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Grottoes of Catullus
45.5017° N, 10.6061° E
About
Grottoes of Catullus is the name given to the ruins of a Roman villa built between the end of the 1st century BC and the beginning of the 1st century AD at the northernmost end of the Sirmione peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda. The archaeological complex, which always remained uncovered over time, has been the subject of academic research since the 15th century. Today, it is the most valuable testament of the Roman period in Sirmione's territory and an exceptional find of a Roman villa in northern Italy. The site, which includes the archaeological museum of Sirmione, was the twenty-seventh most visited Italian site in 2013, with 215,961 visitors and a total gross income of €504,700.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Villa construction
end of 1st century BC – beginning of 1st century AD
Fortification and burials
4th–5th centuries
Thermal sector added
beginning of 2nd century
Abandonment and reuse
3rd century
Attribution to Catullus
1483
First comprehensive studies
1801
State excavations begin
1939
State acquisition of site
1948
Museum inauguration
1999
Olive oil production resumed
2012
Visitor statistics
2013
Film appearance
2017
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Water Management Features
Public and Civic Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Agricultural and Land Use Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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