【World Heritage Site】Villa d’Este in Tivoli | Experience the garden of fountains and the healing greenery!

About 30 km east of Rome, in a hilly area, lies a beautiful town called "Tivoli." Since ancient Roman times, Tivoli has been a resort area for the upper class, and it is home to many villas—among which stands what is said to be the most beautiful villa in all of Italy. That is the "Villa d’Este in Tivoli," a magnificent residence with approximately 500 fountains, both large and small, spread across an expansive 4.5 hectares of land.

The terraced garden, which makes the most of Tivoli’s rich natural landscape, is filled with an astonishing number of fountains. These fountains at the "Villa d’Este" are not just visually stunning; they are innovative, featuring mechanisms that surprise visitors and even fountains that play music!

These groundbreaking fountains went on to influence the development of fountains across Europe. Recognizing their historical significance, the site was registered as a World Heritage Site. Here, we present the World Heritage Site "Villa d’Este in Tivoli," where the garden of fountains has become more famous than the building itself.

What is the Villa d’Este in Tivoli?

Tivoli is a small town with a population of about 50,000 located near Rome. It spreads along the slopes of mountains where the Aniene River flows. Since ancient Roman times, it has been known as a resort area, with many villas built by Emperor Hadrian and the nobility. The lush and beautiful scenery seen from the hills has captivated many people throughout the ages and still does today!

The World Heritage Site that made "Tivoli" famous is the "Villa d’Este." Originally, it was renovated from an old Benedictine monastery by Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, who lost in the 16th-century papal election. The villa became famous thanks to its luxurious garden.

Over 500 fountains, large and small, were created in the vast 4.5-hectare garden using underground aqueducts drawn from the Aniene River! From massive waterfalls and grotto waterfalls to fountains replicating famous landmarks of ancient Rome in miniature, it is a parade of creativity. These diverse fountain gardens can be seen in full view along with the Tivoli landscape from the luxurious balconies of the Este residence.

Although a cardinal is supposed to serve God, when you see this garden and mansion, the word "modesty" does not come to mind—this is an utterly extravagant World Heritage Site!

Access to the Villa d’Este in Tivoli

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First, travel from Narita Airport or Kansai International Airport to Rome Fiumicino International Airport. From there, take Metro Line B and get off at "Ponte Mammolo" station. From the station's bus terminal, take a bus bound for Tivoli and get off at "Largo Nazioni Unite." Travel time from Rome is about 1.5 hours.

If you are visiting by car, it takes about 45 minutes via toll roads from central Rome, covering roughly 35 km. Without using toll roads, it takes about an hour. Be aware that traffic jams are common in central Rome. Also, be cautious if you are not used to driving in Europe.

Recommended Highlight of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli ①: The Organ Fountain

Among the many fountains in the World Heritage Site "Villa d’Este in Tivoli," the most famous is the "Organ Fountain." Construction began in 1568 and was completed in 1611. This Baroque-style fountain succeeded in shooting water up to 10 meters by storing water at a high elevation and releasing it. Known as a “revolution in fountain history,” the Organ Fountain is astonishing—it uses hydraulic power to play an organ and produce music. It plays every day starting at 10:30 AM, every two hours, so be sure to enjoy the harmony of music and fountains at this World Heritage Site, "Villa d’Este in Tivoli"!

Seeing such a groundbreaking fountain, it’s easy to understand why it was designated a World Heritage Site. Many people have drawn inspiration from the Organ Fountain in later generations.

Recommended Highlight of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli ②: Other Fountains

In addition to the Organ Fountain, there are many beautiful fountains at the World Heritage Site "Villa d’Este." The "Fountain of Rometta" is also called the Fountain of Little Rome, and it recreates the city of Rome in miniature! The "Hundred Fountains" stretch for 100 meters, with water spouting from the mouths of various animals.

The first fountain built at the World Heritage Site "Villa d’Este" was the "Oval Fountain." A corridor is built behind the fountain, allowing visitors to view it from the rear. The "Fountain of the Dragons" shoots water high from the center of four dragon statues. "Neptune’s Fountain" uses the slope to feature various waterfalls and fountains. There are many other fascinating fountains that cannot all be introduced here, but they are sure to soothe visitors with their sounds and beauty.

Things to note when visiting the Villa d’Este in Tivoli

Although the Villa d’Este is filled with negative ions and natural healing, be aware that some fountains suddenly spray water when stepped near, so take care not to get wet. Areas marked "pericolo" in Italian indicate danger, so please be cautious.

Also note that some fountains may not be viewable due to construction or maintenance. If you’d like to check in advance, please contact the ticket center.

◎ Summary of the World Heritage Site "Villa d’Este in Tivoli"

How did you find the World Heritage Site "Villa d’Este in Tivoli"? A World Heritage Site known for its fountains is quite rare, isn’t it? The Villa d’Este in Tivoli is the perfect place to visit if you're in Rome and looking for a short excursion. Be sure to enjoy not only the Organ Fountain but also the many other fountains!

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【World Heritage Site】Villa d’Este in Tivoli | Experience the garden of fountains and the healing greenery!