Just a little outside of Rome, circa 34 km from the Eternal City, in the city of Tivoli, there are three ancient villas, commonly known as the Tivoli Villas.
These three villas, Villa Adriana, Villa d’Este, and Villa Gregoriana create a very valuable site, so valuable that Villa Adriana and Villa D’Este are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage!
With their many fountains, creating amazing water shows, ancient architecture and nature, they are definitely worth a visit. Let’s find out more about each of the Tivoli Villas!
Villa Adriana
Located at the foot of the Tiburtine Hills, Villa Adriana was created in the II century AD and is the most ancient out of the three. The Villa was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as his residence. He wanted to bring together the elements that he loved most from his travels to Greece and Egypt in circa 300 acres of ground.
Villa Adriana was filled with fountains, theaters, gardens, baths and buildings, creating a welcoming and prestigious environment.
Some of these elements were precisely requested by Hadrian:
- The Pecile: a portico used to admire the view and take walks;
- The Greek Theater: a private theater that could only house a few guests;
- The Great and Small Baths: places to relax;
- The Greek and Latin Library: filled with knowledge;
The Villa itself was a two-story building divided into:
- the Lower Floor: usually used by slaves to work;
- the Upper Floor: a welcoming environment used exclusively by the Emperor and his guests;
Nowadays, it’s possible to visit circa 100 acres of the remains of Hadrian’s Villa which, fortunately, manage to capture and represent the beauty of this majestic Villa that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Villa D’Este
A great example of the Italian Renaissance period, Villa D’Este, commissioned by the former governor of Tivoli, Cardinal Ippolito II, is one of the most prestigious Villas, filled with water fountains and astonishing gardens. Villa D’Este was designed by architect Pirro Ligorio.
As mentioned before, the villa houses many fountains such as:
- the Rometta;
- Fontana del Bicchierone, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini;
- Fontana dell’Organo and Fontana degli Uccelli, both of them produce musical sounds with the water running;
- Fountain of Neptune;
This villa extends for circa 10 acres and also contains a residential palace, Palazzo d’Este.
Palazzo d’Este is a great, elegant palace, that extends on 3 floors, is filled with amazing renaissance frescoes and is divided into several rooms:
- the Noble Apartment;
- Old Upper Apartment;
- Lower Apartment;
- Hall of Solomon’s Stories;
- Hall of the Fontanina;
Villa D’Este has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
Villa Gregoriana
Villa Gregoriana is a natural park surrounded by trees, paths and waterfalls and it’s perfect to immerse yourself in nature for a day.
This Villa was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the XIX century and it got quite popular among artists who came here looking for inspiration.
Villa Gregoriana is mainly known for its Great Waterfall and for the Grottoes of Neptune.
Conclusion
So, if you’re up for a little adventure outside the city of Rome, we highly suggest you take a stroll through the Tivoli Villas. It will surely be an unforgettable experience!
