Going abroad later in the year isn’t something I’ve done before. Travelling overseas has always been a summer activity for my family and me. We tick off the days on our calendar until the hot weather arrives and we save our pennies for the ice creams, new flip flops, and customary local merchandise (yes, I’ve collected tons of fridge magnets!) However, visiting Italy’s largest lake when the leaves are turning is quite breathtaking.
I thought it might be nice to have my three teenagers to myself and enjoy a relaxing week away to read and get some writing done. I booked for us to stay in Sirmione, Lake Garda, which is a beautiful part of Italy. It’s somewhere we visited a few years ago and a place I loved so much I knew I wanted to return.
Dragged kicking and screaming from their Xbox, social lives, and the cat we flew from Birmingham into Verona and then drove over to Sirmione.
This particular town is steeped in history, dating from the 6th -5th millennia BC. From the 1st century BC, the area became a favourite resort for rich families coming from Verona.
In the late Roman era (4th -5th centuries AD) the city became a fortified strongpoint defending the southern shore of the lake. In the early 13th century Mastino della Scala built the impressive moated castle. The military remained in the city until the 16th century, but a garrison remained at the castle until the 19th century.
Sirmione came under the Republic of Venice between 1405 and 1797 until it was acquired by the Habsburg Empire. In 1860 it became a part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Exploring the castle (Rocca Scaligera) and the various churches in the area was the highlight for me. I love history, and I enjoy imagining who may have walked the castle walls at various times during its existence.
A short walk from our hotel we discovered a beautiful Romanesque church (San Pietro in Mavino) which was built in 765 by Lombardic monks on the remains of a heathen temple. Inside, you’ll find a fresco of the Last Judgement dating from 1321.
The last time I visited Sirmione I wanted to see Grotte di Catullo which is an impressive Roman villa built on the end of the peninsula, but it was closed. Fortunately, I was able to get inside on this trip, and I must say it was worth the wait. Although named after the poet Catullus, nobody believes he was wealthy enough to have built it or lived there. The site is stunning, full of olive groves, a museum, and ruins from the original villa. The views are stunning so it’s understandable why the builder would choose this spot.
Throw in copious amounts of gelato, pizza, and autumnal sunshine, and I can honestly say this was a fabulous trip. Even the kids enjoyed themselves!
If you’re heading to Lake Garda at any point, then I can highly recommend you stop off in Sirmione. It’s a magical town full of friendly people, unique shops, and amazing food.
We stayed at the Continental Therma, Sirmione which is a wonderful hotel.
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Loved your recount of your trip! The photos look fantastic Shelley! Glad you got your three with you there!
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Thanks, Ritu. It was a lovely family trip x
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Glad you enjoyed!
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This brings back memories …
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It’s a beautiful part of the world 🙂
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I can’t tell you how jealous I am. Not just because it’s Italy, nor because it’s beautiful, not even because of the gelati, but because of those buildings and the frescoes.
It looks like you had a great time.
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I thought you might like them, April!! 😉
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Looks wonderful Shelley.
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Thanks, Rosie. It was lovely x
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It looks fabulous, Shelley 🙂 A lovely time of the year to visit.
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Thanks, Cathy. Yes, I’d definitely visit in the Autumn again 🙂
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Sounds like a terrific place to explore. I also like history and visiting a place like this gives you plenty to imagine. We have our history here in the US, but nothing that dates back so far. Thanks for sharing and giving us our own virtual tour!
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Thanks for joining me on my whistle stop tour 😉 I’m a big history fan and can get quite excitable around a castle haha x
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Yes I would too. Not too many castles here in the US! 🏰
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How lovely. Not an area I’ve ever been to but I might need to visit having read your post!
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Thanks, Linda. I think you’d love it. There are so many towns around the lake and the ferry service is great so you can truly explore. It’s a beautiful part of the world x
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I’ll add it to the list!
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Sounds fabulous, Shelley and looks beautiful. Glad you had such a great family holiday.
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Thanks, Mary. It was just what we needed 🙂
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Just beautiful Shelley xx
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Thanks, Mairead xx
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Shelley, it looks like a fab place to enjoy Autumn. Your photos show it off well and made me google for more information 🙂 MIght just have to revisit Italy sooner than later!
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Thank you so much, Suzanne. It’s such a beautiful place to visit whatever time of year. God bless Google eh! 😉
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Fabulous, thanks for taking us with you 💜🌹
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My pleasure, Willow 😍
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🍁🍂😋 it was fun read.
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Loved your write up and those beautiful pictures from your trip, Shelley……hope you have lots of fun….:)
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Thank you so much. It’s a beautiful part of the world 🙂
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Most people take the trip abroad during the summer months, so it was nice hearing about this unique spin. Thanks for sharing.
Share your adventure with us and earn!
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Definitely place to visit! Thanks for info!
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Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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