Roman Castles | Tivoli Gardens

Visit the charming hill town of Tivoli, less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Wander around Villa Adriana, a huge complex designed to house and entertain the emperor and his entourage.

In 1999 Villa Hadriana was appointed one of the Human Heritage Monuments by Unesco; as many other archaeological sites it is very famous, but still very little known in its essence, notwithstanding more than 500 years of excavations. A more scientific and modern approach to its study is a recent novelty.

Villa Hadriana lived until late antiquity, was sacked by the Barbarians of Totila, and during the Middle Ages became a quarry of building materials for the city of Tivoli and its bishop; her identity was lost, being renamed Tivoli Vecchio (Old Tivoli). At the end of the XV century, Biondo Flavio identified again the site as the Villa of the Emperor Hadrian described by the Historia Augusta; at the same time, Pope Alexander VI Borgia promoted the first excavations in the Odeon theater, discovering several statues of seated Musae, now in the Prado Museum of Madrid, Spain. Later on, Pope Pius II Piccolomini visited the Villa and described it in his Commentarii, making the site very famous from then on.

During the first excavations in the Odeon were found several statues of seated Musae, now in the Prado Museum in Madrid

Starting from the XVII Century, Villa Hadriana was continuously excavated and explored, in search of treasures - mainly sculptures and mosaics - which enriched the private collections of Cardinals and Popes and, subsequently, of roman and european noblemen, especially the English.

Tour Tivoli's historical centre, before heading to Villa d'Este, renowned for its spectacular gardens and elaborate fountains. Tivoli seems to be a natural wonder with its sweeping Italian views, elaborately engineered fountains, and its two ancient villas. You'll visit Hadrian's Villa, designed and built by a 2nd-century, globe-trotting emperor.

Continue to Villa d'Este, a sumptuous Renaissance residence built for the local cardinal-Lucretia Borgia's son-and designed to impress his guests. Wander through the gardens, among the extravaganza of trees and fountains, and admire breathtaking views over the plain towards the Eternal City. Following the long sequences of mighty archers running through Rome's outskirts and countryside, we will visit the Aqueduct Archaeological Park to see the massive aqueducts which have powerfully withstood time and to hear detailed accounts of the hydraulic engineering abilities attained by the ancients to canalize huge amounts of water to Rome.

Rome Countryside - Tivoli Gardens

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NOTES:

"The proposed itineraries are only examples of possible tours. For different pick up / drop off locations or customized itineraries we invite you to contact JoeBananalimos and he'll help you to design your own tour. "

GENERAL INFORMATION

Available: all year round

Tour duration: 9 hours

Pick up - drop off location: at your ship in Civitavecchia Port

Pick up time (suggested): 8.00am (according to your ship schedule)

INCLUDED

Luxury air conditioned vehicle

English speaking driver

All taxes, parking, tolls, gasoline and driver maintenance

NOT INCLUDED

Meals and drinks

Entrance fees, if required - unless otherwise specified.