Trip Planner: Europe / Italy / Lombardy / Province of Brescia / Sirmione / Grotte di Catullo

Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione

4.4

#2 of 171 in Historic Sites in Province of Brescia

Ruin · Tourist Spot

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Explore one of the region’s main landmarks, Grotte di Catullo, the most striking example of a private Roman edifice discovered in this part of the country. The site, built on a rectangular plan over previously abandoned structures, is a ruin of a three-story villa erected around the year 150 CE. Contrary to its name, this is neither a grotto, nor is it likely to have ever belonged to the famed poet Catullus. The owners were a local wealthy family that often hosted the distinguished poet, which is probably where the name comes from. Near the entrance into the site you can visit a small museum, which houses numerous items found in the villa, including fragments of frescoes, mosaic tiles, ceramics, and coins. To visit Grotte di Catullo on your holiday in Sirmione, and find out what else Sirmione has to offer, use our Sirmione.

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Tours to Grotte di Catullo

BOOK WITH VIATOR Lake Garda Sunset Cruise from Sirmione with Prosecco

4.9

Duration: 45min

Tours from $220 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR A walking tour and a mini-cruise in Sirmione

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Duration: 7h

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BOOK WITH VIATOR Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles

4.4

Duration: 4h

Tours from $99 ›

Likely to sell out BOOK WITH VIATOR The Best of Sirmione Walking Tour

Duration: 2h

Tours from $834 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Romantic Motorboat Tour From Sirmione

4.0

Duration: 1h

Tours from $143 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Sunset Tour in Sirmione

4.7

Duration: 45min

Tours from $27 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Guided tour in Sirmione with motorboat tour

4.2

Duration: 2h 45min

Tours from $242 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Tour 1h Peninsula

5.0

Duration: 1h

Tours from $209 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Tour in barca da Sirmione all'Isola del Garda

4.7

Duration: 1h 30min

Tours from $373 ›

Likely to sell out BOOK WITH VIATOR Truffle Hunting with Wine Tasting

4.9

Duration: 2h 30min

Tours from $154 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif

4.8

Duration: 3h

Tours from $66 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Sunset boat tour of Sirmione with exclusive onboard aperitif

Duration: 45min

Tours from $116 ›

Grotte di Catullo reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

4,070 reviews

Google

4.5

By fssutton1

I think this is a must stop. It is extensive and absolutely amazing if you are into Roman structures. It is about 1/2 mile from the castle and you can either take the main town road to it by walking..... more

I think this is a must stop. It is extensive and absolutely amazing if you are into Roman structures. It is about 1/2 mile from the castle and you can either take the main town road to it by walking..... more »
By Sonofabob

Incredible villa in an incredible spot, high above the lake. There is a dry and dull museum with glass cases and artefacts. The real stars of the show are the huge Villa, the groves and the views...

Incredible villa in an incredible spot, high above the lake. There is a dry and dull museum with glass cases and artefacts. The real stars of the show are the huge Villa, the groves and the views... more »
By 506sandd

I'll keep this simple. We looked forward to experience exploring the old ruins . However after being told as we entered the place closed at 1900 hrs (we entered at 1625) we thought we had more than..... more

I'll keep this simple. We looked forward to experience exploring the old ruins . However after being told as we entered the place closed at 1900 hrs (we entered at 1625) we thought we had more than..... more »

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Google

By Paul Paolozzi

A historical gem! It's beyond words how interesting this location is. I enjoyed climbing the stairs and seeing the preserved artifacts. One can only imagine the about of construction needed to create this location. Likewise, how many people it took to service this place.

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By AperolSpritz J

If you come for the CMBYN arch, sorry that section is now closed for visitors. You can only watch at a distance. That’s a bummer. The heat is incredible and there’s not much shade so be prepared. The ticket costs €8. On the other end of the site lies another exit/entrance point to the beach. You can visit the beach and re-enter with your ticket.

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By Grumpy Old Man

Bit of a ruin (pardon the pun) but set in lovely scenery with great views of the lake, and literally thousands of matural olive trees growing throughout it. Nice beach situated at the back with access down from the ruins.

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By Johnny Hegarty

Was absolutely stunning. The ruins is amazing with the History of the place. Sign posts are in English, German and Italian. Cost of €8 is worth it to see this. Also some breath taken views

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By Dino Numić

A marvellous archeological site of the old Roman ruins located on the Sirmione peninsula just above the famous Jamaica beach. 8€ is a standard ticket and free for anyone under 18. Depending on the time of the year and whether there are some special events going around it can be free to access. I would recommend getting the full ticket which is about 14€ and it also gives you access to Castello Scaligero and the Roman villa in Desenzano. Castle is a must visit with the perfect 360 view of Sirmione. You can take a cheap ferry between Desenzano and Sirmione. Ride is about 15-20min.

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