Tivoli: Of lovely Renaissance Villas and Astonishing Gardens

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A couple of weeks back, I wrote a post about the ancient forgotten city of Palestrina near Rome in the Lazio region which hosts a prominent temple that is even older than the Roman Empire. Apart from Palestrina, Ivano – my host in Zagarolo (Check Olive Tree Hill), told us about the many hidden stories in the Lazio region. Now, let’s explore the renaissance villas of Tivoli near Rome.

This was probably the only location in Italy I’ve been to where there were more locals traveling than tourists. I was happy to have stumbled on to this timeless beauty, thanks to Ivano. The popularity of this Italian paradise is now on the rise and for a good reason.

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This hilltop town is a perfect escape from the Rome, and moreover, the ancient Romans thought so too. Tivoli has been a popular summer residence among ancient Romans due to its higher altitude and cooler temperatures. Also, thanks to its proximity to 2nd century Hadrian’s Villa.

Two of the three sprawling Renaissance villas in Tivoli, Italy – Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este are UNESCO World Heritage sites as well.

Spend a day in Tivoli to explore the sprawling villas and masterpiece gardens of Tivoli. Start by taking a 15 min bus ride to Villa Adriana from Tivoli center, and back, followed by walking to Villa Gregoriana from Tivoli center and then to Villa D’Este.

You can go visit Tivoli on your own, or the following tours which plan to cover Tivoli in half-day or full day. I would suggest going on a full day tour to Tivoli to better assimilate the place.

If you’d like to go on a guided tour, then check out these tours you can do in Tivoli: Day Tour of Villa D’Este and Adrian’s Villa Tivoli, and Villa D’Este and Adrian’s Villa Half Day Tour.

Villa Adriana, Tivoli, Italy

The prominent and wealthy Romans built villas as a retreat from everyday life. And Hadrian’s villa is no different.

Hadrians Villa (6 km away from Tivoli town) served a retreat to Roman Emperor Hadrian. Apparently, the Roman Emperor disliked the palace in Palatine Hill, and it seemed to have led to building the Hadrian Villa near Tivoli. It has a charming mix of ruins and natural landscapes.

“It is over ten times bigger than the forum in Rome and is much better preserved.”, Ivano claimed.

Maybe if you are familiar with the attractions of Rome, you might have come across Castel St. Angelo in Rome. But did you know that it wasn’t meant to be fortress at the start? The Roman emperor Hadrian built a Tomb for himself and his families as the previous one was filled in this location. And it served for over 100 years of emperors and their families since then. Later, they built a fortress on top of it. It now even houses a prison and torture chamber. And, we are talking about the same emperor’s villa in Tivoli here.

The C.A.T. Company (Urban Local Transportation of Tivoli) offers connections departing from Tivoli center to Villa Adriana.

Entrance fee: 8 Eur.

Opens at 9 am. The closing timings vary depending on the months. Find more information about it here.

Reserve to spend at least a couple of hours here.

Villa Gregoriana, Tivoli, Italy

Built on the precipice of the Aniene river and fluvial slopes of Monte Catillo, Villa Gregoriana is best known for its nature trail passing through waterfalls, forests, and caves – it’s an experience right in the lap of nature.

It includes a downhill walk for about 1km, and then uphill climb to finally reach the villa. Honestly, I was more amused by the nature walk than the villa.

It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to complete the nature trail.

Entrance fee: 6 Eur

Timings: 10 am – 3.30 pm (March, November, and December). Last admission at 2.30 pm.

10 am – 6.30 pm (April, October). Last admission at 5.30 pm.

It’s closed on Mondays.

Reserve at least a couple of hours here.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli, Italy

Even though the gardens in Villa d’Este pales in comparison to the sheer size of the Versailles gardens, the architecture and the layout of these villas was an inspiration for the well known Versailles gardens in France. And in extension, it serves as an inspiration to garden design throughout Europe.

This 16th-century villa commissioned by Ippolito II d’Este  – the richest cardinal of his time, stands as a testimony to the brilliant Italian gardens.

Villa d’Este is especially acclaimed for its terraced Italian Renaissance garden. This garden also hosts a bewildering 500 fountains ranging from Fountain of dragons, Neptune, eagles, Organ, Pegasus, and so on. Each with its own distinct architecture depicting the name of the fountain.

Timings: 8.30 am – 7.45 pm (6.45 pm last entrance). Plan to visit latest by 3.30 pm to take advantage of the full location. The hydraulic organ of the Organ Fountain is active daily, from 10.30 am, every two hours and last show at 4.30 pm. The garden closes at around 5 pm.

Entrance Fee: 8 Eur/ 4 Eur after 4 pm

Reserve at least a couple of hours here.

Apart from the three villas mentioned above, you can explore the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, Sanctuary of the Madonna of Quintiliolo and thermal baths in Tivoli. Find the Tivoli itineraries here.

How to reach Tivoli from Rome

There are regular trains between Roma Termini(main station in Rome) and Tivoli for every 1 or 2 hours and amounts to 2.6 Eur for about 1 hour.

Travel tip: Please be aware that the frequency of trains is lesser on Sundays. So, plan accordingly.

Tiburtina station in Rome has more frequent Italian trains to Tivoli.

An easier way to find out about the next train would be to open Google Maps. Enter the starting point as Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina, and destination as Tivoli, Italy. It will show a list of ongoing trains, which will make it easier for you to plan.

However, if you’d like to keep the logistics aside, then travel with a local like I did by staying at a local B&B place near Rome – Olive Tree Hill.

Accommodations near Rome

There is no dearth of accommodation options in Rome.

But, if you’d like to stay away from the maddening crowd of Rome, and yet have easy and pocket-friendly transport (2.6 Eur one way) to Rome, then base your stay at Zagarolo. It’s a medieval town and served as a gladiator gym(exactly what it sounds like) during Roman times.

Travel tip: In places like Tivoli, where there is so much that can miss an untrained eye, it’s always better to take a guide or a local along.

I stayed in a cozy Bed & Breakfast – Olive Tree Hill and had an authentic Italian experience that I always longed for. Tried some mouth-watering Italian dishes, helped my host Ivano with the website and social media and learned so many things about Italy I probably wouldn’t have found out otherwise. Check out my work away experience to find out more about it.

Ivano, the owner of the B&B, told me so many stories about the whole Lazio region, that it felt like a week is not enough to explore the region. Plus, the warm hospitality of the hosts – Ivano and Tehri, made me feel right at home.

Ivano takes you around these hidden gems as well. Who better than a passionate local to guide you along these timeless treasures!