Grotte di Catullo

Sirmione, Italy

The Grotte di Catullo was a large Roman villa on the end of the Sirmione peninsula. The villa, built around 150 AD, is the most important example of a high-class residence in the whole of northern Italy. Just after the entrance to the archaeological park one find the Museum, where objects brought to light during the excavation of the villa, and in archaeological work conducted in Sirmione and other localities of lake Garda, are displayed.

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Founded: 150 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

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4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Marco Antonio Gelsomino (11 months ago)
Very beautiful ancient roman ruins. It was really amazing to explore it. We had a lot of fun. We could make ourselves a picture in our minds on how daily life must have been for the people inhibiting or working in this place. It was such an amazing experience for all of us. We also quite enjoyed the stunning views of the see and the way to get there.
Marius Constantin (11 months ago)
Is a pretty cool archaeological site, but that's all there is... It hasan open path to a bar with a small lake shore where you can have a swim and that's a pretty cool thing. Worth to visit...keep in mind the name says Caves but there are no caves ?‍♂️
Tim Gaston (11 months ago)
A window to history, only a short walk from the pedestrian area in Sirmione. There are some steps but easily negotiated in flip flops. No need to plan for a hike. The site has not been fully excavated but well worth the entrance fee. (Under 10 euro.) There is a small mueum with toilets if you need them. Beautiful views of the lake on a clear day.
Marco Antonio Gelsomino (11 months ago)
Very beautiful ancient roman ruins. It was really amazing to explore it. We had a lot of fun. We could make ourselves a picture in our minds on how daily life must have been for the people inhibiting or working in this place. It was such an amazing experience for all of us. We also quite enjoyed the stunning views of the see and the way to get there.
Marcus Lodwick (12 months ago)
If you're not a Catullus fan, skip this as honestly, and I say this as an archaeologist, there is nothing here to see but basement and foundation walls. You may say, wow those Romans chose a good spot, and you may say wow they built amazing three story terraces, but you ain't going to say wow look what the Romans did for us. Also the villa is later than Catullus, so he did not tread these basement corridors...but it may have been built on his earlier villa. We know so little of Catullus other than his poems -the one about his girlfriends pet sparrow being one of the most famous - and that he had at Sirmione. The museum tries hard to promote the fresco of a man in a toga - and a very splendid fresco it is - worth visiting the museum just for this - as being of Catullus but their circular arguments are not convincing. Unfortunately.
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