The majestic Renaissance Summer Residence and Gardens
Travel
Direct train from Roma Termini station every 2 hours or one change at Roma Tiburtina. Trains run regularly throughout the day, usually every 15-30 minutes.
Roma Termini To Tivoli Station. Enjoy the scenic views along the way as you travel through the beautiful countryside of Lazio.
07:15 am direct train. The train for Tivoli is at the end of a very long platform. It took us a good 10 - 15 mins fast walking to catch the train.
Exit Tivoli station and follow the signs to town centre and Villa d'Este -nice Walk 15 mins
Tip: Give yourself plenty of time to make it to this direct train as it leaves on time. Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding by stamping it in one of the machines located on the platform.
Ticket and schedules - (€10.00/p).
https://www.visittivoli.eu/le-ville/villa-d-este&lang=EN
We were the first ones at the ticket office at around 8.30am and spent the whole day wandering the beautiful gardens.
Eat
We enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing picnic in the gardens from packed lunch of sandwiches and drinks.
Personal Opinion
We were overwhelmed by the grandeur and breathtakingly beautiful well-maintained gardens and fountains. The villa is full of history with beautifully decorated rooms. The garden is one of the most magical places, unlike anything we've ever visited. Great opportunities to get some amazing photos. Definitely worth the trip!
A brief summary
Villa d'Este is a historic Italian villa located in Tivoli, near Rome. It was built in the 16th century as a summer residence for Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este and is known for its magnificent gardens and fountains.
The villa and gardens are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and impressive examples of Renaissance architecture and garden design in Italy.
The gardens of Villa d'Este are renowned for their beauty and grandeur. The gardens cover an area of approximately 4 hectares and are filled with numerous fountains, water features, and terraced landscapes. The garden is laid out on a steep slope, with a series of terraces connected by grand staircases.
Fountain of Neptune - The most famous features of the garden is the Fountain of Neptune, which is located at the bottom of the garden. The fountain is a large, imposing structure that depicts Neptune, the god of the sea, surrounded by his sea creatures. Other notable features of the garden include the Hundred Fountains, which are a series of small fountains that cascade down a hillside, and the Water Organ Fountain, which produces music using water.
The gardens at Villa d'Este are known for their use of water and hydraulics, which were advanced for their time. The water is supplied by an aqueduct that runs for over 5 kilometers and was built specifically to supply the villa with water. The water is used to power the fountains and water features throughout the garden.
Oval Fountain (Fontana dell'Ovato) - This fountain is located at the bottom of the garden and is designed to resemble an ancient Roman nymphaeum.
The fountain consists of a central oval pool, surrounded by two tiers of fountains and decorated with statues, grottoes, and niches. The water in the fountain is supplied by the Aniene River and is regulated by a complex hydraulic system that was designed in the 16th century.
The oval shape creates an illusion of depth and perspective, and its cascading waterfalls and grottoes add to its dramatic effect. It is decorated with various statues and reliefs, including the statue of Diana, the goddess of the hunt, and the statue of the Sleeping Nymph, which is a copy of a famous ancient Roman sculpture.
Fountain of the Dragons (Fontana dei Draghi) - It is located near the entrance of the garden This fountain features four dragon statues, each spouting water from its mouth. The four dragon statues are made of white Carrara marble and are arranged around a central obelisk, which was brought to the garden from Rome.
The dragons in the fountain are depicted with open jaws, sharp teeth, and ferocious expressions, creating a dramatic and dynamic effect. The water spouts from their mouths in a continuous stream, creating a beautiful display of water and sound.
Fountain of the Owl (Fontana della Civetta) - The Fountain of the Owl was built in the 16th century. The owl, which is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, is depicted with a realistic and detailed carving and sits atop a tree stump, surrounded by rocks and plants.
The fountain is located near the Oval Fountain and is a small, intimate space that provides a peaceful respite from the larger, more grandiose fountains in the garden. The water flows gently from the owl's beak and cascades down the rocks, creating a soothing sound and adding to the fountain's tranquil atmosphere.
Hundred Fountains (Cento Fontane) - This is a spectacular fountain. It is one of the most famous and impressive fountains in the garden.
The Hundred Fountains is a long wall fountain that stretches for over 130 meters along the garden's central axis. It consists of a series of small fountains, each with a different design, that flow into a long central trough. The fountains are decorated with various motifs, including masks, shells, and animals, and are arranged in a pattern that creates a sense of movement and rhythm.
The fountain's water is supplied by the Aniene River, and is regulated by a complex system of underground channels and pipes.
The Hundred Fountains create a mesmerizing sound and visual effect, with water flowing continuously over the various fountains and creating a soothing and peaceful atmosphere. The fountain is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful flowers, adding to its charm and beauty.
The Hundred Fountains is one of the most popular spots in Villa d'Este, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the garden. It has been featured in numerous books, movies, and documentaries, and is considered one of the most impressive fountains in Italy.
Fountain of the Rometta (Fontana della Rometta) - It is a large, ornate fountain that features a boat-shaped structure, which is designed to represent the ancient Roman ship that carried the goddess Cybele to Rome. The fountain is surrounded by lush vegetation and is fed by a series of water channels and cascades that create a tranquil, serene atmosphere.
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