Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli is one of the most remarkable ancient buildings in the Lazio region. It dates back to the 2nd century AD. Despite its dilapidated state, it is attractive because of the scope of its architectural design and the perfection of its realisation.
The Roman emperor Hadrian, the famous philosopher of antiquity, hated the luxury and bustle of the palace on the Palatine Hill. He needed a place for secluded reflection and science in the lap of nature. So the idea of building a country residence was born. The place for it was chosen near the town of Tibur, now Tivoli, and beckoned a beautiful landscape and peaceful silence, dear to the heart of the emperor-philosopher.
The land was inherited by Hadrian’s wife Vibia Sabina. Previously there was a manor house of the II-I century BC. The atrium of the old villa was preserved, while the emperor rebuilt and enlarged the other rooms according to his preferences. Construction began in 118 AD and continued until Hadrian’s death in 134 AD.
Legend has it that the ruler designed the villa himself. It is now difficult to establish whether this was in fact the case, but his active participation is evident. The residence includes more than 30 sites, all of which bear the names of Roman provinces visited by Hadrian
It is no coincidence that the most luxurious villa of the Renaissance, the Villa D’Este, is in close proximity to this ancient villa, where not only ideas could be borrowed.
The tour is conducted with or without lunch (the restaurant is NOT included in the price of the tour).
All days except: 25 December, 1 May, 1 January
