Scaligero Castle of Sirmione: free entry on Sunday 3 May 2026

Scaligero Castle of Sirmione: free entry on Sunday 3 May 2026

Date: Sunday 3 May 2026. For National Museum Day the castle will be open with free admission for the day.

Located at the entrance of the historic village and overlooking Lake Garda, Scaligero Castle is one of the most striking medieval sites in the area. The visit includes defensive structures and panoramic viewpoints over the lake and the old town of Sirmione.

What to see

• The walls and panoramic towers with views over Lake Garda and the village;
• The drawbridge and walkways that showcase medieval military architecture;
• The fortified harbor (darsena), a rare historical military port;
• The village of Sirmione and the lakeside promenade, perfect to extend your visit with local cafés and shops.

Opening times and access

This initiative is part of National Museum Day, which normally provides free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Historically the castle has adopted morning time slots (for example 8:30–13:30) with an early last admission; however times may change on holidays. Check official municipal or site channels the day before for any time slots, limits or reservation requirements.

Practical tips for visiting

• Arrive early, ideally by 9:00, to reduce waiting times and enjoy quieter viewpoints;
• If available, reserve a free time slot to limit queueing;
• Wear comfortable shoes: there are stairways and narrow passages;
• Combine the visit with a stroll through the village and along the lakeshore to discover local cafés and artisan shops.

How to get there and address

Address: P.zza Castello 34, 25019 Sirmione (BS), Italy.
By car: about 1h30–1h45 from Milan depending on traffic; parking is available near the historic center. By train: reach Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda and continue by bus or taxi to Sirmione.

This free opening is a great opportunity to rediscover an important local heritage site and to support the enhancement of the historic village of Sirmione: planning ahead ensures a more relaxed and complete visit.