The Scaliger castle of Sirmione is a fortress from the Scaliger era, a gateway to the historic center of Sirmione (BS).
It is one of the most complete and best preserved castles in Italy, as well as a rare example of lake fortification. The construction of the fortress began around the middle of the 13th century, probably on the remains of a Roman fortification. Its realization was ordered by the mayor of Verona Leonardino della Scala, better known as Mastino della Scala. The function of the castle was the defensive and port control function, since the city of Sirmione, being in a border position, was more exposed to aggression.
About a century later two courtyards and an independent fortification were added, joined by barbican to the main one, to increase the defenses of the fortress. In 1405 Sirmione came under the control of the Republic of Venice during whose domination began a work of strengthening the defensive structures.
It was at this time that the visible dock was built, although it is assumed that there was already a Scaligera dock, probably wooden. Sirmione maintained its primacy as a defensive post until the 16th century, when, for political reasons, the fortress of Peschiera del Garda was modernized.
The castle also hosted the famous 'Cathars' also known as the Albigensians (from the name of the French town of Albi), were then designated the people involved in the cultural or religious support of the heretical movement that arose around the 12th century in Occitania.
The Cathars of the area had taken refuge here following the accusation of heresy launched against them by the Church.
In 1278, however, they were burned at the stake in Verona, at the hands of the Scala family.
The legend of the Castle:
It is said that a long time ago in the castle lived a boy named Ebengardo with his sweetheart Arice: the two young people spent a serene life, until their love was interrupted by a tragic episode. During a stormy night he sought shelter in the Elalberto castle, a Venetian knight from the Feltrino area. The couple hosted the knight who, however, was stunned by the beauty of the girl and joined her in her room during the night. Arice started to scream in fright and Elalberto stabbed her. Meanwhile Ebengardo ran into the room where he found Arice lifeless, so that, blinded by anger, he took the dagger and killed Elalbert.
Legend has it that even today, on stormy nights, one can see the soul of Ebengardo wandering around the castle in search of Arice.
Scaligero Castle
Address: Piazza Castello, 3
Phone: 030 916468
Site:
http://www.roccascaligerasirmione.beniculturali.it/Location inserted by
Paola Bonometti