Villa D'Este - Renaissance masterpiece near Rome

Was Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, son of the famous Lucrezia Borgia,the founder of Villa d'Este in Tivoli not far from Rome.

Good deal for him to build his new residence on the already existing ruins of palaces and gardens constructed by the Emperor Adriano 2000 years ago. For the Cardinal and his architect there was nothing easier than to draw inspiration from what was under their nose, make his own and restyling a park already sumptuous and rich in Roman art.

Was the year 1550 when he wanted to do of Villa d 'Este the pride of his Family. Today I just think he well succeeded in his intention:

Villa d'Este is actually in the list of Unesco's World Heritage, warded several times for the most beautiful park in Italy and few years ago it was elected "the most beautiful Park in Europe" from the prestigious competition launched in the USA by Briggs & Stratton, in its first European edition.

An oasis rich in greenery and water selected by an international jury composed of botanists, architects, historians and journalists. Magnificent frescoes in the palace, while fountains, waterfalls and water games, in a wonderful series of terraces create suggestive corners in the gardens that smell of cypress and roses.

This masterpiece of "Italian garden style" has over half a million visitors a year, you will be enchanted immersed in this path of ancient architectures, waters, plants sculptures and secular tree.
Walking through the park is a continuous surprise, at every step you find fountains, waterfalls, caves and nymphaeums, that recall in the names and decorations the heroes and myths of ancient Greece. Impressive is the number of fountains, among the most famous we see the "Fontana dell'Ovato", the "Cento fontane" hundred fountains in the shape of lilies, obelisks and boats. One of the most special is the Organ fountain that utter real melodies through a complex hydraulic system. Even today you can hear the "note" of the fountain several times during the day.

Villa d'Este is much appreciated for the state of maintenance and the quality of the garden,but also for the modern and efficient services offered to visitors as the opportunity to have easy access to information and the attention to disabled and elderly people.
The beauty of Villa d'Este is hardly comparable with other parks.

It is located in Tivoli about thirty minutes from Rome, it's easily reachable by public transport. Take the Metro line B to Ponte Mammolo and then the bus for Tivoli.