Grotte di Catullo
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Groht-tay dee Kah-tool-loh, the most significant archaeological site in Northern Italy. Despite the name 'Grotte' or caves, these are not natural caverns but the magnificent ruins of a vast Roman villa dating from…
Listen in the app2The Archaeological Museum
Before exploring the ruins themselves, we begin at the Archaeological Museum located at the entrance. This modern facility serves as the key to understanding the complex world of Roman Seer-myoh-nay. …
Listen in the app3The Great Cryptoporticus
We now enter one of the most impressive structural elements of the villa: the Great Creep-toh-por-tee-koos. In Roman architecture, a cryptoporticus was a covered corridor, often built underground or semi-underground, used to…
Listen in the app4The Thermal Baths Complex
No Roman villa of this status would be complete without a private thermal bath complex. We are now standing in what was the 'wellness center' of the ancient world. …
Listen in the app5The Residential Quarters
Moving toward the center of the site, we arrive at the main residential wing of the villa. This is where the family lived and entertained their guests. …
Listen in the app6The Olive Grove of Catullus
Interspersed among the ruins is a magnificent grove of ancient olive trees. Some of these trees are estimated to be several hundred years old, their trunks twisted into fantastic, sculptural shapes. …
Listen in the app7The Northern Terrace (The Belvedere)
Finally, we reach the northernmost terrace of the villa, the 'Belvedere.' This is the dramatic climax of the site. From this high vantage point, the villa dropped away in a series of monumental steps toward the water. …
Listen in the app8Closing
Our journey through the Groht-tay dee Kah-tool-loh has come to an end. We have walked through the massive stone halls of the cryptoporticus, marveled at the technology of the Roman baths, and stood on the grand terraces that once…
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What is Grotte di Catullo?
Grotte di Catullo is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Nature |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 45.5024, 10.6059 |
| Last updated |
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