Grottoes of Catullus – Sirmione

Sirmione is one of lower Lake Garda’s most popular tourist towns, with an innovative spirit combined with great pride in its cultural and historic heritage. The unique peninsula and famous attractions such as Scaligero Castle and Terme di Sirmione – SPA & Thermal Garden make it a truly beautiful place to visit.

Among the many archaeological sites in Italy visited by many tourists year after year, there are the Grotte di Catullo (Grottoes of Catullus), situated in a stunning panoramic area of Sirmione.

A precious example of a Roman villa

The archaeological complex known as the Grotte di Catullo includes the remains of an imposing Roman villa built between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D. It is the most important example of this kind of contruction in northern Italy and is named after the famous poet Gaius Valerius Catullus, who describe Sirmione as as a little lakeside jewel.

The ancient villa had multiple floors, numerous porticoes, terraces overlooking the lake, and a spa. After being abandoned in the 3rd century A.D., it was used for military and defensive purposes. This complex covering a total of 2 hectares still stands with all of its magnificence and much of it remains unexcavated.

The Archaeological Museum of Sirmione was opened within the complex in 1999.

Grotte di Catullo: how to get there

The archaeological area is in an incredible location on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula,  surrounded by the blue waters of Lake Garda and the famous Jamaica Beach, an uncontaminated site formed of slabs of rock and accessible only on foot or by boat.

The Grottoes of Catullus can only be reached on foot, a short walk through the old town centre past the Terme di Sirmione – SPA & Thermal Garden. The site is open year-round.

For additional information, visit the official site!