Half Day Rome – Tivoli (3 hours)

Tivoli, the ancient Latin city with the name Tibur, called Tibur Superbum by Virgilio, is well-known by all and is famous for being more ancient than Rome.

It is located about 25km from the roman capital, and once you arrive here you can’t miss the Bagni di Tivoli, thermal springs with Acque Albule, a type of sulphurous, hypothermal water. They keep the name that was given back in the days because of their whitish colour (from the Latin adjective albula which means whitish colour), due to the gas emulsion that is created on the top that frees carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide that where before found in the water, when the pressure decreases. 3000 litres of water per second reach the hot springs from the two lakes, Regina and Colonnella, located north of via Tiburtina. The mineral water maintains the temperature of 23°C all year long. The chemical analysis that confirmed the therapeutic powers of the Acque Albule date back to the 19^th century. Today we know that Sulphur is a strong, natural antibacterial that has important anti-inflammatory effects.

Villa Adriana

After having relaxed in the precious thermal baths, you will definitely enjoy a tour of Villa Adriana, the largest villa that once belonged to a roman emperor, Hadrian, that testifies the extraordinary ability reached in roman architecture. In 2014 it was the 26^th most visited state-area in Italy, with 232,147 visitors. Villa Adriana is a masterpiece that brings together the highest expressions of the material cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world. The study of the monuments that are found in Villa Adriana has had a fundamental role in the discovery of elements of classical architecture from the architects of the Renaissance and Baroque.

Another area that testifies the great architectural work is the Old Town of Tivoli, a real fortune of monuments, streets, piazze (squares) and places of interest that you can’t miss. The public and private life of the city used to take place in the piazze, where it was possible to create every kind of bond with others. Nowadays there are over ten piazze in Tivoli, among which we recall: Piazza del Comune, Piazza Campitelli and Piazza Duomo. There are also many historical streets such as: Via Campitelli, Via del Colle, Via Maggiore and Via del Tempio d’Ercole.

Villa d’Este

You will also be amazed by the beautiful Villa d’Este, masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. It was built under the will of cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, governor of Tivoli since 1550. The cardinal, disappointed for not being elected pontiff, decided to use this villa to relive the splendour of the courts of Ferrara, Rome and France and, most importantly, to equal the beauty of Villa Adriana. Villa d’Este will capture you for its beauty, for the many fountains, water lilies, caverns, water games and hydraulic music.

Both Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este are included in the UNESCO world heritage list.