The archaeological area of the Grottoes of Catullus preserves the remains of one of the largest residential villas in northern Italy.
Located in an exceptional position, on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, it dominates the entire basin of Lake Garda.
The name “Grottoes” derives from the accounts of the first travelers who, in 1400, mistook the ruins of the building for natural caves covered by vegetation.
In the past it was also thought that the villa had belonged to the Veronese poet Catullo, who dedicated famous verses to Sirmione. The villa, however, cannot have belonged to Catullus because it was built after his death.
Most recent investigations have made it possible to clarify the chronology of the villa, built in the Augustan age and abandoned during the third century.
The villa occupied an area of about two hectares and has a rectangular plan with two avant-corps on the short sides.
The main entrance was to the south towards the mainland and gave access to the residential upper floor and also equipped with a thermal sector.
Of this grandiose structure today remain the imposing foundations and a few other elements, perceptible in the western and northern sectors, such as the so-called ‘Shops’, the ‘Great Cryptoporticus’, the Field of Walnuts, the Hall of the Giants.
On the south side of the central courtyard there is also the large Cistern, which collected the water needed for daily needs and the thermal sector.
The northern sector of the building culminated in a large terrace-belvedere, now completely collapsed. On the lower level, a long corridor led to a loggia with a three-arched window with a spectacular view of Lake Garda.
In the center of the ruins is the ancient olive grove with some historical plants from 400-500 years.
During the fifth century the complex became an integral part of the defensive structure of Sirmione.
The whole building, but especially the walls of the residential part, were reused as new building material. The first excavations for scientific purposes of the site date back to the mid-nineteenth century. In 1949, after the public acquisition of the area, extensive research was carried out.
