths and
shops, built as a resort for wealthy
Romans from the 1st century BC,
lies ruined here. Finds are displayed
in the Antiquarium building.

the Scaligeri
The Rocca Scaligera is one of many castles built
throughout the Verona and Lake Garda region by the
Scaligeri family (see p194). During the turbulent 13th
and 14th centuries, powerful military rulers fought
each other incessantly in pursuit of riches and power.
Despite the autocratic nature of their rule, the
Scaligeri brought a period of peace and prosperity
to the region, fending off attacks by the predatory
Visconti family who ruled neighbouring Lombardy. The Scaligeri ruler, Cangrande I

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