I do love Lake Garda and Sirmione in particular is a lovely old place.
Just got back from a tour staying at the pink hotel on the right edge of the photo. Well we were based there but were out touring for five of them!
Although I've been there 5 times one place I never got to see was the Grotte di Catullo. It sounds like a grotto but it's really a Roman Villa or rather the remains of one. This time I made it & it's an amazing place, it's absolutely huge.
It was difficult to visualise what it had looked like until I saw this noticeboard and then later went to the museum to watch a video about it.
This is what it would have looked like. You can see how the villa was built on a sloping site which was no mean architectural feat.
It was quite hazy day but you can see what fantastic views that family must have had from their home.
The height of these arches was immense.
Remains of a brick tiled floor. You can see the depth of those floor tiles on the side.
Well I've probably bored you enough with these photos.
A coule of days before I walked along the lake edge below the villa and these photos are of the limestone strata where people were sunbathing & going for a dip. This gives you a better idea of what those fabulously wealthy villa owners looked out every day at.
Well I have to go back there again but for a holiday!!!!
