Villa d’Este is a heavenly slice of the outskirts of Rome. Steeped in delectable serenity, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an unmissable spot for visitors who are looking to make a day trip.
Its iconic gardens and fountains also makes it an extremely photogenic spot! This article covers the history and attractions of Villa d’Este. It also details the logistics on how to visit and spend time there.
What is Villa d’Este famous for?
This former monastery in Tivoli was built into an architectural marvel of the Renaissance period by the Cardinal of the Este family who commissioned it.
The design includes aesthetic masterpieces that make use of hydraulic engineering fed by the nearby Anine River.
Water and lush, green nature interact playfully to create hypnotic visual experiences. Waterfalls, jets, pools and fountains were fashioned to demonstrate factors of Greek and Roman mythology, for example through the Fountain of Neptune.
This residence in Tivoli is so visually stirring that it has been used as a backdrop for romance films, most famously in “Three coins in the fountain” (1954).
Villa d’Este history
Villa d’Este was commissioned in 1550 by Ippolito d’Este, who was the son of Lucrezia Borgia.
He was an influential member of the esteemed Este family, with papal ambitions in the Catholic Church. Instead of becoming pope, he became the governor of Tivoli.
This is when he decided to build the villa, as a reflection of his power, and to showcase his taste for the elegance and intellectuality of the Renaissance.
The villa is architected to show balance, proportion, harmony and nature, which are the pillars of the Renaissance aesthetics.
A lot of renowned architects -like Pirro Ligorio- and hydraulic engineers worked on it.
It was decorated with frescoes and other adornments by many artists, including the Zuccari brothers.
- 16th century: The villa was used by Ippolito as a permanent residence and for cultural gatherings.
- 17th century: It continued to be used by the Este family as a primary residence.
- 18th and 19th century: The villa started to face neglect as it became a secondary residence for the family. The Austrian Habsburg family came into possession of it.
- 20th century: The Italian government acquired the grounds, after which there was a major focus on its restoration and visitation.
- 21st century: Villa d’Este became protected as UNESCO World Heritage site.
Villa d’Este garden and fountains
Here is a concise list of some of the fountains that you must not miss when you visit Villa d’Este:
- The Hundred Fountains/Le Cento Fontane: This long alleyway consists of a wall with basins over which more than one hundred jets are spitting out water. Each jet is adorned with sculptures of masks or animals.
- Oval Fountain/Fontana dell’Ovato: A large basin (pictured at the top of this article) trickles water down to a larger pool like a waterfall. The pool’s edges are dotted with statues of nymphs and other mystical creatures.
- Fountain of the Dragons/Fontana dei Draghi: Four bronze dragon statues are spewing water into the air from their mouths.
- Fountain of Neptune/Fontane di Nettuno: Built more recently in the 20th century, this fountain celebrates the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. Jets of water create mesmerizing displays in the air.
- Fountain of the Organ/Fontana dell’Organo: The most unique fountain of all, it uses a hydraulic organ to create melodious tunes. A water wheel forces air through the organ pipes to delight and charm visitors. The music repeats itself every two hours, starting at 10:30 AM.
The gardens include a lot of other carefully curated elements that bring forth its mystic magic, such as fish ponds, terraces, cypress and pine trees, grottoes and caves, flowerbeds, orchards and hedges that create symmetrical maze-like imagery.
Is Villa d’Este open to the public?
Yes, anyone can visit this stunning location.
The opening times for the villa change seasonally, so it is always good to keep a check on variations. However, this it the most typical schedule followed:
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:45-5:15 PM.
Monday: 2:00-5:15 PM.
The last entrance is half an hour before the closing time.
Villa d’Este welcomes visitors on throughout the year except on the following days:
- Christmas Day: 25th December
- New Year’s Day: 1st January
- National holidays on 25th April, 2nd June and 4th November
There is free admission to all persons on the first Sunday of every month.
The grounds of the residence include the following amenities:
- Veranda Restaurant, as a fine dining option
- A couple of casual dining options
- A visitor information centre
- Restrooms
- A multimedia room
- Two bookshops
- Audio guides and paper maps
- Lift access to the upper terraces
- Guided tours with vehicles to minimize walking (suited to those who have less mobility)
Villa d’Este tickets and prices
The standard ticket price for Villa d’Este is €15, with a reservation fee of €2.
Entrance to Villa d’Este is free for visitors aged 0-17 or who have disabilities. They still have to pay the €2 reservation.
Free entry is applicable for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
You can purchase through the official website, or on-site at the villa. However, tickets may run out and you might have to endure long waiting times.
You can also purchase tickets through a guided tour such as those offered by Walks Inside Rome.
Villa d’Este maps and how to get there
There are several ways to reach Tivoli from Rome.
- By train: The journey from the Tiburtina station to Tivoli is about 30-60 minutes long. Villa d’Este is a short walk from the station.
- By bus: This cheaper (but with its own hassles) takes an hour. There is a bus stop close to the entrance of the villa.
- By car: Traveling by car takes approximately 45 minutes. Finding parking at the estate might be difficult!
- Through a guided tour: This option allows you to enjoy a scenic car drive to Villa d’Este, where you don’t have to worry about missing trains or stops, or not being able to find parking. Guided tours often offer combined packages with other attractions as well.
There are maps available to help you navigate the glorious grounds of Villa d’Este.
- Get an online map from the official website of the residence.
- Pick up a physical copy from the villa’s information centre.
- Guided tours often offer physical maps (and simultaneously take away the need for self-navigation).
- Online mapping services like Mapcarta can also be used for Villa d’Este.
Is Villa d’Este worth a visit?
Villa d’Este is definitely worth a visit! We always advocate for visitors to Rome to take more day trips from the city. This only further colours your travels with the depth and wonder that Italy has to offer in its every crack and crevice.
The stunning gardens, peaceful location, unique fountains, and historical value are well worth the value.
Don’t just take our word for it. Plunge into the ethereality of this ancient residence and feel the effects it has on your curiosity and mental state.
Visit Villa d’Este with Walks Inside Rome
Did you know that Walks Inside Rome offers a day trip to Villa d’Este?
Our guided tour in Tivoli is a combined offer that takes you around Villa d’Este and the nearby Hadrian’s villa. The tour is private and usually lasts for six hours, depending on how long you would like to infuse yourself with what the villas have to offer.
No time or energy has to be spent on navigating your way; your tour guide will take care of all those matters for you, weaving a gorgeous pathway for you to enjoy.
This tour includes transport services, skip-the-line tickets and the possibility of having lunch or dinner in Tivoli.
