Official Information
Official website: https://museilombardia.cultura.gov.it/musei/castello-scaligero-di-sirmione/
Official tickets: https://portale.museiitaliani.it/b2c/buyTicketless/aed5f18d-e6f3-40f3-9c69-3b699d974906
Address: Piazza Castello 34, 25019 Sirmione (BS), Italy
View on Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
Rocca Scaligera generally follows the typical MiC (Ministero della Cultura) schedule. Most Mondays are closed. From Tuesday to Saturday, the castle is usually open from about 08:30 to 19:30, with the ticket office closing approximately one hour earlier. On Sundays and some holidays, it often opens from 08:30 to 13:30, with the ticket office closing around 12:45. These hours can change, and there are occasional extraordinary openings or closures, so always check the official MiC website or the Musei Italiani booking portal for up-to-date times and notices.
The Rocca Scaligera of Sirmione is one of the most dramatic medieval castles on Lake Garda, set at the very entrance to Sirmione’s historic center. Built in the 13th century by the Scaligeri family of Verona, it served as a military fortress controlling both land and lake access. The castle features robust crenellated walls, a central keep, and an inner harbor once used for fleet mooring. Today, visitors enter through the ancient drawbridge to explore the courtyards and climb the towers, enjoying unparalleled views of the lake, Sirmione’s picturesque rooftops, and the surrounding mountains. Informative displays inside outline the history of the Scaligeri dynasty, Sirmione’s strategic role during medieval times, and the later Venetian and Austrian periods. Panels are provided in Italian and English. Safety railings along the walkways make it suitable for most visitors. Given its compact size, pairing Rocca Scaligera with a stroll through Sirmione or a visit to the Roman villa remains at the tip of the promontory makes for a rewarding half-day excursion. Tickets are available at the gate or online via the Musei Italiani system, which is particularly recommended in high season to avoid wait times. Early morning or late afternoon visits are quieter and offer the best light for photography.