Roman Villa
Museum – Desenzano del Garda, Lake Garda
The Roman Villa
The archaeological site of the Roman Villa in Desenzano is one of the most significant late ancient villas in Northern Italy. The most notable artifacts found in the area are housed in the three exhibition rooms of the Antiquarium, built within the site.
Originally situated in a splendid panoramic position directly overlooking the lake, the villa was located just north of the Via Gallica, a major route connecting the cities of Bergamo (Bergomum), Brescia (Brixia), and Verona. It was constructed in several phases between the 1st century BC and the 4th century AD.
The visible remains largely belong to the last phase when the building underwent a complete spatial reorganisation, divided into different sectors. The exact owners of the villa are unknown, but it is possible that the commissioner of the final phase was Flavius Magnus Decentius, brother of Emperor Magnentius (350-353 AD), from whom the current name of Desenzano is derived.
This complex structure covered about one hectare, with residential sectors coexisting alongside rustic facilities. When built, the villa faced the lake, and the view of the water likely influenced the distribution of the rooms, all offering a panoramic vista.
The Roman Villa featured extensions such as piers, docks, and probably fish ponds for aquaculture. Particularly fascinating are the colorful mosaic floors depicting pagan scenes, of which extensive examples have been preserved.
The Antiquarium houses the most significant finds from the villa site in three exhibition rooms. The first room displays kitchen and tableware ceramics and small bronze utensils. The second room showcases fragments of statues that once adorned the villa. The third room exhibits two large panels with fragments of fresco decorations from one of the villa’s rooms.
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