Grottoes of Catullus, Archaeological site in Sirmione, Italy.
The Grottoes of Catullus are a Roman villa on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula at Lake Garda, covering two hectares. The rectangular structures measure 167 by 105 meters (548 by 344 feet) and include living quarters, terraces, and underground passages.
Construction began at the end of the first century BC and was completed in the first century AD. Inhabitants left the complex in the third century.
The name Grotten came from medieval times when collapsed vaults resembled caves, later linked by scholars to poet Catullus. Visitors walk today through what were once reception rooms and gardens designed for entertaining guests.
The site opens daily and allows visitors to walk through the ruins and the adjacent olive grove. The path covers uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The grounds host 1500 olive trees from three varieties that have grown here for centuries. The harvest produces an extra virgin olive oil made on site.
Location: Sirmione
Address: piazzale Orti Manara, 4
Phone: +39030916157
Email: pm-lom.grottedicatullo@beniculturali.it
Website: http://grottedicatullo.beniculturali.it
GPS coordinates: 45.50145,10.60645
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25
Italy holds archaeological sites spanning several millennia, offering insights into Etruscan, Greek and Roman civilizations. These locations include necropolises with thousands of tombs, well-preserved Roman villas and ancient settlements along the Mediterranean coast. Many of these sites lie beyond the more familiar destinations and document different aspects of Italian history. The Necropolis of Pantalica near Sortino contains approximately 5,000 rock-cut tombs from the Sicilian Bronze Age, while the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii is known for its wall paintings from the first century BCE. Villa del Casale near Piazza Armerina displays Roman floor mosaics covering more than 37,500 square feet (3,500 square meters). Etruscan burial sites like the Tomb of the Orcus in Tarquinia preserve frescoes from the fourth century BCE. The Archaeological Park of Elea-Velia near Ascea includes remains of a Greek colony founded in the sixth century BCE.
Scaligero Castle
1 km
Grotte di Catullo
28 m
Pfahlbausiedlung von Moniga del Garda
5.7 km
Jamaica Beach
119 m
San Pietro in Mavino church
384 m
Spaggia d'Oro
5.5 km
Duomo di Desenzano del Garda
6.2 km
Santa Maria Maggiore church
921 m
Lugana Vecchia
3.8 km
Spiaggia Desenzanino
5.9 km
Giovanni Rambotti Civic Archaeological Museum
6.1 km
Sito palafitticolo San Sivino-Gabbiano
5.5 km
Saint Anne church
1.1 km
Saint Blaise church
5.4 km
Museo archeologico di Sirmione
147 m
Saint George church
5.9 km
Chiesa di San Martino
6.3 km
Saint Catherine church
6.2 km
Spiaggia della Rocca
6 km
Madonna della Villa church
5.2 km
Spiaggia Rivoltelia
5.3 km
Roman villa of Desenzano del Garda
6.2 km
Spiaggia San Sivino
5.1 km
Saint Joseph church
5.5 km
Villa Meneghini-Callas
1 km
Terme di Sirmione
4.2 km
Our Lady of Mount Carmel church
6.2 km
Saint Michael church
5.8 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes