Episode 4 – Southern Lake Garda: Castles, Thermal Baths & Ancient Ruins in Peschiera, Sirmione, and Desenzano

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Immersion Travel Podcast, where we don’t just visit Italy—we experience it. I’m your host, Katerina Ferrara, author of the Travel Italy book series, blogger, and lifelong explorer of Italian traditions, history, and local flavor. In this episode, we journey to the southern shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and most enchanting lake, where Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, thermal waters, and charming towns invite you to slow down and soak in centuries of beauty.

We’ll explore three unforgettable towns—Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione, and Peschiera del Garda—each rich in history and bursting with experiences you won’t find in a typical guidebook.

🛡️ Peschiera del Garda: The Star-Shaped Fortress Town
Step inside the UNESCO-listed star-shaped fortress of Peschiera del Garda. Enter through Porta Brescia over a glittering moat and wander through the thick Venetian walls that once repelled cannon fire and housed troops of the Venetian Republic, the Austrians, and the armies of Italy's unification. We walk the ramparts, explore the town’s military history, and share the best views, walking tips, and even how to kayak around the canals that surround this fortified island town.

🏰 Sirmione: Castles, Poets & Thermal Waters
Next, we travel up the narrow peninsula to Sirmione, where the stunning Rocca Scaligera rises from the lake like something from a fairy tale. Learn how this 13th-century fortress protected trade routes and watchtowers kept pirates at bay. We take you inside the castle and walk through the Grotte di Catullo, the evocative Roman ruins of a grand lakeside villa once tied to the poet Catullus. You’ll also discover the world-renowned Terme di Sirmione, where natural hot springs still feed lakeside spa pools with healing sulfuric waters—perfect after a day of sightseeing.

🏛️ Desenzano del Garda: Roman Mosaics & Castle Views
Finally, we stop in Desenzano del Garda, a vibrant town with deep Roman roots. You’ll hear the story of the Villa Romana, with its stunning 4th-century mosaics and ancient heating systems, then climb to the Castello di Desenzano for panoramic views and insight into how this lakeside town defended itself through the Middle Ages. With a direct train connection to Milan, Venice, and Verona, Desenzano is the perfect base for exploring the lake and beyond.

🌅 Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Learn the best times to visit and how to beat the crowds

• Discover wellness tips for visiting the Terme di Sirmione

• Hear immersive historical stories about Roman poets, Venetian commanders, and medieval battles

• Get practical travel tips, including walking routes, train connections, and where to watch the sunset

• Find out which towns to visit if you love history, romance, and lakeside charm

📌 This episode is part of our Lake Garda podcast series. Be sure to check out Episodes 1–3 for the history of the lake, northern and central town explorations, and activity planning.

📬 Visit www.katerinaferrara.com to sign up for my free Immersion Travelers Newsletter for behind-the-scenes stories, festival updates, and downloadable travel guides.

🎧 And don’t forget: each podcast episode has an associated blog post with addresses, hotel recommendations, and dining suggestions—perfect for planning your Italian getaway.