Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) and Villa d'Este in Tivoli
Tivoli, Lazio
The Roman ruins of Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) and the Renaissance palace of Villa d’Este—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—put the town of Tivoli on the tourist radar. These luxe residences and their splendid gardens offer an ideal break from the urban bustle of nearby Rome. Stroll the grounds to admire the ornate fountains and water features, original statuary, and treasures of ancient Roman and 16th-century architecture.
The basics
Plenty of Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este in Tivoli tours depart from Rome. At the former, you can tour archaeological ruins of temples, libraries, and thermal baths, including the Maritime Theatre, the grand Piazza d’Oro, the Imperial Palace, and the Canopus. At Villa d’Este—commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este—you'll admire views from the Vialone Terrace and the picture-perfect Oval Fountain. To get the most out of your visit, opt for a full- or half-day guided tour through the Lazio countryside.
Things to know before you go
A skip-the-line ticket for Hadrian’s Villa allows travelers to maximize their time there.
Choose a full-day tour that includes lunch to enjoy a meal in the classical city of Tivoli.
If you don’t wish to travel by train, book a charter tour or a private tour that includes transportation.
Both the Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa are wheelchair accessible, though Tivoli has some cobblestoned streets.
How to get there
Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este in Tivoli are set about 19 miles (30 kilometers) east of Rome and can be reached from the city by public transportation. Take the bus from the Ponte Mammolo metro station or the Roma-Pescara train line from Tiburtina station. Or, opt for a guided day trip from Rome that includes round-trip transportation.
When to get there
The Villa d'Este is open from morning to late afternoon or evening depending on the season, while Hadrian's Villa has slightly shorter hours, again depending on the season. Given Tivoli’s many gardens, spring is a great time to visit.
What to do in Lazio, Italy
Like Rome, Tivoli is set in the Italian region of Lazio. While the Italian capital is the main draw for most visitors, take some time to visit the rejuvenating thermal waters of the Baths of Bagnaccio or the tumbling Monte Gelato waterfalls. And the weird and wonderful world of the Sacred Wood of Bomarzo (Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo) is an underrated gem.
Ways to explore
Many tours of Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este include private transportation or a round-trip train ride from Rome. Opt for a guided tour or a self-guided visit to see the ruins of the ancient Temple of Venus, Maritime Theater, and more at Hadrian’s Villa, plus Villa d’Este’s Renaissance design and terraced gardens. Tours often include free time in the town of Tivoli to have lunch and explore on your own, or you can join a full-day tour that also includes a drive through the Lazio countryside.
Accessibility
Both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este are partially accessible via a dedicated wheelchair and golf cart route.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Sunscreen, water bottle, camera, battery pack
What to wear
Hat, comfortable shoes
Not allowed
Large bags and backpacks, swimming or throwing coins in fountains and pools, commercial photography and drones
Amenities
Villa d’Este has a bookshop and an introductory video. Both sites have restrooms, water fountains, and snack bars.
Address
Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este in Tivoli are about 19 miles (30 kilometers) east of Rome and can be reached from the city by public transportation or on a day trip that includes private round-trip transportation. Some tours from Rome head to Tivoli by train, with a guide for assistance along the way.
Driving
It takes less than an hour to drive from Rome to Tivoli along the A24 highway from the San Lorenzo neighborhood. Heavy traffic makes driving in Rome a hassle, however, so opt for public transportation or join a tour for a stress-free excursion.
Public transportation
Trains run directly from Rome’s Termini and Tiburtina stations to Tivoli several times a day, making the trip in about an hour. From the Tivoli train station, walk to Villa d’Este in about 10 minutes or take the local CAT 4 or CAT 4 X bus to Hadrian’s Villa.
Best times to visit
Opening times vary according to season for both Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, so confirm the current schedule before visiting. The famous Organ Fountain at Villa d’Este is activated every two hours, starting at 10:30am.
Best days to visit
Tivoli’s popular villas are packed with visitors on weekends and holidays, and on days when admission is free (the first Sunday of each month, April 25, June 2, and November 4). Visit on a weekday to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Best months to visit
Spring and fall are when the gardens at Villa d’Este and the outdoor ruins at Hadrian’s Villa are in bloom. Time your visit for April, May, September, or October to enjoy the lush grounds.
Special events
Both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este host cultural events and art exhibitions throughout the year. Check the official website for an updated schedule.
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