Another archaeological complex from Roman times is situated on the western shore of Lake Garda, in the town of Toscolano Maderno: it is a villa similar in structure to those of Sirmione and Desenzano.

The existence of the Villa Romana was already known in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is thought to have belonged to the Nonii Arrii, one of the most important families in the Brescia area. Even though the excavation works on Lake Garda brought to light only a part of the complex, one can imagine the structure of the general planimetrical complex. Construction started in the 1st century A.D. The main body of the first building ran parallel to the lake shore and boasted two front buildings on the north and south side as well as a loggia with lake view.

The complex then experienced various changes and renovations up to the 5th century. During a visit today, one can explore the lateral front building on the villa’s south side. It consists of various rooms which feature external walls of more than one metre high with the remains of earlier decorations. The excavations have also brought to light the floor of a few rooms, decorated with mosaics. Identification of another part of the complex started recently. About 50 metres north of the so-called front building is a room that probably served as a triclinium, a Roman dining room, that had access to the loggia with a lake view. In the outdoor area, i.e. in the garden leading to the lake, the remains of an impressive rectangular fountain have been found.

For information on the opening hours for indidvidual, free and guided tours subject to a cost, we recommend visiting the town website