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Archaeological site · Sirmione, Lombardia
Grotte di Catullo
Ruins of the largest Roman villa in northern Italy, at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, among olive trees and with lake views. Includes the archaeological museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grotte di Catullo
The Grotte di Catullo are the remains of a huge Roman villa built between the late 1st century BC and the 1st century AD at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula. It is the largest Roman villa in northern Italy and the main Roman site on Lago di Garda.
The name dates from the 15th century. At that time the ruins were partly buried and overgrown, looking like caves — le grotte. The rediscovery of the poems of Catulo, a Roman poet born in Verona who wrote about the house he had in Sirmione, created the association. The villa seen today, however, was built after the poet’s death.
The route passes large retaining walls, arcades, terraces and the remains of halls, in a park with hundreds of olive trees. From the edges you can see the lake on three sides. At the entrance, the archaeological museum displays frescoes, mosaics and objects found in the villa and elsewhere in Sirmione.
Below the tip of the peninsula, the limestone slabs that extend into the water form a popular bathing area in summer.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours, including the museum.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower: there is little shade along the route. Spring and autumn are usually more comfortable.
How to get there
From the castle, walk about 20–25 minutes along Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Catullo to the tip of the peninsula. The route is entirely on foot.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes: the terrain is uneven. There is a combined ticket with the Castello Scaligero.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grotte di Catullo
Was the villa really Catulo's?
There is no proof. The poet wrote about a house in Sirmione, but the villa seen today was built after his death. The name was given in the 15th century.
How far is the walk to the Grotte di Catullo?
From the castle, about a 20–25 minute walk to the tip of the peninsula.
Is there a museum on site?
Yes. The archaeological museum is at the site's entrance, with frescoes, mosaics and objects found in the villa and in Sirmione.