Step into the Grandeur of Ancient Rome’s Greatest Estate

Located just outside Rome in the rolling hills of Tivoli, Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) is much more than just a home—it was a sprawling imperial city. Built in the 2nd century AD by the visionary Emperor Hadrian, this UNESCO World Heritage site represents the pinnacle of Roman architectural genius, blending elements of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman design into a single, breathtaking estate.

The Highlights of Villa Adriana

• The Maritime Theatre: Perhaps the most famous part of the villa, this circular portico surrounds a private island. It was the Emperor’s secret sanctuary, accessible only by a drawbridge, where he retreated for music, study, and reflection.

• The Canopus: A stunning reflection of Hadrian's travels, this long pool was modeled after a canal in ancient Egypt. Lined with elegant columns and statues, it remains one of the most photographed and tranquil spots in the ancient world.

• The Great Baths: Marvel at the scale of the imperial thermal complexes. Even today, the soaring vaults and sophisticated heating systems showcase the luxury that the Roman elite enjoyed.

• The Pecile: A massive, four-sided porticoed garden with a central pool, designed for the Emperor’s daily walks, regardless of the weather.

Spanning over 120 hectares, Hadrian's Villa is twice the size of Pompeii. Visiting with an Eternal City Tours private driver ensures you don't get lost in the vastness. We take you directly to the most significant ruins, explaining the stories behind the stones, and ensuring you have a comfortable, air-conditioned retreat waiting for you after your walk through history.

• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

Experience the World’s Most Beautiful Renaissance Garden

Perched on a hillside in Tivoli, Villa d’Este is the ultimate expression of Italian Renaissance splendor. Commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito d’Este in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous across the globe for its breathtaking concentration of fountains, nymphs, and grottoes. It is not just a villa; it is a "Symphony of Water" that has inspired poets and painters for centuries.

The Wonders of the Gardens

• The Fountain of the Organ: A marvel of 16th-century engineering. Using only water pressure and air, this monumental fountain plays actual Renaissance music that echoes through the gardens.

• The Avenue of the Hundred Fountains (Le Cento Fontane): Walk along this 130-meter path where water jets emerge from a wall of lush ferns and sculptures, creating a mystical, cooling atmosphere even on the warmest Italian summer days.

• The Fountain of Neptune: The most photographed fountain in the complex, featuring dramatic waterfalls and deep pools that perfectly frame the view of the surrounding landscape.

• The Oval Fountain (Fontana dell'Ovato): Often called the "Water Theatre," this semicircular basin is a masterclass in Renaissance landscaping, blending architecture with natural cascades.

• The Painted Rooms: Inside the palace, explore the grand halls covered in exquisite Mannerist frescoes, telling the stories of the Este family and Roman mythology.