Grotto

A grotto or grot is a natural or artificial cave or covered recess. Naturally occurring grottoes are typically small coastal caves associated with bodies of water and may be partially or fully submerged at high tide. Artificial grottoes have also been constructed as garden features, particularly in landscape design from the Renaissance onward.

Well‑known natural examples include the Grotta Azzurra on Capri and the grotto at Tiberius’ Villa Jovis in the Bay of Naples.