Set against the backdrop of the pristine, emerald-blue waters of Lake Garda, the ancient Grottoes of Catullus commands attention with its impressive, well-preserved structure and vast landscape. Much of this ancient ruin remains beautifully intact, and is the most complete Roman villa in northern Italy today.

Interestingly, unlike its moniker, the Grottoes of Catullus are not caves, nor did they belong to the great Roman poet Catullus. Instead, it is believed that the Roman villa belonged to a family of the Valeria gens, with the poet having been their guest for a period of time in the beautiful pearl of Italy – the lakeside town of Sirmione. With gorgeous panoramic views over Lake Garda and the surrounding romantic landscape, it's easy to see where Catullus might have gained his inspiration from for his splendid poems on the poetic and calming beauty of the place. Within the Antiquarium of the villa, visitors can find ancient relics from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, including colourful frescoes, mosaics, ceramics, and coins, allowing visitors to visualize the Roman villa during its former days of magnificence and splendour.