This architectural itinerary to Tivoli, near Rome, will help you understand how Emperor Hadrian, the wealthiest Roman and most powerful man on earth, indulged his love of architecture and art in the creation of the villa, with its numerous pavilions spread over 300 acres. We will walk through a landscape today planted with oak and olive trees to see the ruins of bath buildings, dining pavilions, libraries, imperial residences, and the Emperor's private retreat, with unique architectural forms. We will see the tunnels built to allow services to be supplied and slaves to do their jobs without disturbing the Emperor's peace and quiet.
You will understand how Hadrian and his architects used the landscape to create architectural ensembles in the most beautiful settings for the Emperor's enjoyment, and exploited adjoining less favorable terrain to build utilitarian structures and housing for the slaves, guards, firemen and priests who served Hadrian's Villa.
Once upon a time Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli was adorned with lavish fountains and huge pools designed to reflect the graceful architecture built around them. Let yourself be transported by the beauty of the place to conjure up the glory that was Rome.
The guided day tour to Tivoli from Rome can be either a half-day excursion (4 to 5 hours) to tour either Hadrian's Villa or Villa D'Este or a full-day excursion (6 to 8 hours) to tour both villas. If you are enthusiastic about the culinary delights of Rome and Italy, you may want to enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant or trattoria in or near the town of Tivoli.
