Sirmione and Grotto di Catullo

We return to Sirmione, taking the ferry across Lake Garda from Desenzano del Garda, and visit the main historical landmark of Sirmione, the Grotte di Catullo (Grottoes of Catullus), the most striking example of a Roman private villa discovered in northern Italy.  The villa was occupied between the end of the 1st century BC and the beginning of the 1st century AD and has been the subject of academic research since the 15th century.  Today, it remains an exceptional find and, along with its archaeological museum, is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

We take a larger ferry across the lake today and pass through Sirmione's center on our way to the grottoes at the top of the peninsula.

Today's ferry, passing through the piazza in Sirmione

We enter the ruins and start to wander, past the thermal baths and heading over to the restored olive groves overlooking the lake.

Entering the property

Overlooking the lake

Restored olive groves

After the olive groves, we enter the residential area overlooking an internal garden (and the lake).

Residential area

Some of the small residences are filled with recent artwork complementing the ruins.

Art in the ruins

The archaeological complex covers an area of about two hectares (4.9 acres).  The villa was characterized by long porches and terraces open toward the lake, communicating with a large main terrace and a long covered walkway.  A garden filled the central region and a large cistern, almost 43 meters (141 feet) long, collected water for daily use.  Thermal baths and a swimming pool were located at the edge of the property

In the garden

Looking out at the lake

Continuing to wander

The small museum located next to the ruins has exhibits of materials excavated from the structures.

Museum exhibits

One interesting exhibit discusses the formation of Lake Garda over 600,000 years ago through erosion and glacial deposits from four main glaciation periods, forming the largest lake in Italy.

Formation of Lake Garda

We leave the ruins, pass by the beach at the base of the site, and head into town looking for lunch, which we find at a seafood restaurant in town:  prosciutto with melon, grilled lake fish, and fritto misto.

Beach below the ruins

Prosciutto with melon

Grilled lake fish, fritto misto

Leaving Sirmione on the ferry, we look back at the city fondly as we return to Desenzano del Garda.

Leaving Sirmione

This has been a fun stop, especially the Roman ruins.