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Villa d’Este is a 16th century Italian Renaissance-style garden just south-east of Rome, built on the ruins of an old Roman villa. It is most famous for its intricately designed system of fountains. In fact, there are fifty-one fountains, 398 spouts, 364 water jets, 64 waterfalls, and 220 basins. Even more impressive is the fact that these 875 meters of canals, channels and cascades of water flow simply by the force of gravity. February in Italy may still be chilly, but the sky sure is blue. Spring is right around the corner, so, while there are no flowers in bloom, the grass is green and the temperatures are just beginning to rise. If you are in Rome and looking to take a super easy, fast, day trip from the city, this is the perfect place to go! The air is clean and fresh, the and views are incredible. The villa was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este. This piece of land was acquired, and construction began at the end of 1550. Being at a high altitude, it became a popular summer destination, even during ancient Roman times, because of its cooler temperatures. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it is recognized and protected by the United Nations for its historical significance. That being said, it hasn’t always been so treasured. In the 18th century, after, lack of maintenance led to decay. The collection of ancient statues was disassembled and scattered. As you can imagine, the roses and sculptures of foliage need to be preened frequently. Luckily, halfway through the 19th century, Gustav von Hohelohe, saw the importance of restoring the villa to its original state and launched a few restoration projects. Between 1867 and 1882 the villa again became the center of culture. It frequently hosted the Hungarian musician, Franz Liszt (1811 - 1886). He composed "Giochi d'acqua a Villa d'Este" on the piano here, and gave one of his final concerts at Villa D'Este in 1879. At the outbreak of the first world war the villa became a property of the Italian State, and during the 1920's it was restored and opened to the public. Another restoration was carried out immediately after the Second World War to repair the damage caused by the bombing of 1944. My favorite fountain was this one because it looks like a little boat with an obelisk mast inside! This fountain is called the "La Fontana della Rometta" and is a symbol for the island in the middle of the Tiber river, in Rome. Rometta, in fact, means "little Rome" in Italian. It was designed by Napolitan architect, Pirro Ligorio, and built by Renaissance architect, Curzio Maccarone, between 1567 and 1570 AD. How to get there: Take the train from Rome’s Tiburtina station directly to the small town of Tivoli. The train ticket costs about 2 euros. In just a little less than an hour, the train meanders through the Rome countryside, through the mountains, and ends in the small town of Tivoli. From here, you can follow the signs over a bridge and across a few intersections until you reach Piazza (square) Trento with a church. The entrance to Villa D’Este is on the right side of the Church of Santa-Maria Maggiore. Entrance fee is 8 euros. HoursTuesday - Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
91 Comments
2/24/2017 12:22:04 pm
Hey Crystal! Thanks for the comment! The weather was particularly nice on this day. It's in the 60's (Fahrenheit) but Italians have this unwritten/unspoken/secret rule where if it's technically "winter" you must wear a coat and a scarf. I probably didn't need it, but I am always trying to fit in here.
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2/24/2017 12:32:54 pm
That's great! I hope you get the chance to visit!
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2/24/2017 11:23:07 pm
I'm glad it is on your bucket list, Diana. Thanks for reading my blog!
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2/24/2017 11:24:37 pm
I could too, Kat! There are so many beautiful and hidden gardens around Italy!
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2/20/2017 08:38:12 pm
WOW!This post is so rich with history! What beautiful places Italy has
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Wow, it's really beautiful there! Growing up as the daughter of a flight attendant, I traveled quite a bit in my youth. But today as an adult, not so much. Italy is definitely on my list of places I'd like to travel to, once my kids are a bit older and my husband and I start exporting new places. Your photos are amazing, by the way. They really accent your blog post well.
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2/24/2017 12:25:36 pm
Hey Katrina! Thanks for this sweet comment. I think Italy is a very kid-friendly place, particularly the south. How old are your children?
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2/20/2017 09:57:04 pm
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! Love the fountain in one of the picture!
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2/21/2017 03:37:33 pm
It's stunning! You take beautiful photos that make me feel like I'm write there in Italy.
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2/24/2017 12:29:27 pm
Thank you Kristie! I am glad you enjoy the photos. I'm taking a photography class right now, so I'm hoping my photos will improve.
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2/21/2017 05:02:21 pm
Hey there. Wow you have a great hand at taking some amazing archetectural photos. Great read and pleasnt to the eye http://www.demirviews.com/2017/02/21/activated-charcoal-dead-sea-salt/
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2/21/2017 09:13:55 pm
I have never heard of Villa D’Este but to see where Franz Listz hung out would be awesome. I know that the fountains are the highlights but were there any museums or areas devoted to him as well?
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2/22/2017 01:34:30 am
The small towns in Italy are much more amazing than the big. Have been to a few of them but these towns are worth a whole vacation. Love this place you showed here!!
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ANdea Broom
2/22/2017 02:47:06 am
Rome is beautiful, and the small towns are more majestic
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ANdea Broom
2/22/2017 02:48:18 am
Rome is beautiful, and the small towns are more majestic it's amazing how much you can see and learn.
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Natasha Botkin
2/22/2017 03:18:34 pm
Absolutely beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing your experience. Xoxo
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2/22/2017 04:29:32 pm
Very impressive... I'm planning a trip to Rome this summer and looking for ideas besides the normal tourist venues so this is really helpful.
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Jen
2/22/2017 06:31:28 pm
The view is fantastic. Looks like you have a great time. Love it,
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Leiha
2/22/2017 07:56:29 pm
I only spent two days in Rome so didn't get much time to explore. This post makes me want to go back even more.
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2/22/2017 08:35:18 pm
Saw shots of this in your IG feed this week! Stunning to get the entire picture. Those views are unbeatable for sure!
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2/23/2017 01:44:56 am
I am glad you like my photos! Thanks for following along!
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Beautiful pictures and enjoyed reading the history as well. People may be surprised at how relatively light damage was caused by the war. The Allies took great pains not to bomb places like this because of the cultural value. Didn't always work but they tried to spare as much as they could safely.
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Shane Prather
2/22/2017 10:27:50 pm
I wish I'd had more than 48 hours in Rome so I had time for these gorgeous day trips! More reason to return :)
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2/23/2017 12:56:10 am
I am loving the photos - My dad lives in South of France so I could take a trip to Italy when I next go to visit xx
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2/23/2017 01:34:14 am
That's great! You should. Where exactly does your dad live? I'm going to Provence in a few weeks.
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2/23/2017 03:06:43 am
I LOVE Italy. I fell in love with the whole country during a study abroad program in Florence. This post just makes me wish I was still there!
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2/23/2017 08:02:48 am
This place just went in my Italy travel list. The photographs are just stunning. Being brought up on fairy tales I absolutely love castle like buildings with acres of trees and a magnificent view! It is spellbinding.
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2/23/2017 04:46:29 pm
Beautiful photos! I love Italy but have only been to the Northern half. Rome is on my list!
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2/24/2017 12:04:25 am
Your pictures are beautiful! One day I hope to be able to travel like this. Villa D'Este looks like a fabulous place to visit! Cheers!
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2/24/2017 11:25:23 pm
Thank you for reading my blog! It is a lovely place to add to your bucket list, Alicia!
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2/24/2017 09:20:54 pm
Tivoli sounds like a great getaway. Adding it to my bucket list for my next trip to Rome. Thanks for sharing the timings too :)
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2/24/2017 11:29:04 pm
I am glad to have shared such a beautiful place with you! Thanks for reading my blog!
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2/24/2017 11:22:08 pm
I've visited there before. It is so gorgeous and is a great day trip away from Rome.
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2/24/2017 11:23:52 pm
That's so cool that you have visited, Jennifer! Thanks for reading my blog.
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Maemuna
2/25/2017 12:53:40 pm
Pictures are awsum.... One can think to visit this place
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2/25/2017 01:20:13 pm
I can't wait to go back to Italy, thanks for sharing this great location to add to my must see list!
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2/25/2017 09:45:57 pm
I wanted to visit this place for a long time but did not have time when in Rome. I love your photos, the place is truly beautiful.
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Leticia
2/25/2017 09:50:49 pm
Wow looks like a really beautiful place and your blogpost is really detailed, I would defiantly like to visit ☺️
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Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen
2/26/2017 01:53:06 am
Oh, wow!! These photos are magnificent. The landscape and architecture are gorgeous. What a lucky girl you are!!
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2/26/2017 01:54:18 am
This is gorgeous! I love old architecture, and that view is incredible!
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2/26/2017 10:23:35 pm
Ahhh so beautiful. I love Italy & would love to visit again. The views are incredible. :]
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2/26/2017 10:57:55 pm
Looks amazing, I did visit a long time ago and really need to go back! Lucy (www.themadsnapperblog.com)
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Riely
2/26/2017 11:33:24 pm
I have always found the smaller towns in Italy a little more majestic and full of hidden treasures. This Villa looks like one of these gems. I must take a detour when in Rome.
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2/27/2017 03:38:08 pm
Looks like a great day trip. Always goo to have some options for getting out of the city and seeing something new. Thanks for sharing :)
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2/28/2017 02:54:27 pm
I am so dying to go to Italy, it has been at the top of my wish list for a while now. This is exactly the kind of place I would like to experience, beautiful scenery and lovely to hear some of the history.
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3/1/2017 07:45:59 pm
This is just breath taking. I'm sitting at my office looking out at the window at what is a nice day but I would much rather be there.
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Tereza
3/1/2017 07:58:14 pm
You take such lovely pictures, wish I could be there! Looks beautiful:) x
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3/2/2017 05:19:57 pm
I'm glad you posted about the countryside of Rome. Rome is grand and beautiful, but Italian countryside is something one can't miss when travel to Italy. Stunning photos!
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3/2/2017 05:49:32 pm
Wow! This looks like a wonderful place to visit. I would love to see it in person one day. The fountains and scenery sound like they would make a relaxing trip; I would love to take my sketch book and roam around. Thanks for sharing!
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3/4/2017 08:54:15 am
Italy is such a gorgeous place. Hope to go back there again and show my husband.
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3/7/2017 10:57:35 am
I've always wanted to visit Rome it looks beautiful but it is a place I tend to forget about whenever we plan adventures it's definitely underrated!
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3/8/2017 12:55:28 pm
Beautiful photos, i would love to visit one day. It look so peaceful. xx
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ABOUT MEHi, I'm Cassidy and this is my travel journal, aimed to inspire you to go and see our beautiful world! Featured Post: |