Overview
Tivoli, in the hills east of Rome, was a summer resort in Roman times. Two of its sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa Adriana, the vast villa of the emperor Hadrian, and Villa d'Este, a Renaissance villa famous for its terraced gardens and fountains.
The town also has Villa Gregoriana, a wooded park with waterfalls and Roman temples.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are best; Villa Adriana has little shade on hot summer days.
Highlights
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1
Villa d'Este
Terraces with hundreds of fountains, pools and water features.
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2
Villa Adriana
Ruins of Hadrian's 2nd-century villa, with pools, baths and theatres.
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3
Canopus
A long pool lined with statues at Villa Adriana.
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4
Villa Gregoriana
A gorge with waterfalls below the town.
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5
Temple of Vesta
A round Roman temple on the edge of the gorge.
Getting there
Regional trains from Rome Tiburtina to Tivoli take about 1 hour; COTRAL buses also run from Ponte Mammolo metro station. Villa Adriana is a few kilometres below the town, linked by local bus.
Practical tips
- Opening & tickets
- Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
- Time needed
- A full day for both villas.
Official information: Villae (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
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