Villa d'Este - Tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

Villa d'Este

travel wonder in Italy

Why the

Villa d'Este

is special

Many consider the Villa d'Este in Tivoli to be Italy's finest Renaissance-era garden. Its terraced, shade-tree landscape in dotted with over 500 fountains.

Tips & insights on the

Villa d'Este

The villa comprises both gardens and palace. Allocate nearly all your time exploring the gardens (the fresco-decorated palace pales by comparison).

The top 5 must-sees:

Organ Fountain

Water creates musical notes as it gushes through special pipes

Hundred Fountains

They line a long path

Neptune Fountain

Beautifully designs and strategically located

Oval Fountain

Produces a water-theatre performance

Dragon Fountain

Jets a water column high into the air.

History in brief: Villa d'Este was built for Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este in the mid 1500s. Then slowly deteriorated through neglect and plundering. Restoration began in the 1800s and is all but completed today.

The site is a popular daytrip from Rome (about a half hour away).

The gardens are sizeable and hillside, so wear comfortable shoes. Sometimes you may have to navigate steep stairs.

The restaurant on the upper terrace provides panoramic views.

Also in the Tivoli area are the ruins of Villa Ardriana, the country retreat of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Italy has another famous Villa d'Este. It's a garden and celebrated hotel on Lake Como in northern Italy.

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