The town of Desenzano del Garda, which provides the delightful backdrop to the Villa Rosa Hotel, is situated at the south-western edge of Lake Garda, in the centre of a wide gulf, enclosed to the west by Mount Corno and to the east by the jutting peninsula of Sirmione.

The name Desenzano derives from Decentius, who – in the 4th century AD – was the owner of the Roman villa, complete with farm and antiquarium, which was rediscovered in 1921. It was in Desenzano that Henri Dunant founded the Red Cross, and at San Martino della Battaglia, 8 km to the south-east, a 65m-high tower commemorates the battle fought there on the 24th of June 1859 between the Austrians and the Franco-Piedmontese.

The town of Desenzano is a winning combination of history, entertainment and art. The centre of the town, which is easily reached on foot from the hotel, is constituted by a pedestrianised promenade lined with charming shops. The heart of the town is the picturesque Piazza Malvezzi, with its delightful porticoes, which provides the starting point for several narrow streets full of upscale stores, restaurants and bars that liven up the town’s nightlife. The attractive shops in the centre of the town are complemented by numerous renowned restaurants serving excellent local dishes and wines.

The piazza is delineated by the Porto Vecchio, the old port that offers exceptional views of the town and out across the lake.

In addition, Desenzano del Garda is celebrated for its well-stocked antiques market and for its many historical monuments such as the Roman Villa, the Castle and the Archaeological Museum.

The lush countryside surrounding the town is perfect for sports and other outdoor pursuits such as trekking and cycling.

The town of Desenzano del Garda offers thousands of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment, guaranteeing that you will enjoy a holiday full of pleasant surprises.

If you would like to learn more about the town, please visit the Holidays & Relaxation section.