VILLA ROMANA DI TOSCOLANO MADERNO

The Roman Villa of Nonii Arrii: A Benaco Excellence

In terms of layout, size and decoration, the Toscolano villa ranks among the most prestigious lake dwellings from the Roman era, comparable in importance to the famous “Grotte di Catullo” in Sirmione and the villa in Desenzano.

History of excavations and discoveries

Although the earliest archaeological evidence dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, it was only at the end of the 19th century that systematic excavation campaigns were initiated. The area richest in finds was concentrated below the present-day parish church and the lake shore. Remains of exceptional value emerged from this area: polychrome mosaics, marble statues, finely worked capitals and brilliantly coloured plasters, as well as a vast quantity of coins and metal artefacts testifying to its ancient splendour.

The connection with Marcus Nonius Macrinus

Thanks to an inscription, it was possible to identify the owner with certainty. It was Marcus Nonius Macrinus, an illustrious member of the Nonii, one of Brescia's most influential families. A consul in 154 and close collaborator of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, Macrinus chose Toscolano for a residence that reflected his very high social status.

Architecture and Scenography

Built in the 1st century A.D. and extended in the 2nd century, the villa had a monumental development parallel to the coast. The architectural design followed the model of the “ville d'otium” maritime, with a scenic lake-facing façade characterised by a long front loggia and side forecourts.

• The Southern Sector (Sector A): This is the area that can currently be visited. Here one can admire rooms with walls preserved up to a metre high, embellished with white background frescoes and plant motifs of rare elegance.
• The Central Core (Sector B): Located about 50 metres further north, it housed the reception area. A majestic triclinium (dining room) flanked by apsidal rooms that opened directly onto the panoramic loggia.
• The Great Fountain: In front of the villa, nestled in a lush garden, was a monumental rectangular fountain-basin along 47 metres. This elaborately shaped structure served as a symbol of power and wealth, immediately communicating the prestige of its owners to visitors.

An imperial model

The Toscolano complex is not only a local residence, but recalls courtly models such as the House of Augustus on the Palatine. With its porticoed front open to the water, the villa fits into the great tradition of imperial and aristocratic residences, finding direct comparisons with the sumptuous villas of the Tyrrhenian coast (such as Minori) or Istria (Brioni Maggiore).

Until its destruction, the villa retained the features of a residence of the highest luxury, remaining to this day one of the most fascinating monuments of Lake Garda archaeology.