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Day Trip from Rome | Tivoli Gardens and Villa

ItalyTravelista — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:22:09 +0000

Day Trip from Rome| Tivoli Gardens and Villas

Enjoy this walking Rome tour a short drive from Rome. Explore Italy’s rich history in the Roman countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City of Rome.

The 3000 years old historic hill town of Tivoli, home to the fabulous Villa Adriana and Villa D’Este, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a very popular destination for a relaxed and informative day tour from Rome.

Hadrian Emperor Villa, the largest ever built for a Roman Emperor, is just outstanding. The lavish residence was built in two stages from AD 117 to AD 133 and was designed by Hadrian himself, who had a keen interest in art and architecture.

The Villa and grounds occupy an area of approx. 120 hectares, nearly 300 acres, with buildings for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his court, basilicas, theaters, baths, gardens and swimming pools, as well as a race course and a stadium. Hadrian’s Villa represents one of the leading examples of Roman architecture. When Hadrian died the imposing site was abandoned. Neglected, it was left to the mercy of pillagers. Only after the Italy unification in 1870 that lengthy restoration work began unearthing treasures and artworks. The Canopus, a small artificial valley with a pool in the middle flanked by a colonnade adorned with statues, arches and fountains, remains one of the most amazing spots of this huge archeological complex. The museum is also well worth a visit. One of the masterpieces found here, Myron’s Discobulus, is on display at the Vatican Museums.

Villa Adriana is an amazing example of Roman architecture while Villa D’este is one the finest examples of 16th century Italian architecture. Designed by Pirro Ligorio, a hydraulic engineer, it took around 20 years to complete starting from 1550. Villa D’Este beautiful Italian gardens feature fountains fed by the water coming from the nearby Aniene river and from the Rivellese spring providing a spectacular show of endless water games much appreciated by kids. The ground beneath it is a warren of tunnels and pipes but there are no pumps, as everything works by gravity alone.

The construction of this magnificent villa was commissioned by Ippolito II D’Este, the powerful Cardinal of Ferrara, who took up residence as Tivoli’s Governor in the mid 16th Century. Among the several impressive fountains don’t miss Fontana del Bicchierone, Fontana dei Draghi and Fontana dell’Ovato, as well as the world renowned Water Organ Fountain, adorned with Apollo and Orpheus statues. In 2001 Villa D’Este was listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

Another Tivoli’s stunning site is Villa Gregoriana, just fully renovated this park features an array of archaeological ruins from different periods, exceptional natural elements, caves and foreshortened views, that make Villa Gregoriana a great environmental, historical and artistic site to visit, including its 160 meter-high breathtaking waterfall.

Tivoli’s Restaurants:

Restaurant La Tenuta di Roccabruna | Just Next Hadrian’s Villa Entrance | Euro 40

Restaurant Avec 55 | via D. Giuliani 55 | Euro 45 | Dinner only

Restaurant La Sibilla | Tivoli | Euro 35

Rome Travel Tips

• Bring a bottle of water as there are no bars inside Villa Adriana
• Wear comfy shoes as there’s a lot to walk inside the Villas
• Try the local Frascati white wine from the Castelli Romani

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

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Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

ItalyTravelista — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:56:13 +0000

Rome Navona Square

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history, as the Romans do! When in Rome visit baroque squares and enjoy your Italian cappuccino next to renaissance palaces or medieval Roman churches. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. This is ItalyTravelista personal list of the most beautiful squares of Rome.

Piazza Navona

Once a site for spectacular Roman games, Navona Square maintains an oval shape, akin to the most famous game arena, Circus Maximus. During the late 15th century, the square underwent a remarkable revamp, and is now the greatest example of Baroque Roman urban architecture. Navona square is dominated by the outstanding Four Rivers Fountain designed by Bernini, and across from the “Nile”, by the church of St’Agnese in Agone designed by Borromini. Here you can relax in one of the several outdoor cafes and restaurants and enjoy one of the several shows performed in the square by street performers and artists.

Piazza del Popolo

Once a site for public executions, these days Popolo Square is far more peaceful, and given its proximity to Borghese park and Via del Corso, it maintains a lively crowd of café-goers, shoppers and businessmen. Enjoy the mighty obelisk in the center of the square while sipping a nice espresso at one of the two pricey bars located in square’s corners. Nearby do not miss the pleasant Via Margutta, a quiet narrow street home to artists and painters.

Piazza Farnese

A quieter alternative to the busy Campo dè Fiori, located just a short walk away. Farnese Square is dominated by the eponymous Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance palace, boasting works by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, Michelangelo, and Giacomo della Porta. While it is necessary to obtain permission from the resident French Embassy to visit the interior, an evening stroll through the piazza allows a glimpse at the frescoed ceilings. The piazza itself is simple and elegant, with two fountains and few cafés. Enjoy a glass of wine at the classy Camponeschi wine bar or a roman dinner at the traditional trattoria Ar Galletto. If you decide for the Galletto make sure to make a reservation asking for a table just in front of the Embassy NOT in the back alley or indoor!

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, in the shopping heart of Rome, is one of the most elegant meeting places, and owes its name to the 4th century chapel of San Lorenzo, built on the home of Christian matron Lucina. Just around the corner from Montecitorio, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina is a regular hang out for politicians and journalists, who are easily spotted eating ice creams or chatting about the next reform at the smart and elegant bar Ciampini, enjoying small but excellent sandwiches and delicious gelati.

St. Lorenzo in Lucina Church | A Great Place to Enjoy Rome

Piazza di Pietra

The impressive facade of the Temple of Hadrian, embedded in the walls of the Italian Stock Exchange building, is the distinctive backdrop for this quiet and pleasant square. The temple was dedicated to the deified Emperor Adriano by his adoptive son and successor Antoninus Pius in AD 145. The temple has just been renovated and its 11 massive corinthian columns shine. A cozy and relaxing setting, the piazza hosts the trendy bar Salotto 42, and La Caffettiera, an elegant Neapolitan-style cafe serving extra-strong espresso to keep you going!

Piazza della Rotonda

The best preserved ancient Roman, the Pantheon was conceived as a temple to all Gods and was later turned into a Catholic church. Michelangelo referred to this temple as “a work not of humans but of an Angel”, and the surrounding Piazza della Rotonda is the Pantheon’s perfect frame. The structure’s balanced geometry and the outdoor cafés lined around the square are a soothing experience for passers-by. Fiocco di Neve Gelateria on Via del Pantheon 51 and Caffè Tazza d’Oro are just a short walk away, while for a hearty roman dinner you can try Armando al Pantheon.

Piazza St. Mary in Trastevere

This lively square is home to one of the oldest and most original churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is also thought to be one of the sites where Christians first openly celebrated the Holy Mass. The popular Trastevere quarter is a pleasant place to enjoy traditional roman food and typical Rome thin-crusted pizza.

Piazza Santa Maria ai Monti

Nestled within the narrow alleys of the Monti hill, between Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto, the small and charming Piazza di Santa Maria ai Monti, hosts the main church of the Monti neighborhood and the Catholic Ukrainian Seminar of Rome. Lots of sitting room around the fountain makes the perfect spot to rest your tired feet or to read a book under the sun. Don’t miss a very pleasant pre-dinner rest in one of the several Monti wine bars like Tre Scalini, Al Vino al Vino, Barrique or an Indian dinner at the Maharajah, otherwise you can enjoy a creative Italian dinner at Urbana 47.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Have a nice walking tour of Rome!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

St. Mary in Trastevere | Enjoy Rome as the Romans do!

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Rome Day Trip to Tivoli Gardens and Villa Adriana

ItalyTravelista — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:36:47 +0000

Summer time in Rome can be very hot and the best way to make the most of your Roman Vacation and appreciate the cool Roman breeze while indulging yourself in Roman history is to take a Rome day trip to the hilltop ancient Roman town of Tivoli to visit the Roman Hadrian’s Villa.

Built 3000 years ago, the little hill town of Tivoli is about 25 kilometers outside Rome.
A fascinating drive along the ancient Tiburtina road, enjoying the Roman countryside, will bring you to the spectacular Villa Adriana, the most amazing serene place you could ever imagine, and the perfect spot for an alfresco Italian lunch!

Villa Adriana is an exceptional complex of classical buildings created in the 2nd Century A.D. by the great architect-emperor Hadrian as his summer retreat from the city life.

Bigger than the whole city of Pompeii, the Villa recreated the sights of Emperor Hadrian’s travels throughout the Roman Empire. Adorned with statues, mosaics, fountains and pools, it included palaces, thermal, theatre, temples, libraries, and quarters for courtiers, praetorians and slaves in the form of the ‘ideal city’.

Since 1999 Hadrian’s Villa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It was proclaimed “a masterpiece that uniquely brings together the highest expressions of the material cultures of the Mediterranean world.”

When in Rome then do not miss this enchanting excursion! Villa Adriana is open daily from 9am until one hour before sunset, is closed Mondays.

Nearby Attractions: Villa d’Este listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fine example of Renaissance architecture and garden design. www.villadestetivoli.info
The newly reopened Villa Gregoriana Park, a privileged and obliged destination of many Grand Tour travelers.
www.villagregoriana.it

Where to Eat:
• Restaurant La Tenuta di Roccabruna | Outside Hadrian’s Villa Entrance | Euros 35

Tips:
• Bring a bottle of water as there are no bars inside the Villa
• Wear comfy shoes as there’s a lot to walk inside the Villa
• Try the local white wine from the Castelli Romani
Buon Viaggio!
Nancy Aiello

Travel Italy at Your Own Pace!

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Day Trip from Rome | Tivoli Gardens and Villa

Tags: Rome Day Trip, Rome Excursion, Rome Tour Tivoli Gardens

About Nancy Aiello Tours

ItalyTravelista — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:47:50 +0000

Nancy Aiello Tours is a custom Italy tour planning company based in Rome that strives to provide private tours of Rome, Vatican, Florence, Venice and Italy hidden gems for the demanding value conscious travelers and Italy first timers alike.

Nancy Aiello Tours takes great pride in providing a wide range of Italy travel services, offering guests the opportunity to combine private walking tours and limo tours with Italian culinary tours and Rome cooking classes, shopping and Italy museum tours with private licensed tour guides. “Tourism has to be creative by understanding the needs of the travelers.” I personally believe creative tourism should supplement cultural tourism.

A memorable journey to Italy must go beyond just sightseeing. Our Rome, Vatican, Florence, Amalfi, Venice and Tuscany private tours are particularly focused on cultural exposure and people-to-people interactions. The depth of your experience is greatly enhanced through our exclusive culturally enriching experiences.

Please, let us know how we can assist you in making your Italy vacation an unforgettable memory of a lifetime.

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

CEO & Proud Owner of Nancy Aiello Tours

Trevi Fountain in Rome | Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

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Day Trip from Rome | Tivoli Gardens and Villa

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