Tivoli‘s Villa d’Este is one of the most visited tourist sites outside Rome. The attraction is famous because of its gorgeous gardens with over 500 fountains in all shapes and sizes. The Villa d’ Este is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Villa d’Este Tivoli
Address, Opening Hours and Admission
The address of the Villa d’Este is Piazza Trento – Tivoli (tel. 39 0774332920). From Rome you take metro line B to Ponte Mammolo and then a Cotral bus to Tivoli. The Cotral tickets cost 2,20 Euros and can be bought at the bar/tobacconist in the Ponte Mammolo station. Opening hours: From 08.30 AM until approximately one hour before sunset. Closed: Monday (except when it coincides with a public holiday), January 1, May 1, December 25. If Monday is a public holiday the site will be closed on Tuesday. Admission: 8 Euros. Children (EU nationalities only) 18 to 25: 4 Euros. Children younger than 18: Free. In case of special exhibitions or other events: 3 Euro surcharge. Handicapped: Call +39 0774 335850 to pre-arrange a (free) electric vehicle with driver. There is a lift from street level to the top terraces of the gardens.
Special Events Villa d’Este Tivoli
There are often special exhibitions in the buildings of the complex.
History Villa d’Este Tivoli
Before the Villa d’Este was built there was a Benedictine convent in the same spot. The Villa was named for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, a son of Lucretia Borgia.
The palace itself was constructed in order to receive and entertain the cardinal’s guests. The rooms are decorated with an impressive array of frescoes and other ornaments.
The Gardens and Fountains
The biggest attraction of the Villa d’Este is the terraced garden, which is decorated with over five hundred fountains. The main and central one is the Water Organ, which, starting from 10.30 AM, plays music every two hours.
Other highlights are the Fountain of the Dragons and the One Hundred Fountains. The Fountain of the Owl is also turned on every two hours (starting from 10 AM). Pegasus is also very impressive.
