The famous castle of Sirmione, which dates back to the Scaliger Lords of Verona, and its small port (still perfectly preserved) are an uncommon example of a fortress used as a port.The dungeon tower was erected in the thirteenth century by Mastino I della Scala.The massive fortress is totally surrounded by water and has an inner porch which houses a Roman and Medieval lapidary.From the drawbridge, a staircase leads to the walkways above the walls, providing a marvellous view of the harbour that once sheltered the Scaliger fleet.Thanks to its strategical geographical location as a border outpost, Sirmione became a crucial defence and control garrison for the ruling nobles, retaining this function until the sixteenth century, when its role was taken up by Peschiera del Garda.Venice included Sirmione in its Republic in 1405, immediately adopting provisions to render the fortress even more secure, fortifying its outer walls and widening the harbour.