THE CITY OF SIRMIONE IS located on a narrow strip of land extending more than two miles into the southernmost part of Lake Garda. At the end of the Middle Ages, during a period growing communes in Italy, Sirmione was governed by the powerful Della Scala family of Verona whose members were known as Scaligeri.

During the second half of the 14th century, the ruling family ordered the construction of a fortification on the promontory of Sirmione. The castle served a defensive function, but also acted as a small port with its docks serving as a safe haven for Scaliger and Venetian fleets.