Car Hire Tivoli - Villa Adriana - Mini guide to Tivoli - Villa Adriana

Villa Adriana, located in Tivoli, allows visitors the opportunity to take in one of the most spectacular gardens in the world. Despite its ruined condition, those who explore this excavation site are still able to get a sense of how incredible it was in its early days.

Also known as Hadrian’s Villa, the site was built as a retreat for the emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. In the later years of his reign, it became the seat of government as Hadrian preferred it to his palace in Rome. While many Roman emperors enjoyed this retreat, the fall of the Roman Empire led to its demise. Much of its luxurious marble was taken to decorate the villa of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este in the 16th century.

Hadrian was well-travelled, exposing him to the architectural delights of Egypt and Greece. Villa Adriana infused Roman architecture with Egyptian and Greek elements to create a sumptuous hideaway, fit for an emperor. Designed as an Alexandrian Garden, Villa Adriana, offered Hadrian and his guests a sacred retreat from the bustle of Rome. The 1km site housed over thirty buildings including: a maritime theatre, bathing facilities, libraries, staterooms and quarters for slaves, courtiers and praetorians.

In 1999, the site was inscribed with World Heritage Status by UNESCO. According to their judges, Villa Adriana is: “A masterpiece that uniquely brings together the highest expressions of the material cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world.” Their committee also noted that the monuments at the site influenced Baroque and Renaissance architects as well as 19th and 20th century designers.

The Hotel Cristallo, situated just five minutes walking distance from Villa Adriana, offers impeccable service and very comfortable accommodation for visitors. Located five kilometres from Tivoli town centre, this charming hotel has 44 rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant and bar.

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