From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Deanne

Australia

Sep 2025

‌

+1 more

This was the most Beautiful experience, you walk through what we thought was just a pretty Villa and stumbled accross the most eye opening gardens and water features in all their glory as we walked through to the balcony. It seemed that there was a surprise around every corner.

Roseann

Sep 2025

‌

We took a taxi to and from Villa D'Este. Convenience won. The gardens and fountains are what we came to see and they did not disappoint. They are lovely and unique and completely worth the trip. Lots of shade on a hot day. Wonderful to be able to just stop for a drink of icy cold water at the fountains. A spectacular sight.

Beate

Germany

Nov 2025

Everything worked well. The audio guide is not very convenient because the numbers do not match. This means a lot of searching and not everything is described as shown on the panels on site for the audio guide on site

Sylvain

Canada

Sep 2025

It was an incredible experience on every level, and much less crowded than any other place in Rome. It's great to be able to visit a place like this without being caught in a flood of visitors. Big downside... transportation to get there is not easy, and shuttle bus directions are completely lacking. There's an urgent need for action here.

Top things to do in Tivoli

Villa Adriana

from

€81.25

What is the Villa d’Este garden?

The main highlight of Villa d’Este is what surrounds it. Lush flora, magnificent grottoes, panoramic terraces, and innovative waterways make up its garden, a whimsical paradise in the heart of Tivoli.

How to access?

Access to the iconic Renaissance gardens is included in your Villa d'Este tickets, offering you a complete experience of Italy’s grandest garden design. Enter at Piazza Trento, next to the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Tivoli, Italy.

What’s it like to take a stroll here?

It's like you’re in a real-life painting where water dances, beautiful pathways take you back in time, and perfectly manicured hedges reveal stunning details. These gardens didn’t just revolutionize Renaissance landscaping, they set the stage, wrote the script, and stole the show.

Things to know before booking the Villa d’Este gardens experience

Access to the sprawling Renaissance gardens is included in your Villa d'Este tickets.
Add an audio guide to enjoy an in-depth explanation of the engineering at Villa d’Este garden, or opt for tickets with round-trip transfers from Rome to enjoy a relaxed visit free of logistics.
The gardens are built on a steep slope with many stairs, uneven paths, and terraces. Not fully wheelchair accessible—some areas have ramps and lifts, but many parts are difficult to navigate. Elderly visitors or those with mobility issues should be prepared for many steps and consider bringing a walking stick for assistance.

The gardens attract millions of visitors every year. Tickets often sell out, particularly on weekends and during peak summer months. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot.

Villa d'Este gardens in a nutshell

Highlights: Cascading fountains & reflecting pools, lush gardens with sculptures & mythological nymphs, breathtaking views from captivating terraces

Current use: Italian state museum, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Entrance: Access via a doorway on Piazza Trento, next to the Church of Santa-Maria Maggiore

No. of fountains: 51 fountains, 398 spouts, 364 jets, 64 waterfalls, 220 basins, 875 linear meters of water canals, tunnels and pipes

Unique facts:

No pumps in the entire system - water is powered by gravity from the Aniene River.
The villa and gardens served as a model for European garden design for centuries.
Covers 4 hectares and contains the villa, gardens, and over 500 fountains.

Layout & design of Villa d'Este gardens

Villa d’Este is built on sloping terrain, overlooking the Italian countryside, with the palace and villa at the top. The gardens are divided into a series of descending terraces. We can understand different parts of the gardens as:

The Vialone

Vialone as the central axis: Imagine the Vialone as the garden's backbone. This central walkway acts like a visual and physical guide, leading you through the terraced levels.
Five transverse axes: These additional axes branching off the Vialone likely create vistas or pathways that cut across the main flow, offering glimpses of different garden sections and encouraging exploration.
Amphitheater effect: The descending terraces are a key feature. They create a sense of unfolding drama, similar to a Roman amphitheater where the "stage" unfolds below as you descend. The balustrades and intricate stonework along the edges add a touch of grandeur and elegance.

The upper gardens

Formal & ordered: Think of the upper part of Villa d'Este gardens as a grand stage set for a royal court. The space is formal and symmetrical, with manicured lawns and hedges.
Fountains & grottos: You'll find prominent fountains like the Fountain of the Oval and the Hundred Fountains, showcasing artistic mastery. The picturesque grottos are cool, decorative, and relatively intimate spaces featuring sculptures and mosaics.
Panoramic views: The vantage points offering breathtaking views are a deliberate design element. They allow visitors to appreciate the scale and beauty of the entire gardens from a high perspective.

The lower gardens

Dramatic & wild: The cascading water features in the lower gardens are a departure from the formality above. They introduce a sense of movement, surprise and drama, creating a more playful atmosphere.
Fountain focus: The key elements are the fountains here including the Fountain of the Dragons, the Fountain of the Owl, and the Fountain of Neptune – all contributing to the lower garden's unique character. Each fountain has its own style and story to tell.
Additional elements: There are wooded areas with walking paths, offering a contrasting natural element.

What's special about the fountains at Villa d'Este gardens?

Built solely on gravity in the 16th century, these fountains hold remarkable engineering feats, decorated with sculptures and mythological figures that tell stories and add artistic beauty. The gardens feature 51 mesmerizing fountains, 64 waterfalls, 364 water jets, 220 basins, and 398 spouts, all of which are powered by gravity. They represent a revolutionary period in garden design, enveloping you in a multi-sensory experience, with the sound of water, sparkle of jets, and coolness of grottoes bringing the gardens to life.

Major highlights of Villa d’Este fountains

Prepare to be mesmerized by the water features at Villa d'Este! Here's a detailed guide to the fountains you'll encounter on your exploration:

Fountain of the Owl

As you enter the upper gardens, this charming fountain sets the tone. A central basin features an owl perched on a rock, symbolizing wisdom and vigilance. Is it keeping an eye out for visitors or protecting something more precious? Let your imagination run wild as you begin your exploration.

Fountain of Venus

This elegant fountain depicts the Roman goddess of love rising from a shell. It is a reference to her birth from seafoam in Roman mythology. Surrounding her are playful putti (chubby cherubs) adding a touch of whimsy.

Fountain of the Dragons

Located on a higher terrace, this fountain boasts a central basin with four sea dragons spouting water. Built in 1572, it was commissioned to honor Pope Gregory XIII whose coat of arms featured a dragon.

Fountain of Rometta

This grand fountain originally depicted the city of Rome with various landmarks. Think tiny Colosseum, Pantheon, and other iconic buildings! Today, only a portion of the structure remains, but it still offers a glimpse of the garden's historical grandeur.

Grotto of Diana

This cool and refreshing grotto features a statue of Diana, the goddess of the hunt. Water cascades down the walls, creating a pleasant and somewhat intimate atmosphere.

Fountain of the Oval

Considered one of the garden's masterpieces, this oval-shaped basin features a central jet that rises high in the air. Surrounding the pool are smaller fountains and caves, creating a mesmerizing water display.

As you descend the Vialone, the central walkway, water channels come into play. These channels, fed by gravity, create a gentle flow that guides you towards the lower gardens.

The Great Cascade

Prepare to be awestruck! This majestic waterfall is the centerpiece of the lower gardens. Water cascades down a series of basins, creating a powerful visual and auditory experience.

Fountain of Neptune

This playful fountain depicts Neptune, the god of the sea, surrounded by sea creatures. Water playfully jets from various elements, adding a touch of fun to the dramatic setting.

Hundred Fountains

Live up to its name! This long, narrow wall features almost 300 small spouts, creating a dazzling curtain of water. Constructed between 1566 and 1577, the Hundred Fountains, positioned between the Oval Fountain and Fontana di Rometta.

The Fountain of the Organ

The fountain is a marvel of Renaissance engineering, uses cascading water to power a hidden mechanism that plays musical notes, creating a unique auditory experience amidst the gardens.

Fountain of the Biccherna

This unique fountain features a series of shields representing the regions that once supplied grain to Rome. Water flows from the shields, adding a visual elegance to the historical narrative.

Fountain of Proserpina

Located in a secluded corner, this fountain depicts the Roman goddess Proserpina, associated with springtime. The peaceful setting provides a welcome contrast to the dramatic cascades.

Historical background & evolution of Villa d'Este gardens

The Villa d'Este gardens boast a rich history that reflects the evolution of garden design and the changing tastes of its patrons. Here's a breakdown of their fascinating journey:

16th century origins (1550-1572):

Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este: The driving force behind the creation of the gardens. A Renaissance man with a passion for art and nature, he envisioned a grand estate to reflect his status as the governor of Tivoli.
Pirro Ligorio: The architect entrusted with the project. He drew inspiration from ancient Roman villas and nearby archaeological sites like Hadrian's Villa.
Focus on water & terraces: Ligorio's design utilized the natural slope of the land, creating a series of terraced levels connected by staircases and adorned with fountains, reflecting pools, and water channels.

17th & 18th centuries: Changing hands

Ownership shifts: After Cardinal Ippolito's death, the villa and gardens changed hands several times, falling under the rule of different families.
Evolution and refinement: While major expansions ceased, the gardens continued to be maintained and refined by subsequent owners. Cardinal Alessandro d'Este, for instance, is credited with some decorative additions.

19th century revival (1800s)

Decline and neglect: The 19th century saw the gardens fall into a state of disrepair.
Cardinal Gustav Von Hohenlohe: A turning point came with the arrival of Cardinal Gustav Von Hohenlohe who undertook a project of restoration and revival.

20th & 21st centuries: Preservation and recognition

Italian government ownership: In 1922, the Italian government acquired the Villa d'Este, ensuring its ongoing preservation and public access.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2001, the gardens were recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding cultural and historical significance.

In-depth insights about Villa d'Este history

Frequently asked questions about Villa d'Este gardens

Yes! Your Villa d'Este tickets includes access to the entire estate including the famous and expansive gardens.

More reads

About

Directions

History

Book Now

Beat the crowds with priority entry at this famed 16th century Renaissance villa to enter at your chosen slot.

Everything you get: Skip the ticket queues at this UNESCO site, known for 500+ gravity-powered water features and gardens that shaped Renaissance landscape design across Europe. Stroll through the influential d’Este family’s rooms with a multilingual audio guide explaining the history behind all the top highlights, at your own relaxed pace.
Why choose this: You save time by skipping the long palace queues, while the audio guide adds historical context so you don’t just see the highlights but also understand them.
Upgrades: Unlock richer stories on a Villa d’Este English-guided tour, or expand your itinerary to include Hadrian’s Villa, explored at your own pace with a digital audio guide.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line entry to Villa d’Este
Digital audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French and Italian (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa (as per option selected)
Round-trip transfers from Rome (as per option selected)
Digital guidebook in English (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Printed copy of the guidebook

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

Both the villas are partially accessible to wheelchair users with ramps and pathways suitable for mobility aids.

Additional information

Please note that while you can skip the ticket line, all visitors are still required to go through standard security checks.
Your ticket includes a digital audio guide app to download on your smartphone. Please carry headphones to use it at the venue.
The digital guidebook (if availed) is offered only in English.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Get a small-group, one-hour tour with an expert guide, highlighting all the must-see features of the famed villa.

Everything you get: Get priority entry and explore the palace in a small group (max 10 guests). Follow your guide to learn about mythology and art in Hall of Triumph & Hall of Hercules and marvel at the Organ Fountain as your expert explains its gravity-powered musical water design: all in just 1-hour.
Why choose this: This experience captures the best of the vast estate in a fast-paced, interactive tour that’s easy on time and energy.
Upgrades: Pair your visit with the 2nd-century Hadrian's Villa, with added transfers from Rome for a well-rounded Tivoli heritage experience and a seamless day out.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line entry to Villa d'Este
1-hour guided tour of Villa d'Este
Expert English-speaking guide
Round-trip AC bus transfers to and from Rome (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa (as per option selected)
Guided tour of Hadrian's Villa (as per option selected)
Driver (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Food and drinks

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

Both the villas are partially accessible to wheelchair users with ramps and pathways suitable for mobility aids.

Additional information

Please note that while you can skip the ticket line, all visitors are still required to go through standard security checks.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Trade Rome’s bustle for Tivoli’s charm for a day, enjoying priority access to two of its top landmarks.

Day out to Tivoli from Rome on a comfortable AC bus for a day trip.
You'll get round-trip transfers and skip-the-line tickets to Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.
Villa d'Este: Bypass queues to visit the terraced gardens and Renaissance halls of the palace at your own pace.
Hadrian's Villa: Gain priority access to a sprawling 120-hectare "garden city" with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architectural wonders.

Inclusions #

Round-trip AC bus transfers to and from Rome
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa
Skip-the-line entry to Villa d’Este
Driver

Exclusions #

Lunch
Guided tour of the Villa d'Este & Hadrian's Villa

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Additional information

Your day trip is inclusive of a €17 ticket fee.
Please note that all visitors must complete standard security checks, even if you have skip-the-line access.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Beat the crowds with priority entry at this famed 16th century Renaissance villa to enter at your chosen slot.

Everything you get: Skip the ticket queues at this UNESCO site, known for 500+ gravity-powered water features and gardens that shaped Renaissance landscape design across Europe. Stroll through the influential d’Este family’s rooms with a multilingual audio guide explaining the history behind all the top highlights, at your own relaxed pace.
Why choose this: You save time by skipping the long palace queues, while the audio guide adds historical context so you don’t just see the highlights but also understand them.
Upgrades: Unlock richer stories on a Villa d’Este English-guided tour, or expand your itinerary to include Hadrian’s Villa, explored at your own pace with a digital audio guide.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line entry to Villa d’Este
Digital audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French and Italian (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa (as per option selected)
Round-trip transfers from Rome (as per option selected)
Digital guidebook in English (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Printed copy of the guidebook

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

Both the villas are partially accessible to wheelchair users with ramps and pathways suitable for mobility aids.

Additional information

Please note that while you can skip the ticket line, all visitors are still required to go through standard security checks.
Your ticket includes a digital audio guide app to download on your smartphone. Please carry headphones to use it at the venue.
The digital guidebook (if availed) is offered only in English.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Get a small-group, one-hour tour with an expert guide, highlighting all the must-see features of the famed villa.

Everything you get: Get priority entry and explore the palace in a small group (max 10 guests). Follow your guide to learn about mythology and art in Hall of Triumph & Hall of Hercules and marvel at the Organ Fountain as your expert explains its gravity-powered musical water design: all in just 1-hour.
Why choose this: This experience captures the best of the vast estate in a fast-paced, interactive tour that’s easy on time and energy.
Upgrades: Pair your visit with the 2nd-century Hadrian's Villa, with added transfers from Rome for a well-rounded Tivoli heritage experience and a seamless day out.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line entry to Villa d'Este
1-hour guided tour of Villa d'Este
Expert English-speaking guide
Round-trip AC bus transfers to and from Rome (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa (as per option selected)
Guided tour of Hadrian's Villa (as per option selected)
Driver (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Food and drinks

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

Both the villas are partially accessible to wheelchair users with ramps and pathways suitable for mobility aids.

Additional information

Please note that while you can skip the ticket line, all visitors are still required to go through standard security checks.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Trade Rome’s bustle for Tivoli’s charm for a day, enjoying priority access to two of its top landmarks.

Day out to Tivoli from Rome on a comfortable AC bus for a day trip.
You'll get round-trip transfers and skip-the-line tickets to Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.
Villa d'Este: Bypass queues to visit the terraced gardens and Renaissance halls of the palace at your own pace.
Hadrian's Villa: Gain priority access to a sprawling 120-hectare "garden city" with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architectural wonders.

Inclusions #

Round-trip AC bus transfers to and from Rome
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa
Skip-the-line entry to Villa d’Este
Driver

Exclusions #

Lunch
Guided tour of the Villa d'Este & Hadrian's Villa

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Additional information

Your day trip is inclusive of a €17 ticket fee.
Please note that all visitors must complete standard security checks, even if you have skip-the-line access.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Tickets

Villa d’Este Skip-the-Line Tickets

Beat the crowds with priority entry at this famed 16th century Renaissance villa to enter at your chosen slot.

Everything you get: Skip the ticket queues at this UNESCO site, known for 500+ gravity-powered water features and gardens that shaped Renaissance landscape design across Europe. Stroll through the influential d’Este family’s rooms with a multilingual audio guide explaining the history behind all the top highlights, at your own relaxed pace.
Why choose this: You save time by skipping the long palace queues, while the audio guide adds historical context so you don’t just see the highlights but also understand them.
Upgrades: Unlock richer stories on a Villa d’Este English-guided tour, or expand your itinerary to include Hadrian’s Villa, explored at your own pace with a digital audio guide.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Transfers available

Guided Tours

Villa d'Este Guided Tour

Get a small-group, one-hour tour with an expert guide, highlighting all the must-see features of the famed villa.

Everything you get: Get priority entry and explore the palace in a small group (max 10 guests). Follow your guide to learn about mythology and art in Hall of Triumph & Hall of Hercules and marvel at the Organ Fountain as your expert explains its gravity-powered musical water design: all in just 1-hour.
Why choose this: This experience captures the best of the vast estate in a fast-paced, interactive tour that’s easy on time and energy.
Upgrades: Pair your visit with the 2nd-century Hadrian's Villa, with added transfers from Rome for a well-rounded Tivoli heritage experience and a seamless day out.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

1 hr. - 7 hr.

Transfers available

Day Trips

From Rome: Villa D'Este & Hadrian's Villa Skip-the-Line Tickets with Transfers

Trade Rome’s bustle for Tivoli’s charm for a day, enjoying priority access to two of its top landmarks.

Day out to Tivoli from Rome on a comfortable AC bus for a day trip.
You'll get round-trip transfers and skip-the-line tickets to Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.
Villa d'Este: Bypass queues to visit the terraced gardens and Renaissance halls of the palace at your own pace.
Hadrian's Villa: Gain priority access to a sprawling 120-hectare "garden city" with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architectural wonders.

‌

Check availability

7 hr.

Transfers available

Explore 500 fountains at the iconic Villa d'Este gardens

From happy customers

Top things to do in Tivoli

What is the Villa d’Este garden?

How to access?

What’s it like to take a stroll here?

Things to know before booking the Villa d’Este gardens experience

Villa d'Este gardens in a nutshell

Layout & design of Villa d'Este gardens

The Vialone

The upper gardens

The lower gardens

What's special about the fountains at Villa d'Este gardens?

Major highlights of Villa d’Este fountains

Fountain of the Owl

Fountain of Venus

Fountain of the Dragons

Fountain of Rometta

Grotto of Diana

Fountain of the Oval

The Great Cascade

Fountain of Neptune

Hundred Fountains

The Fountain of the Organ

Fountain of the Biccherna

Fountain of Proserpina

Historical background & evolution of Villa d'Este gardens

Frequently asked questions about Villa d'Este gardens

Do Villa d'Este tickets include access to the gardens?

Is there any ideal time to visit Villa d'Este gardens and fountains?

What are some unique flora I can see at Villa d'Este gardens?

How do Villa d'Este gardens reflect the Renaissance principles?

Who designed Villa d'Este and its gardens?

How did the construction of the gardens, which began in 1550, overcome the challenges of the site and the water supply?

What is the role of water in the design and functionality of the gardens?

How extensive are the Villa d'Este gardens?

How do the gardens reflect the cultural and artistic influences of the time?

How do the gardens continue to influence modern landscape design and architecture?

How do the gardens reflect the personal tastes and preferences of the original owner, Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este?

More reads

About

Directions

History

Explore 500 fountains at the iconic Villa d'Este gardens

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

Villa d’Este Skip-the-Line Tickets

Villa d'Este Guided Tour

From Rome: Villa D'Este & Hadrian's Villa Skip-the-Line Tickets with Transfers