Grotto of Catullus - one of the attractions of ancient small spa town of Sirmione, on the shores of Lake Garda. Grotto lies on the very tip of the Sirmione peninsula, jutting deep into the lake. In truth, naming Grotto of Catullus, it is not quite true - firstly, this is not a grotto, and secondly, the famous Roman poet Catullus ever there lived. In fact, it is the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, which became known as the grotto of the destroyed and the collapse of the walls. Catullus also lived long before the villa was built. It is fair to say that in ancient times, Catullus family owned estate in this area - perhaps this is why the Roman poet and villa "tied" together.

The huge and impressive Roman Villa, which occupies the tip of the scenic Cape, is a three-story building, erected in about 150 AD, while Catullus died in 54 BC It is rectangular in shape with dimensions of 167 * 105 meters and a total area of ​​2 hectares. Once it was a luxury property, the size and grandeur of which suggests that it lived a rich patrician family. Purpose facilities villa easily guessed today: there were terms, something like a spa complex, indoor gallery, stables, two large double rooms and a grand hall with sixty pillars. Villa Romana - this is probably the best example of a private Roman villa discovered in northern Italy.

Today, in front of the Grotto of Catullus, a small museum and the ruins themselves surrounded by the waters of the lake and olive groves, you can see a small fee. Tourists can wander among the ruins and admire archaeological finds, such as the charming carvings depicting rabbits, jewelry, old coins, fragments of mosaics, frescoes and stucco that once covered the walls of the villa.

Just a few meters from the Grotto of Catullus, is a private beach resort of Lido delle Bond, where you can eat in the many cafes and restaurants, swim or simply sunbathe on the pristine sand and the coastal cliffs.