If you have already explored the majestic Rome enough, then it would be a big misunderstanding not to visit Tivoli - the most original Italian city, located literally 24 kilometers from the capital.

The warmth and friendliness of the local people, luxurious nature, springs healing water, the picturesque coast of the Anio River is not all that will delight the eyes and soul when visiting this town.

The history of Tivol Italy is eventful. This city was founded before Rome, in the thirteenth century BC. As the legend says, the city was founded by the sons of the ruler Arfiarai, Katillus and Koras. The city was named Tibur, in honor of the third son of the ruler - Tiburt.

The history of the town is connected with many years of wars for dominance over it; the Latins, Siculi, and Etruscans lived in it, and the rich Romans chose it as a comfortable resort.

Closer to the 12th century, the Pope became the ruler of Tivoli, but in the 15th century. power passed from the Italians to the Austrians. However, over time, the Italian people regained this picturesque place, famous for the originality of cultural and architectural objects and the richness of the natural world.

Sights of the city of Tivoli

Villa d'Este

In the city of Tivoli (Italy) you can explore the sights, many of which are recognized by UNESCO as sites cultural heritage. The cultural “face” of the town is, of course, the Tivoli Villas. The most original of them, according to many connoisseurs, is Villa d’Este.

Villa d'Este resembles Petrodvorets and Palace of Versailles

Entrance here will cost you only 8 euros. Built on the site of a Benedictine monastery, the villa's architecture is reminiscent of Petrodvorets and the Palace of Versailles. The magnificent building, towering in the shadow of a luxurious green park, was owned by the governor of Tivoli in the 16th century, Cardinal Ippolito d'Este.

The construction of the villa was entrusted to the famous architect Pirro Ligorio, decorated majestic castle Livio Agresti, Federico Zuccarro and Girolamo Muziano.

During the tour, you will be amazed first of all by the park itself, with mysterious alleys, fountains of bizarre shapes and majestic statues, the main one of which is the statue of Hercules, a kind of symbol of the d’Este family.

You can admire Villa d’Este by watching the video:

When visiting a country as rich in attractions as Italy, you should definitely see the fountains for which this country is famous, and the most beautiful of them are located in Tivoli, at Villa d’Este. Thus, the Road of a Hundred Fountains, leading from the villa to the Neptune Fountain, will undoubtedly amaze your imagination. In total, this villa has about five hundred fountains.

Villa Adriana

Also, of course, Adriana's Villa in Tivoli is a must-see. This villa is the residence of Emperor Hadrian.

Located 6 km from Tivoli, the former imperial palace was built around 120-130 AD.

Unfortunately, only ruins have survived to this day, but they nevertheless convey the beauty and grandeur of the structure.

Villa Adriana was built around 120-130 AD

Nearby is the infamous Canoe Pond, which holds the sad secret of the death of the emperor’s supposed lover, the beautiful young man Antinous.

You can see the beauty of the villa starting at 9 am; in winter it closes at 5 pm; in summer, viewing hours are extended until 7:30 pm inclusive. A comfortable bus will take you from Tivoli directly to the villa; the journey length will be approximately 5 kilometers. If you come from Rome, you need to get off at Piazza Garibaldi and cross the road, since the bus to the villa will be waiting for you there.

Villa Gregoriana

Created in the 19th century at the insistence and with the participation of Pope Gregory XVI, Villa Gregoriana in Tivoli is a beautiful and original romantic park with many water features: flowing waterfalls, one of which is 120 meters high, mysterious grottoes, and finally tunnels designed the plan of Pope Gregory to protect Tivoli from regular floods.

As a result of the construction of tunnels, the flow of the Aniene River has been changed.

Villa Gregoriana is famous for its flowing waterfalls and is simply surrounded by greenery

The Temple of Vesta, restored at the insistence of judge Lucio Gellio in the 1st century BC, will make an unforgettable impression on you. Made in the Corinthian style, the temple has many columns and a very low dome, which gives the architectural monument a distinctive look.

The Temple of Vesta makes an unforgettable impression

When visiting, be sure to check out the Miollis Gallery - an artificial rock tunnel created by the former governor of Rome, General Miollis.

Pia Fortress

In addition to the medieval villas, Tivoli is also worth visiting the Pia fortress, built in the Middle Ages to defend the city. Currently, a variety of cultural and entertainment events are held there.

The Pia fortress was built to defend the city

In addition to the attractions listed above, Tivoli has the most beautiful architectural monuments - basilicas, churches and cathedrals.
Their interior decoration is striking in its variety and skill. On the walls of the temples you can see both mosaic compositions with scenes from biblical legends and frescoes by ancient masters.

Often the peace of churches and cathedrals is protected by majestic statues and bas-reliefs. Thus, in the Church of St. Anna you will see the most skillful compositions of frescoes by masters of the 5th-8th centuries, and the cathedral church is decorated with works by Manenti, Reni and Lucatelli.

After long and exciting excursions, the most natural feeling will be the feeling of hunger. In this case, visit local restaurant Sibyl! The restaurant building was built in ancient times and is also one of the attractions of Tivoli.

The atmosphere of antiquity reigns in the Sibyl restaurant

The walls of the restaurant have witnessed the meals of many celebrities different years centuries, such as Nikolai Romanov, Kirill Bryullov, Heinrich Goethe and others.

Thermal springs

Also, Tivoli, famous for its lush nature and mild climate, has won the love of tourists all over the world because of its thermal springs with healing waters.

One of the most popular among visitors is the Aque Albule health center, where, in addition to springs, you will be offered a variety of cosmetic and spa treatments, massages, swimming pools, and saunas.

The thermal complex Aque Albul provides a full range of spa treatments

However, this pleasure is not cheap; a one-day pass to the spa center will cost 15-17 euros, and a set of beauty treatments will lighten your wallet by about 50 euros. By car you can get here along the A24 highway from Rome, and a blue COTRAL bus will also take you here from Rome.

Trade in Tivoli

Having seen enough of the ancient masterpieces of architecture and improved your health at the thermal springs, you will probably want to change your stop and go shopping.

Unlike the glamorous shops of Rome, the shops in Tivoli are not coveted by shopaholics.

There are small grocery stores and casual clothing stores here. The main trade in Tivoli flourishes on Wednesdays at the local flea market. The market consists of many stalls and is located in the very center of the city, Piazzale Giuseppe Impastato. The sellers here are mainly indigenous people of Bangladesh. In this market you can buy copies of famous world brands for next to nothing - Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors.

At the Tivoli market you can buy copies of famous brands very cheaply

When purchasing in bulk, you will receive a discount. On average, on the market you will pay 5-6 euros for one thing. For 30 euros you can buy downright luxurious trousers or a jacket. You can also buy a lot of original jewelry, accessories, and simply cute and original things on the market.

How to get from Rome to Tivoli?

If you decide to get from Rome to Tivoli on your own, you must first take the metro line B and go to Ponte Mammolo station - the last one before final stop. In Rome there is a Tiburtino bus station, from where you can take the COTRAL blue commuter bus to Tivoli.

Buses run every half hour and the ticket costs two euros.

It is more reliable to travel by electric train from Rome from Roma Tiburtino station. However, it will not be a mistake to travel by train from the main station of Rome - Roma Termini. There are many terminals for purchasing tickets at the station. When purchasing, select your destination - Arrival station: Tivoli. A ticket will cost you approximately 2.60 – 3 euros.

You need to get off at Tivoli station, and after literally a five-minute journey, you will find yourself in Centra Citta - the city center. The main thing is not to confuse the stations.

The fact is that along the route of the train there is also the Tivoli Baths station, which for a Russian tourist can serve as a deceptive temptation to stop in the wrong place.

Tivoli Hotels

There are at least 60 hotels in Tivoli of various price categories: you can check into both an inexpensive hotel and a premium hotel. Room prices vary depending on comfort (and therefore number of stars) as well as proximity to attractions.
Here are just a few four-star Tivoli hotels:


While in Italy as a tourist or on a business visit, be sure to visit the town of Tivoli with its cultural diversity and unique natural beauty.

Having examined the majestic medieval villas, enjoying the unique aesthetics of fountains and waterfalls, and getting healthier with the waters of healing springs, you will get a lot unforgettable impressions, the memories of which will delight you for a long time.

The picturesque ancient town of Tivoli, located 24 kilometers from Rome in the province, is incredibly attractive for those interested in history and architecture. Architectural sights of Tivoli in Italy: fabulously beautiful villas with luxurious gardens and waterfalls. Tourists coming to Rome often prefer more “promoted” attractions to visiting Tivoli. Italian capital. And only true connoisseurs know that this city is definitely worth visiting.

History of Tivoli

The ancient city of Tibur (present-day Tivoli) was founded in the 13th century BC, several centuries earlier than Rome. According to legend, its founders were Catillus and Coras, the sons of the Argive king Amphiaraus, who named the city in honor of their third brother Tiburt. Tibur was once very powerful, especially during the reign of the Latins - for some time he even successfully competed with.

The city of Tivoli is several centuries older than Rome

Later, the Romans did conquer Tibur, turning it first into a fairly significant transport hub, and then - during the reign of Emperor Augustus - into favorite place recreation for wealthy citizens. In the vicinity of Tibur, magnificent villas were built in which Augustus himself lived, as well as Horace, Maecenas, Propertius and other famous historical figures.

During World War II architectural park Tivoli in Italy was subjected to numerous bombings, which destroyed many buildings, some of which were never restored.

    The main attractions of Tivoli:
  • incredibly beautiful villas included in the list World Heritage, protected by UNESCO,
  • Pius fortress,
  • ancient cathedrals and churches.

Villa Adriana in Tivoli

About 5 kilometers from historical center there is Villa Adriana, which is much worse preserved than the others. Built in the 2nd century, this villa belonged to Emperor Hadrian, who often vacationed here with his retinue.

The country residence occupied a large area on the river bank, on which, in addition to the main palace, there were theaters, temples, a library, baths, as well as numerous ponds and pools surrounded by a picturesque park.

In the 2nd century the villa belonged to Emperor Hadrian

In the Middle Ages this villa fell into disrepair - local residents used it as a source building materials for their homes. IN XV-XVI centuries Archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory of Hadrian's Villa, which discovered many sculptures, mosaics, and reliefs, which are now kept in museums and private collections.

It was here that the famous Discobolus was found, as well as the Capitoline Antinous and Diana of Versailles. At the end of the 19th century, the state took the villa under its wing - the Main Square, the Emperor's Hall, the Maritime and Greek Theaters were partially restored, temple complex, library.

Villa Gregoriana

Villa Gregoriana is a landscaped park famous for its man-made grottoes, waterfalls, tunnels and other hydraulic structures. All this splendor was created in the 19th century under the leadership of Pope Gregory XVI, who decided to protect the city from devastating floods by building tunnels that divided the Aniene River into two branches leading to the outskirts of Tivoli.

Villa Gregoriana is a landscaped park with grottoes, waterfalls and tunnels

As a result of architectural and construction work carried out according to the design of Clemente Folchi, cascading waterfalls, streams, and ponds appeared on the territory of the villa, and the once wild gorge turned into a favorite vacation spot for the Romans. The most popular attractions of this villa are the famous 120-meter waterfall, the grottoes of Neptune and the Sirens, as well as the Miollis Gallery - a tunnel cut into the rocks on the orders of the French general, who was the governor of Rome during the Napoleonic Wars.

Today, for the convenience of visitors, the territory of the villa, named after Pope Gregory, is paved excursion routes, equipped observation decks. Excursion to Villa Gregoriana in Tivoli considered one of the most interesting in the Lazio metropolitan region.

Villa d'Este

The third and, perhaps, the most impressive villa of the Tivoli architectural park is Villa d’Este, located on the site of a former Benedictine monastery. Luxurious palace complex, surrounded by a magnificent landscaped park, belonged to Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, appointed governor of Tivoli in Italy in 1550.

There are about 500 fountains in the park of Villa d'Este

The construction of the governor's residence was entrusted to the architect Pirro Ligorio and the engineer Alberto Galvani, with finishing work carried out by Livio Agresti, Federico Zuccarro and Girolamo Muziano. It is curious that some of the building materials used in the construction were taken from Hadrian's Villa.

The main building of the villa looks quite laconic, but this severity is fully compensated by the luxurious interior interiors. The greatest impression is made not by the governor's palace, but by the park of extraordinary beauty with majestic staircases, decorated with antique statues, picturesque alleys and magnificent fountains. All the fountains, and there are about 500 of them, are completely different - the Ovato fountain is crowned with a statue of the Sibyl, the Draghi fountain is crowned with dragons, the Bichierone fountain is made in the shape of a shell, and the Organa is in the form of a huge organ, which once produced wonderful musical melodies created by water streams passing through pipes.

The Organ Fountain, at one time, produced wonderful musical melodies

It is worth noting that Villa d'Este served as a prototype for the construction of Versailles in Paris. And Russian Emperor Peter I was so impressed by his visit to the villa that after his visit here he conceived the idea of ​​building Peterhof.

Papal Fortress at Tivoli

The Papal Fortress, also known as the Pius Fortress, is special Tivoli landmark, located 600 meters from Communal Square - the central square of the city. The defensive structure was built in 1461 in honor of the city's transition to papal rule. The construction of the fortress was led by Pope Pius II, followed by subsequent expansion by Sixtus IV and Julius II. From the end of the 19th century until 1960, the fortress was used as a prison. After this, the building was transferred to the city authorities, who organized a large-scale reconstruction.

The Piya fortress is a powerful square-shaped structure, the corners of which are fortified with round towers of varying heights. People often spend time here various exhibitions and other cultural events.

Religious sites

There are many churches and basilicas in Tivoli that deserve attention. Many of them contain unique works of art - ancient frescoes, icons and sculptures of historical and artistic value.

The Piya fortress was built in 1461

IN Cathedral, located on Cathedral Square, you can see the works of Vincenzo Manenti, Petro Lucatelli, Guido Reni, in the Church of St. Anne - frescoes of the 15th-18th centuries, in the Church of St. Vincent - frescoes of the 14th century depicting Christ Pantocrator and Saint Symphorosa. No less interesting are the Temple of the Sibyl and the Temple of Vesta, which are located on the territory of the ancient acropolis of Tivoli.

How to get to Tivoli

Getting to Tivoli from Rome You can take a bus or train. Buses to Tivoli leave every 20 minutes from Ponte Mammolo station, which in turn can be reached by metro. Bus tickets are sold at the nearest pizzeria, as well as at newspaper and tobacco kiosks.

There are usually a lot of passengers traveling in this direction, so take a seat good places It’s not easy on the bus – you’ll have to hurry up and, in some cases, use your elbows to get there. The journey takes from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the day of the week and time of day - on weekdays there are often traffic jams on the Via Tiburtina highway, delaying traffic.

Trains to Tivoli depart from Tiburtino station

Traveling by train is much more reliable and comfortable - there are no traffic jams. railway does not happen, so the schedule, with rare exceptions, is respected. Trains to Tivoli depart from Tiburtino station (you can reach it by metro from).

Excursions to Tivoli in Russian

You can go on an excursion to Tivoli without elbow exercises. public transport. Committed here day trips in Russian, and this is perhaps one of the best tours for those who want to get out of Rome somewhere into the outback, see something interesting and at the same time avoid tedious travel. It’s not for nothing that BlogoItaliano included it in the impromptu .

To get to Tivoli on an excursion, you should contact Lela, a guide to Rome, to whom we dedicated. To do this, you can write her a message by e-mail. or via the feedback form below.

Like other most popular excursions in Rome, it is best to plan your trip in advance. Excursions to Tivoli are individual, and therefore during the season many dates may be booked in advance. However, even if there is nothing left before your trip, we recommend that you still check with Lela about the possibility of conducting an excursion. Who knows, maybe you will be lucky and one of the next dates will be free.

First we need to buy tickets. The easiest way to do this yourself is at self-service machines (Self Service)

To purchase tickets yourself, you must understand at least one of five languages: Italian, English, German, French or Spanish.

We will look at an example in English, but even if you do not know any of the above languages, do not be discouraged - everything is intuitive. So, let's start entering the destination (Arrival station): Tivoli.

We see options from 2.60 to 30 euros. There is no difference in time - the journey will take a little over an hour, so we settle on the option for 2.60.

We chose the option to depart in 10 minutes.

To do this, you need to take a regional train to Roma Tiburtina according to the schedule. And from there you can take a direct train to Tivoli in 50 minutes.

We select the number of tickets, in our case there were three. Continue by pressing the button NEXT (FORWARD>)

We were offered to buy a return ticket, but we planned to return by bus. Looking ahead, I’ll say that the bus is, of course, an option, but you can get stuck in traffic jams, and I didn’t really like it. The train ticket is valid for 2 months, so if for some reason you don’t make it in time, don’t worry, you have time. As they say, this is Italy. If desired, select a return ticket and click PAYMENT (PURCHASE)

We chose the cash option. We put the coins here.

We are waiting for the ticket to be printed.

Voila, we have a ticket.

Let's go to Tivoli

But neither I, a fairly experienced traveler, nor my friend Max, who lived in Rome for 4 years, was able to quickly find the departure platform. This is Rome and there's nothing you can do about it. But don’t despair, let’s jump in. A standard city ticket for the metro costs 1.5 euros.

Be careful because not all trains go to the desired station Tiburtina Fs, but only those in the direction of Rebibbia.

The journey from Termini to Tiburtina takes about 15 minutes.

At the exit from the metro, turn left towards the platforms (Binari). If you have not yet purchased a ticket, below are instructions for purchasing a ticket at the Tiburtina station, since there are differences.

Trains to Tivoli depart from platforms 1 and 2.

In Italy, it’s a good idea to double-check everything. On the scoreboard, for example, there is no “Tivoli” inscription.

We look at the schedule on the wall. It turns out that the train to Pescara is approaching us at 10.33, which passes through Tivoli.

An important point - do not forget to validate your ticket in this machine. If for some reason you did not have time or were unable to do this, you can write the departure station, date and time on the ticket with a pen. This option will suit the inspector, and the ticket will definitely be checked.

Expect that it will take about 5-7 minutes to walk from the metro to the platform.

Congratulations, you have successfully reached the train.

Buying tickets to Tivoli at Roma Tiburtina station

Let's assume that you find yourself at Tiburtina station and you need to buy a ticket to Tivoli. This is even easier to do than at a self-service machine, but the process is still different. Firstly, you can go to the ticket office and try to explain what ticket you need. For the most part, Italians are very friendly, and the language barrier is not a hindrance here. The main thing is don't be shy.

Find a hotel near Tiburtina metro station

The process of independently purchasing tickets at Tiburtina station is carried out in such machines.
Train timetable for line FL2: Roma Tiburtina - Tivoli

Choose one of five languages.

Quick select is available for 2nd class tickets.

The appearance of the ticket differs in size from those purchased at Termini. After composting, you should see a hole in the machine and the postage date printed.

Just in case, we check the schedule on the wall. The best option For us the departure time was 12.38 from the first platform.

The road to Tivoli: photographs from the train window

This is the weather in Italy in mid-October.

So, you’ve explored Rome far and wide, but it’s still too early to return home. There are several options: go shopping, which will probably spend almost all the remaining money, count all the bricks in the Colosseum, or go to one of the most original Italian towns - Tivoli.

Tivoli is located near Rome, on the Anio River in the province of Lazio. Friendly small population (66,000 people), delicious food Italian Cuisine in small family restaurants, ancient architecture and extraordinary beauty picturesque nature with healing springs - Tivoli welcomes its tourists with open arms.

How to get there

You can get there from Rome by bus or train. The distance of 24 kilometers is covered very quickly. If you want to travel by train, you need to go to one of the railway stations - Termini or Starizone Tiburtina. Those wishing to travel by bus will have to go to the Tiburtina bus station, it is located near the Starizone Tiburtina railway station - try not to get confused!

Along the way, one tricky moment awaits you - the Tivoli Baths station. Don’t give in to provocation and get off at the Tivoli station, without the “Bathhouse” (yes, yes, I understand, it’s quite difficult for a Russian tourist, even in Italy, to refuse a bathhouse, but try). Then ask the locals where the city center is (in Italian it sounds like Centro Città) and head to given direction. Seven minutes walk - and voila! - you are in the center.

For those arriving in Tivoli from Rome, there is no point in renting a hotel room: after wandering around the city for a day, in the evening you can return to the Italian penates that have become your home.

Search for flights to Rome (closest airport to Tivoli)

History paragraph

The city was originally called Tibur and was founded in the 13th century. It was located at the intersection of all roads in Italy to the east from Rome. Whose possessions did the long-suffering Tibur not belong to? It was dominated by ancient peoples: the Siculi, Pelasgians, Etruscans and Latins. Eventually, it became a resort town for wealthy residents of Rome, and its name was transformed to Tiburi and then to Tivoli. Later, the city passed from hand to hand: from the Byzantines to the Goths, from the Goths to the Pope. From the 12th to the 15th centuries the city was even considered relatively independent. In the 17th century, Tivoli was briefly in the possession of Austria. Finally, he joined Italy, where he now lives happily.

Popular hotels in Tivoli

Tivoli Villas

Villa d'Este

This villa is a prototype of Versailles and Petrodvorets, so don’t be surprised if it subtly reminds you of something. D'Este was erected by Cardinal Hippolyte d'Este in the 16th century.

The cardinal was a distinguished connoisseur of antiquities. As a true intellectual and a man of honor, he replenished his collection by borrowing poorly-laid items. On this moment the entire D’Este collection seemed to have vanished, and there was practically nothing left in the villa. However, it already has something to surprise: curly bushes, magnificent fountains, skillful statues and the architecture of the villa itself will easily make even an experienced tourist open his mouth in amazement.

Villa Adriana

This architectural structure is located 6 kilometers from Tivoli (Via di Villa Adriana). You can get there by bus (“bus a Adrian”). The villa was the personal estate of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and was built between 118 and 134 AD. ad. Now, unfortunately, only ruins remain of the former luxury of the villa, but once it was a rich building, which housed a large collection of works from the ancient era.

The Canopus pond, surrounded by graceful statues of all kinds, attracts attention. It was in it that Adrian's lover Antinous, who was considered the main handsome man of the empire, once drowned.

Opening hours: November-January: Mon-Sun 9:00-17:00; February: Mon-Sun 9:00-18:00; March, October: Mon-Sun 9:00-18:30; April, September: Mon-Sun 9:00-19:00; May-August: Mon-Sun 9:00-19:30, ticket office closes an hour and a half earlier. A tour of Adriana's Villa will take at least 3 hours, the ticket costs 10 EUR. Audio guide on English language(5 EUR) will make the walk more meaningful.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Villa Gregoriana

Villa Gregoriana, or Gregorian Villa (as you prefer) is located at the other end of Tivoli. When heading to Gregoriana, prepare for the most spectacular sight of your life. On the territory of the villa you will be greeted by giant grottoes, hundred-meter waterfalls, ancient temples, dark caves and mountain paths. However, there is no point in talking about this, you need to see it.

Old town Tivoli

Besides the villas, Tivoli has several other must-see attractions.

Fortress of Rocca Pia

A majestic and monolithic structure, which, perhaps, with its very appearance transports tourists to the Middle Ages. Built in 1461, the fortress managed to be both a prison and even a museum.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

The temple is located next to Villa D'Este. The church was built at the behest of Pope Simplicius in the 12th century. The altar of the temple by Galvani, the massive Gothic doors by Angelo da Tivoli and the chapel are worthy of mention.

Church of St. Sylvester

Built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. Inside, tourists are greeted by beautiful frescoes from the 12th century, apses depicting the legend of Constantine and Saint Sylvester, and a triumphal arch.

Cathedral of Saint Lorenzo

One of the oldest buildings in Tivoli, built in the fifth century. True, in 1635 it was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style. Inside you can see a triptych of the Savior, created in the 12th century.

Restaurant "Sibyl"

A unique place with almost 400 years of history. At one time, members of the Romanov family, Goethe, Gogol, Bryullov, King of Prussia Frederick William III, Prince Jerome Napoleon and many others dined here. The restaurant is notable for its 18th-century interior and delicious local cuisine.

The ancient picturesque town of Tivoli is very attractive for true connoisseurs of history and architecture. In addition to its natural beauty, Tivoli is famous for its ancient fortresses and religious temples, but the main decoration of the city, rightfully, are the luxurious villas, now protected by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage Site.

History of the creation of Tivoli

Tivoli (first name Tibur) has a very rich history, since it was founded much earlier than Rome - in the 13th century BC. According to legends, the city is named after Tiburt, the son of the Argive king Amphiaraus.

Considering that Tibur was located at the successful intersection of all roads leading from Rome to the east, it became a tasty land for many peoples - Pelasgians, Etruscans and Latins.

During the reign of the Latins, Tibur became quite strong and even successfully competed with Rome, but after the conquest of Tibur by the Romans, it lost its former power and turned into an important transport hub. Subsequently Tivoli was used for recreation by the Roman nobility, who often built her villas here, which we can still admire today.

But the desire to own an important transport hub continued for quite a long time. For some time, Tivoli was under the rule of the Byzantines, the Visigoths, the Pope and even the Austrian rulers.

Unfortunately, during the Second World War the city was subjected to severe bombing, as a result of which many historical buildings were destroyed.

Painting by Gustaphae Palma “Cascades of Tivoli”, 1844

Tivoli Villas

The city has 3 main villas, which brought considerable fame to the city: Andriana, Gregoriana and d'Este.

Villa Andriana

Villa Andriana bears the name of the famous ancient Roman emperor, who loved to relax here. This villa is the oldest of the three, so it is the worst preserved, besides, it is located further from the center than the others, but if you want to see ancient buildings and green fragrant parks, then this is the place for you.

Ruins of Hadrian's Villa. In addition to these remains, the villa has an excellent park and a swimming pool with sculptures

Villa Gregoriana

Villa Gregoriana is a landscaped park with man-made cascading waterfalls, grottoes, streams and tunnels. Due to the abundance of greenery, water and indescribable landscapes, Villa Gregoriana has rightfully become famous among tourists.

Villa Gregoriana waterfall

Villa d'Este

Another villa, no less stunning, is Villa d’Este. This villa is the most famous in the town, Moreover, with an abundance of fountains and a well-thought-out park area, Villa d’Este is even better than other villas, although others are no less interesting. D’Este is also famous for becoming the prototype of the French Versailles and influencing the construction of the Russian Peterhof. [More about Villa d'Este ]

Villa d'Este

Attractions Tivoli

In addition to the fabulously beautiful villas, in Tivoli you can see other historical attractions. The Piya Fortress deserves the attention of tourists - a medieval defensive structure, where various cultural events are held today.

Tivoli is also interesting for its basilicas, cathedrals and churches. The temples of Tivoli preserve unique creations - sculptures, icons and frescoes that amaze with the skill of their creations. In the cathedral church you can admire the masterpieces of Lucatelli, Manenti, Reni, and in the church of St. Anne - frescoes of the 15th-18th centuries. The ancient sanctuaries are also interesting - the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of the Sibyl.

After a walk around the city, you can refresh yourself at the ancient restaurant “Sibyl”, which is a unique landmark of the city.

At one time, the restaurant was visited by Goethe, Bryullov, Gogol, members of the Romanov family and other famous personalities.

Restaurant Sibyl (pink) and the temple of the same name

The excursion program can be combined with health treatments, because Tivoli is famous for its healing thermal springs: mineral water This city is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.

Video about Tivoli

How to get there

The city is located 24 km from the capital of Italy. You can get to Tivoli from Rome by choosing a bus, train or excursion to Tivoli with transfer.

By bus

Bus tickets are usually purchased at newsagents and tobacconists, although they can also be purchased at local pizzerias and cafes. Buses run every 20 minutes, although, as a rule, the buses are always quite full. Travel time takes from half an hour to an hour and a half (traffic is delayed due to traffic jams).

By train

Electric trains depart from Rome's Tiburtina and Termini stations every 40-50 minutes. If you choose an electric train, the travel process will be more enjoyable.