Villa d'Este

National museum · Tivoli

Villa d'Este

National museum · Tivoli

P.za Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM, Italy

Highlights

This stunning 16th-century villa, adorned with exquisite frescoes and lush gardens, offers a picturesque escape filled with fountains and history.

P.za Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM, Italy Get directions

villae.cultura.gov.it

@villadestemibac

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@afar

"A palace fit for an (almost) Pope When Cardinal Ippolito d'Este narrowly lost the Papal election, he assuaged his frustrations by embellishing a spectacular villa in Tivoli, a village in the hills east of Rome . The villa itself was brilliantly outfitted in 16th century frescoes, while the gardens were the highest achievement of hydraulic engineering for the age."

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@cntraveler

"The palace was built in the 16th century for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, son of Lucrezia Borgia. While the gardens with their fountains are the main draw, the Villa itself shouldn’t be missed. It’s filled with stunning frescos and history, some of it controversial. Cardinal d’Este “took” almost all the statues and marble from the nearby Villa Adriana to furnish his own home. This Renaissance villa is best known for its massive, elaborately landscaped gardens. Wandering around the grounds, with its beautiful flowers and elaborate fountains, might inspire you to ditch your life back home and buy a crumbling old villa to fix up. You don't have to be a history buff to see the beauty here." - Laura Itzkowitz, Arlene Gibbs

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manucsn

Google

Place is extremely well preserved, especially the palace with many amazing frescoes. The garden is nice, the only negative is the fountain with the music….expectations are high but it is just a piano playing under a fountain, with no extra attractions. Price is 15 EUR (2025)….so not cheap for Italy, but maintenance of the site is very well done. You can also find some drinking water at some fountains. Not easy moving for wheelchairs. No parking close to the palace, but Tivoli is not big and you can easy walk through the city centre

Scott Wright

Google

There is a cost to get in. 2024 was $12 for the basic visit. If you get there early enough in the day you can do the Philip pass and if you're going to see three or more villas it definitely pays for itself. But just visiting this one is definitely well worth it. It is lovely to look in the gardens. Be aware if you're there too close to closing the Italians don't mean closing at a specific time. They mean they are already locked up, cleaned up and going home at that time. So they will walk you out of the gardens 15 minutes early and just push you straight on out of the house. So you are out of the house before 5. :00. Even though that's supposedly the closing time. That was the only negative part of our experience. The garden's really were lovely to go see. Many of the features were not working in November, I don't know if that's because of the cold planning for winter or if they're just broken. But many of the big features definitely were working and there is some great views and pictures to be had in this place

iLorem Photography

Google

A Renaissance masterpiece located in piazza Trento, Tivoli, easily accessible and close to several parking areas. Be aware of the limited traffic zones (ZTL) in the historic center. The gardens are spectacular, with unique fountains and water features. There are public restrooms within the park, conveniently located near the main attractions. Entrance is paid, but it's truly worth it. A visit is a must for anyone who loves art and history. Leave a like and follow me for more reviews!

Laura Hampden

Google

These historic buildings and gardens were a dream! So many beautiful things to see in one place. I would love to go back. If it’s hot, take lots of water! There are lots of places to sit and rest and take in the surroundings. The organ fountain is timed, so if you want to see it, make sure you know what time it plays.

Mengyang Liu

Google

It is an interesting place to visit. You can see all sorts of fountains in this villa. There will be some uphill walks. The major music fountain has fixed show times so you really need to check the last show time before you visit this place. I went there and missed the last show time. Parking is not directly on site. You need to probably park in the city center and then walk there. But it is quite close to a big parking lot nearby. No need to book tickets in advance. Not many visitors.

Datcu Alexandru

Google

A place full of history with extraordinary landscapes and waterfalls. We spent 2 hours in this location and were amazed by the beauty of the place at every step. The entrance costs 15 euros and is more than reasonable considering how beautiful the location is. Lots of greenery and very very clean and well maintained. If you are in Rome, it is worth visiting this place in a day trip.

Craig Mackenzie

Google

Tivoli is a fantastic little town only 45-50 minutes from Termini station. Villa D'Este and it's beautiful gardens can't be missed. And the natural waterfalls in the town are wonderful. Highly recommend anyone visiting Rome if they have time to come and visit here. It was a great day out.

Kristen Duska

Google

Spectacular views from all angles. They provided a brochure with a brief history and background and a map for navigation purposes. There is a decent amount of walking/going up and down steps that needs to be done if you want to hit every spot on the grounds. Definitely worth a trip!