Tivoli is the 5th biggest town in the province of Rome. It is located along the eastern border of the Italian capital and has more than fifty thousand inhabitants. It has a beautiful historical center, but is mostly famous for the Villa Gregoriana, Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) and especially the magnificent Villa d’Este.
Tourist Information Tivoli
Practical information
There is a tourist information office (Punto Informativo Turistico) right in the center of town. It can be found in the Piazzale Nazione Unite (almost in front of the bus stop, for visitors arriving from Rome). It is open from 10 AM till 1 PM and from 4 PM till 6 PM (closed on Mondays). Free maps, including an itinerary along the most interesting tourist sites, are available here. (Tel. +39 0774313536)
Tourist Attractions
The most famous tourist attraction is the Villa d’Este. This sumptious villa is decorated with over five hundred fountains. The Villa Adriana was the residence of the Roman emperor Hadrian, while the Villa Gregoriana is also located in the centre. There are several Roman temples and near the medieval castle Rocca Pia one can see the ruins of an amphitheater. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in the 5th century.
A brief history of Tivoli
What used to be called Tibur was one of the main components of the Latin League. This consisted of a number of Latin cities that had formed an alliance against enemies like the Etruscans. After the city had been conquered by the Romans it became a sort of holiday spot for the wealthy. In the early middle ages it was the seat of the Byzantine duchy and later the main papal possession in the area. Frederik I Barbarossa conquered Tivoli in 1155. It became part of the city of Rome in 1259. During the Renaissance cardinals and other rich people started building prestigious palaces again. In 1527 the city was plundered by the Landsknechts (German mercenary soldiers).
Public Transport
There are trains from Rome to Tivoli. Most of these do not leave from the main railway station Termini, however, but from Tiburtina (metro line B) and the railway station in Tivoli itself is also not located in the center of the city. It is therefore recommended to take metro line B to the Ponte Mammolo stop and then a bus (Cotral). The 2,20 Euro ticket can be bought from the Cotral ticket office or from the bar/tobacco shop in Ponte Mammolo station. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. On the way you will pass some of the quarries where the marble of many of Rome‘s monuments was won.
Driving Directions
From the Grande Raccordo Anulare (the ringroad around Rome) you follow the E80. This is a tollroad. The Via Tiburtina (SR5) starts near Termini and is slower, but free.