Tivoli

Tivoli is located east of Rome and is especially famous for the three gardens, the Villa d’Este, the Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) and the more recent Villa Gregoriana. Together with Ostia Antica it probably constitutes the most popular day trip destination for visitors to Rome.

Tivoli is located along the river Aniene in the hills called Monti Tiburtini. Since this area is cooler than Rome, many wealthier Romans built summer houses there. The city has a picturesque historical center with modern day Tivoli sprawled around it. At the bottom of the hill lies Bagni di Tivoli, famous for its thermal waters.

Tivoli tourist attractions:

* Villa d’Este: Built for, and named after Cardinal Ippolito d’Este. The garden of the villa is justly famous for its fountains.
* Villa Adriana: Outside Tivoli, Emperor Hadrian’s former little shack in the countryside.
* Villa Gregoriana: A park with a waterfall.
* Rocca Pia: Fortress built by Pope Pius II.
* Roman Amphitheatre
* Chiesa di San Silvestro: Romanesque church
* Chiesa di San Lorenzo: Baroque church, with 13th century wood carving inside.
* Town walls: Built in the 4th century B.C.
* ‘turret houses’: These were built in the Middle Ages. There was no front door, so one had to climb a ladder to enter. Several of these can still be seen.
* Ponte Gregoriano: Built after a flood in the 19th century. Destroyed in World War II and rebuilt. Famous for its views of the waterfall and temple.

Tivoli special events:

* February: During the carnival period there are processions all over Tivoli.
* April 5-30: Celebration of the founding of Tivoli with all kind of events.
* 1st Sunday in May: An image of the Madonna is carried through the streets of Tivoli. The procession ends at the Cathedral.
* Early July: Jazz festival
* August 10th: Celebration of Tivoli’s patron saint, San Lorenzo.
* September: Sagra dell’Uva, the annual grape festival.

Tivoli tourist information:

* Look for a green kiosk close to the Piazza Garibaldi bus stop.

How to reach Tivoli by car:

* From Rome:

How to reach Tivoli by public transportation:

* From Rome: There are trains, but these leave from Roma Tiburtina, the second railway station of the city. Moreover, Tivoli’s railway station is located at the bottom of the hill, so a steep walk is required to reach, e.g. the Villa d’Este. We recommend therefore to take a bus from the metro station Ponte Mammolo (line B). This bus stops right in the center of Tivoli. If you want to visit the Villa Adrian first, ask the bus driver to tell you where to get off. A 1km walk or another bus ride will take you there.