Tivoli Favorites

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Favorite thing: When I first saw Tivoli, the Internet did not exist. I was inspired by Marguerite Yourcenar's Mémoires d'Hadrien (Memoirs of Hadrian.) I cannot imagine visiting Villa Adriana without knowing Yourcenar's magnificent portrait of the man that was Hadrian.

I re-visited Villa Adriana in June 2010, accompanied this time by a Roman archeologist. It made a difference in the facts that I learned, although the overall impression was tainted by the passage of time and by the way the site has adapted to mass tourim.

The ensemble view has been altered insidiously. Olive groves have been cut to make way for a handy parking and ticket booth. The shepherd's reed bed has gone. Where are the violets on the grass of the Tempé? Gone is the "noble solitude" of the Poecile, transformed into a square. A fake plaster "antique" fountain lets one fill up a plastic bottle for the visit...

"The slightest macadam road where grass grew undisturbed for centuries brings irreparable damage... beauty flees, as does authenticity." (Yourcenar)

I learned more facts this time but imagination was bounded.

This is nostalgia speaking. The Villa is still a stunning place to see.

Fondest memory: Villa Adriana

Villa d'Este

Favorite thing: If you have been to Italy then you have surely noticed the abundance of cats EVERYWHERE. Tivoli is no different and I snapped this little ditty of my allergy-prone boyfriend as he sat down and attempted to have something to eat at Villa d'Este. He was sneezing all afternoon!! I will never forget this scene and it had me giggling for the rest of the day...

So, moral of the story is I guess if you are not allergy prone, be nice to the locals and make sure to pack some milk!!

Favorite thing: This is a bath fit for kings and Popes. Again it is made from the marble that was collected from all over the Roman Empire.

You will find many things made of marble here and each on is a small work of art.

Favorite thing: Villa d'Este was built in the 1550s for Cardinal Hippolyte d'Este.
The villa was a former Benedictine convent and the rooms were decorated and frescoed. But Villa d'Este is mainly known for its worldwide famous gardens. These gardens are enriched by many fountains, such as the 'Fountain of the Dragons' and 'the One Hundred Fountains', deep pools shaded by trees, and the 'Water Organ Fountain'.

Favorite thing: The old part of the town has such narrow streets and its rustic charm was so appealing. Walking down these passageways, admiring the old stonework on the buildings and seeing the peace flags hanging from the windows and balconies added to the colour.

Favorite thing: Although Hadrian's Villa was exquisite in design the 500 fountains of Villa d'Este are a marvel. Although they are said to be in need of repair, Villa d'Este far surpassed my expectations. You really must see them to appreciate their beauty.

Fondest memory: I enjoyed just being there, the sound of the splashing fountains and the views of the countryside left a feeling of contentment.

Favorite thing: Villa d’Este is located here and is a great way to spend an afternoon.
There are many fountains, over 500, to see and the house is furnished.
The villa it self has had many important people call it home from cardinals to poets and writers.
It is well worth a visit.

See my travelogues for pictures of the villa.

Fondest memory: Imagine my delight when we had seen the sights art Hadrian's Villa and realised we just had enough time to pop back to Tivoli do the sights missed and then head back to Rome. Well that wasn't quite the story - some of the sights just didn't seem to exist or we managed to get lost even with the map and some of the other sights were under renovation :-(
What i thought would be a quick half hour re-visit turn into a frustating, foot weary search - may be I should have left the map alone!
At least the water fountains quenched our thirst and later we comforted ourselves with our favourite restaurant back in Rome :-))