Villa D’Este in Tivoli Private Tour from Rome

Villa D’Este was commissioned by Cardinal Ipplito II d’Este, the governor of Tivoli starting in 1550. He was looking to relive the splendours of the courts of Ferrara, Rome and Fointanebleau in this villa. The impressive number of fountains, grottos and plays of water was a model often emulated in European Mannerism and Baroque gardens. The rooms on the palazzo’s noble floor are of particular interest, and were decorated and painted by a large group of artists from the Late Roman Mannerism period. The garden at Villa d’Este is of particular splendour and was designed by artist and architect Pirro Ligorio.  Encompassing terraces, stairways, paths and slopes, the garden recalls of the hanging gardens in Babylon, while the water system, which includes an aqueduct and a tunnel under the city, evokes the skilful engineering knowledge of the Romans. The 100 fountains alongside a pathway (100 metres long) create quite an effect. The Fontana dell’Ovato (Oval Fountain) to the left of the path is the most Baroque fountain at the villa considering the extraordinary effect produced by the rocks, ornamental boulders and water flows. They are to represent the Tiburtine Hills from which the 3 rivers Aniene, Erculaneo and Albuneo descend. Below the Viale delle Cento Fontane path is the spectacular Fontana dei Draghi (Fountain of Dragons), whose central position has made it the heart of the park. According to legend, this fountain was built in a single night in September 1572, to pay homage to Gregory XIII, who was a guest at the villa. The Rotonda dei Cipressi (Cypress Rotunda) is in the lower section of the garden. It’s a large square surrounded by gigantic centuries-old cypress trees. Certainly, the most majestic and spectacular fountain at Villa d’Este is the Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune Fountain), which was originally commissioned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and was restored in the 20th century. Its beauty was the inspiration for several 18th-century fountains. Completing the group of fountains is the Fontana dell’Organo (Fountain of the Organ), which is above the Fontana di Nettuno. This fountain was named after the water mechanism it encompasses, which still generates sounds from an organ that can be heard by visitors.

PRIVATE TOUR MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE

EXTRA PERSON €220,00

Includes:

Not Included:

• 22% vat tax
• Food and beverages
• Gratuities. If you are satisfied with the service, a gratuity is customary