The Church of San Pietro is an ancient stone building that dates back to the 8th century, while the bell tower comes from the 11th and 12th centuries. It is the oldest church in Sirmione. Inside, see its religious frescoes, some of which are more than 800 years old.
Find the church on a hill among olive trees and cypresses, a short distance from the main part of town. This somewhat isolated location may be why the church and its grounds were previously used as a leper colony and a graveyard for plague victims. It has also served as a military hospital.
Before you go inside, stop at the war memorial, which is dedicated to military personnel who died in the service of the country. Look up at the bell tower, which is topped by a roof in the shape of a triangular pyramid.
During your tour of the interior, study the frescoes on the three apses behind the altar. These frescoes were painted in 1320 when the church underwent restoration work, although the apses are an original part of the building. The central apse features a depiction of a Christ Pantocrator painted in Byzantine style. To its left is an image of a Madonna enthroned, while on the right is a crucifixion scene.
On the walls of the single-nave church are more frescoes, which date from the 11th to the 16th century. View representations of Jesus Christ, the Virgin of Mercy protecting people under her cloak and many other religious figures.
The church is located a short distance north of Sirmione’s old town. Get here on foot, a walk that takes only a few minutes.
After leaving the Church of San Pietro, walk about 10 minutes north to the Grotto of Catullus. This 5-acre (2-hectare) site encompasses the ruins of a Roman villa that is thought to have been the property of the Roman poet Catullus. Within the grounds of this vast archaeological park are numerous artifacts that were unearthed during excavations.
