Ancient City Sirmio-Grotte di Catullo

The origins of the complex date back to the first century BC, when the first predecessor buildings were constructed. The ruins visible today mainly belong to a monumental Roman villa built in the 1st century AD. Covering an area of 167 meters in length and 105 meters in width, the estate spanned three floors and comprised approximately 20,000 square meters. Access was from the south, where the bath facilities were also located. Covered verandas lined the long sides, while a panoramic terrace to the north offered a wide view over the lake. The villa was abandoned as early as the 5th century AD. The name "Grotte" (Grotto) arose at a time when the overgrown ruins resembled natural caves. The first archaeological investigations began in the late 19th century by Girolamo Orti Manara. In 1948, the site was acquired by the Soprintendenza Archeologica della Lombardia and has since been the subject of ongoing research. Although the ruins bear the name of the poet Catullus, it is unlikely that they belonged to his estate; it is assumed that the property belonged to the Gens Valeria.

The ancient city of Sirmio-Grotte di Catullo is located at an altitude of approximately 79 meters above sea level in Sirmione, in the Brescia district of the Lombardy region, Italy.

Visitors can today explore the extensive remains of the ancient city. An adjoining Antiquarium, located to the right of the entrance, houses finds from pre-Roman and post-Roman times, including a portrait of a poet, sometimes interpreted as a likeness of Catullus.

• Castello Scaligero (Castle), approx. 1.1 km away
• Fortress Peschiera-Porta Verona (Fortress), approx. 9.8 km away
• Castello di Lazise (Castle), approx. 9.8 km away
• Castello Torri del Benaco (Fortress), approx. 13.3 km away