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

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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!

Travel Italy at Your Own Pace!

Related posts:

1. Day Trip from Rome | Tivoli Gardens and Villa

Nancy Aiello Tours is a custom Italy tour planning company that provides private guided 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:-)

Nancy Aiello

Founder of Nancy Aiello Tours

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

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