Grotto of Catullus is one of the ancient sights in the small resort town of Sirmione, on lake Garda. The grotto lies on the very tip of the Sirmione Peninsula, deep into the lake. In truth, the naming of the Grotto of Catullus is not quite true – firstly, this is not a grotto, and secondly, the famous Roman poet Catullus never lived. In reality, however, is the ruins of an ancient Roman Villa, which became known as the grotto because of the destroyed and crumbling walls. Catullus lived long before it was built this Villa. It is fair to say that in ancient times the family of Catullus owned the estate in this territory – maybe that's why Roman poet and Villa "tied" together.

Huge and impressive Villa Roman occupying a picturesque extremity of the Cape, is a three-story structure built around 150 BC, while Catullus died in 54 BC It has the shape of a rectangle with dimensions 167*105 meters and a total area of 2 hectares. Once it was a palatial estate, the size and grandeur of which suggest that it was inhabited by a rich patrician family. The purpose of the Villa is easily recognisable today: here were the terms, something like a Spa, porch, stables, two huge halls and a Grand double room with sixty pillars. Villa Romana is probably the best example of a private Roman Villa, discovered in Northern Italy.

Today at the entrance to the Grotto of Catullus is a small Museum, and the ruins, surrounded by the waters of the lake and olive groves, can be viewed for a small fee. Tourists can wander among the ruins and admire the archaeological finds, for example, the charming carved ornament depicting rabbits, jewelry, antique coins, fragments of mosaics, frescoes and stucco that once covered the walls of the Villa.

Just a few metres from the Grotto of Catullus is a private beach resort Lido delle bond, where you can eat in the many cafes and restaurants, take a swim or just relax on pristine sandy beaches or coastal cliffs.