Explore Tivoli's Villa D'Este Renaissance-era Palace by Lake Como
Villa D'este | Museum & UNESCO Heritage Site
Villa d’Este in Tivoli is a 16th century villa known for stunning architecture and landscape. For more than 400 years, the gardens have been an epitome of Italian Renaissance style featuring fountains, ornamental basins, statues, and grottoes. So much so that they served as inspiration for many other renowned European gardens and landmarks.
Built as a residence for Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, Governor of Tivoli (1550-1572), today the villa is an Italian museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone at Villa d'Este Tivoli.
Quick Facts | Villa d’Este
- Location: Tivoli, Italy (30 kilometers east of Rome)
- Type of Attraction: State Museum
- Year of Construction: 16th century.
- Built by: Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, Governor of Tivoli
- Architecture Style: Renaissance Architecture, European Mannerism & Baroque
- Architects Involved: Pirro Ligorio, Alberto Galvani, Giovanni Battista della Porta (Engineer)
- Number of Fountains: Over 500 fountains and water features.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 2001
Why Visit Villa d'Este Tivoli, Italy?
- Renaissance Architecture: Villa d'Este is a textbook example of Renaissance architecture, with its ornate facade, intricate details, state-of-art fountains in the garden, and exquisite frescoes on the walls and ceilings.
- A World Heritage Site: Villa d'Este is a living examples of Roman ideals, ambitions, and legacies, which helped it earn the status of UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Historical Significance: On your visit, you can learn about the Villa's fascinating history, dating back to the 16th century, and its role in Italian Renaissance culture.
- Spectacular Views: Witness a panoramic view of the lush countryside surrounding Tivoli along with the majestic gardens and terraces sprawled across the villa.
Plan your Visit to Villa d’Este
Address: P.za Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM, Italy [ Map Link ]
The Villa d'Este is located in the heart of Tivoli, 29 kilometers east of Rome.
Getting There
The shortest route to Villa d'Este from Rome is to take a direct train from Termini/ Tiburtina to Tivoli station, which is a short stroll away from the villa. You can also take the Metro Line B to Ponte Mammolo and then a bus designated for Tivoli.
Nearest Landmark: Hadrian's Villa (5.5 km away)
Monday: 2 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM - 7:45 PM
Last admission: 4 PM on all days
The garden’s closing hours vary throughout the year:
- January: 4:45 PM
- February: 5:15 PM
- March: 6:00 PM
- April: 7:15 PM
- May to August: 7:30 PM
- September: 7:00 PM
- October: 6:15 PM
- November to December: 4:45 PM.
What to See at Villa'D Este?
Apartments of the Cardinal
The top floor of Villa d'Este served as Ippolito II d'Este's personal living space. The Grand Salon, the Throne room, the bedroom, the private study, and the chapel are the most fascinating areas offering first-hand insights into the taste and lifestyle of Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este.
The Noble Apartments
Down the flight of circular stone stairs, the Noble Floor comprises roughly 10 ornately painted chambers that are off a long corridor, called the Manica Lunga. Each of the rooms are intricately decorated and have distinctive themes relating to nature, mythology, or history.
Hall of Noah
Durante Alberti painted the Room of Noah (Sala di Noe)'s frescoes between 1570 and 1571, based on sketches by Girolamo Muziano. The art depicts Noah thanking God for saving him by putting a stop to the Great Flood.
Hall of the Fountain
The Central Room or the Hall of the Fountain has frescoed interiors and features a stunning mosaic fountain (featuring glass, seashells, and precious stones) with the iconic white eagle of the d'Este dynasty perched on it.
Gardens of Villa d’Este
The Fountain of the Dragons
It symbolizes the eleventh attempt of Hercules, who killed the 100-headed dragon named Ladon to get the golden apples from the Garden of the Esperidi for Euristo. The sound produced by the fountain's hydraulic when bursting water resembles that of cannons fired.
The Fountain of the Organ
The Fountain of the Organ, constructed in 1571, draws water to power instruments like pipes and trumpets through a complex internal system. Musical compositions are timed to the water jets.
The Terrace of the Hundred Fountains
The Hundred Fountains are prominently displayed along a promenade that runs beside the mansion. There are about 300 spouts shooting water streams at various heights. The whole ensemble is a fan-favorite.
The Fountain of the Owl
It was erected between 1565 and 1569 in the Southwest corner of the garden. The musical fountain has a more formal outlook, standing on a terrace encircled by walls with niches and topped with the white eagle and lily emblems of the d'Este family.
The Rometta
The "Rometta" is a small reproduction of ancient Rome, complete with miniature temples, houses, and ruins that are intricately carved out of stone. The engravings are a testament to Rome's enduring fascination with classical antiquity.
History of Villa d'Este
The Legacy of Renaissance Opulence & Italian Architecture
The Villa d'Este in Tivoli, Italy was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, the Governor of Tivoli and the son of Alfonso I d'Este, the Duke of Ferrara.
The Villa remained in the d'Este family until the early 17th century, when it was sold to the Papal States. It subsequently passed into the hands of various private owners and underwent a number of renovations over the centuries. In 1950, the Villa d'Este was acquired by the Italian government and opened to the public as a museum and tourist attraction. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited historic villas in Italy.
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, which has a head office within Villa d'Este are dedicated to the preservation, management, and valuing of the monument.
Who Built the Villa d’Este, Tivoli?
The construction of the Villa d’Este began in 1560 and an extensive team of architects, engineers, and artists are responsible for the creation of the Renaissance masterpiece.
- Pirro Ligorio: Ligorio was the chief architect and designer of the villa. He's also the man behind the Vatican Library and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. He was later appointed by Pope Pius IV as the director of the Vatican Belvedere, where he oversaw the collection and restoration of ancient Roman statuary.
- Giovanni Battista della Porta: Della Porta was an engineer who worked on the villa's water systems, including the complex network of pipes, canals, and reservoirs that supplied water to the fountains.
Villa d'Este Tivoli | UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2001, the Villa d'Este was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional beauty, artistic and architectural significance, and contribution to the development of garden design and hydraulic engineering.
The gardens incorporate elements of both Renaissance and Mannerist design and were developed on a steep slope. It had a heavy impact on the evolution of garden design in Europe, influencing the large fountain system of the 18th century Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, the 17th century Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover, Germany, and the Palace of Versailles in France.
Frequently Asked Questions About Villa d’Este
A: The dress code for visiting Villa d'Este is generally business casual and comfortable. Outfits like swimwear, bare-chested, and shorts are not permitted for men or women.
A: You may take photos but the use of tripods and flash is prohibited.
A: Only a portion of Villa d'Este is wheelchair accessible. The upper terrace of the garden is accessible by lift from street level. Electric vehicles are available for exploring gardens & fountains.
A: Approximately three hours are enough to explore Vista d’Este and Tivoli gardens.
A: There are over 500 fountains ornamenting the Villa d’Este Tivoli.
A: The price of a ticket to Villa d'Este varies depending on your age, nationality, and whether you want to visit the gardens only or both the villa and gardens. As of 2023, the standard price for an adult ticket is €12.50 for the gardens only, and €16.50 for both the villa and gardens. Discounts are available for children, students, seniors, and groups.
A: Yes, you can buy Villa d'Este tickets online.
Yes, guided tours of the villa and gardens are available at Villa d'Este. These tours are led by professional guides who can provide detailed information about the history, architecture, and art of the site.
A: Villa d'Este features exquisite interior decoration that includes frescoes, stucco work, marble sculptures, and other ornamental features.
A: Yes, the Villa d'Este’s palace and gardens are definitely worth visiting if you are interested in art, architecture, and Italian Renaissance history. The UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its exquisite beauty, artistic appeal, and influential style.
A: Villa d'Este is located in the town of Tivoli, which is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Rome, Italy (approximately 45 minute - 1 hour drive from Rome to Villa d'Este and 30-60 minutes with trains/buses).