Tivoli with Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este
Perched high upon a hill, the town of Tivoli has been a renowned summer retreat for centuries, notably popular amongst Ancient Romans and Renaissance aristocrats owing to its mild climate. Today, it hosts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each offering its own unique glimpse into history. Step back in time with our expert guide and discover those magnificent landmarks.Your first stop is Villa Adriana, an exceptional complex of classic buildings, erected between 118 and 138 AD on the orders of Roman Emperor Hadrian, who sought a retreat from which to escape everyday life. Spanning more than a square kilometre, the Villa remains to this day the largest and most extravagant holiday home ever built.Catch a glimpse of grandeur past as you wander through the ruins of thermal baths, temples, palaces and theatres. Next, move onto Villa d’Este, one of the most enchanting estates of the late Renaissance and commissioned in 1550 by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, son of Alfonso I d’Este and Lucrezia Borgia. The villa itself is a wonderful example of no-expenses-spared historic architecture, but it’s for the sheer multitude of sparkling waterscapes and breath-taking waterfalls that this site is most known.
