A Water Lover’s Paradise Just Outside Rome
Tivoli, located just east of Rome, is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este, both renowned for their stunning water features. This picturesque town offers an unforgettable day trip, especially for those passionate about unique water landscapes and engineering marvels.
Emperor Hadrian built his expansive villa in Tivoli as a retreat from the Roman palace. The villa spanned 7 square miles and featured elaborate water features, including pools, baths, and fountains, all powered by gravity and running water. Inspired by his travels, Hadrian designed the villa with architectural elements reflecting Greece and Egypt, creating a masterpiece of engineering and design that still impresses visitors today.
Fast forward to the 16th century, when Cardinal Ippolito d’Este transformed an old convent into a grand palace and gardens. The crown jewel of this estate is its 12-acre Renaissance-style garden, renowned for its 60 waterfalls and 500 fountains. What’s remarkable is that all the fountains operate without modern pumps – powered solely by gravity and the flow of water from the nearby Aniene River. The gardens, with their stunning water displays, are considered some of the most beautiful in the world.
Tivoli’s unique location along the Aniene River has long made it a favorite for water features. The ancient town offers