Top sights in Tivoli

Tivoli Editor's Choice

Located on the outskirts of Rome, Tivoli showcases two millennia of architectural evolution. This selection features the sprawling 2nd-century ruins of Hadrian’s Villa, a massive imperial retreat, and the 16th-century Villa d’Este, renowned for its Mannerist gardens and hydraulic fountains. Highlights include the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, one of the largest Roman religious complexes, and various specialized fountains like the Organ and Neptune fountains, illustrating the town's historic mastery of water and engineering.

Tivoli Editor's Choice — Map

Lalupa / Public domain

A

Villa d'Este

Historic Renaissance villa known for its extensive gardens and elaborate fountains, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

B

Hadrian's Villa

Ancient Roman archaeological site featuring extensive ruins, sculptures, and pools from Emperor Hadrian's imperial retreat. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lalupa / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Santuario di Ercole Vincitore

Large Roman religious complex from the 1st century BC. Built on terraces overlooking the Aniene River, it originally featured a temple, a theater, and a large plaza used for trade and religious ceremonies.

The British Library / CC0

D

Tempio della Tosse

Circular Roman structure from the 4th century, later converted into a Christian church in the 10th century. It features a well-preserved dome with a central oculus similar to the Pantheon.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

E

Fontana dell'Organo

A 16th-century water organ within Villa d'Este. It utilizes a sophisticated hydraulic system to generate musical sounds by forcing air into organ pipes using falling water.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

F

Fontana dell'Ovato

Renaissance fountain at Villa d'Este featuring a semi-circular basin and a water curtain. It is adorned with statues representing the local landscape and the Tiburtine Sibyl.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

G

Fontana del Nettuno

The most prominent fountain in Villa d'Este, redesigned in 1927. It features high-reaching water jets and reflects the architectural symmetry of the upper terraces.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

H

Fontana dei Draghi

Built in 1572 in honor of Pope Gregory XIII, this fountain features four central water-spitting dragons. It serves as a key focal point of the Villa d'Este gardens.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

I

Teatro

Ancient Roman theater located within the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor. It was used for performances and religious gatherings during the late Republican era.

Jherson R. García / CC-BY-SA

J

Pecile

A large, 232-meter-long rectangular pool at Hadrian's Villa. Inspired by the Stoa Poikile in Athens, it was originally surrounded by a high wall and a covered portico.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

K

Arco di Pomodoro

A contemporary bronze sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro. Located near the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, it features the artist's signature fractured geometric surfaces.

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