While there is absolutely no shortage of things to see or do in Rome – in fact, there are lifetimes worth of activities to keep even immortal beings amused – there are reasons to venture further afield if you have found a vacation rental in Rome. Head to Tivoli, for example, and you will discover the truly extraordinary Villa Gregoriana. In fact, it is the least well-known of Tivoli's three ancient villas (all worth visiting) but it is, perhaps, the most scenic and beautiful of all despite this.
This natural park complex is made up of wooded parks, paths, waterfalls, grottoes and plant-life, all set at the base of an ancient acropolis, was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the 1830s. It went on to attract both local nobles and artists from near and far, as well as becoming an important pitstop for international members of the nobility and gentry who were undergoing their Grand Tour (a practice of travelling all over Europe to take in major historic sites at the end of one's schooling) in the 19th century.
This natural park complex is made up of wooded parks, paths, waterfalls, grottoes and plant-life, all set at the base of an ancient acropolis, was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the 1830s. It went on to attract both local nobles and artists from near and far, as well as becoming an important pitstop for international members of the nobility and gentry who were undergoing their Grand Tour (a practice of travelling all over Europe to take in major historic sites at the end of one's schooling) in the 19th century.
Protected today by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (the Italian Environmental Fund), it is a magical and beautiful place where the man-made and natural merge into a fantastical landscape of pastures, woods, waterfalls, rivers, flowers, and vines scaling archaeological remains and old buildings, the main structure being the remains of the ancient villa of Publius Manlius Vopisco.
Highlights on the grounds include the Great Waterfall, the Grotto of Neptune, the Grotto of the Sirens, the river-eroded caves under the area of the Temple of Vesta, and the Gregorian Bridge, which was also commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI and is what now connects the park to the historic centre of Tivoli. It is from the bridge that one is afforded the most wonderful sweeping view over the whole park, Aniene valley, and the ancient acropolis.
So, if you find yourself in this part of the world, and Italy, in particular, be sure to come wander this extraordinary place...
Villa Gregoriana
Largo Sant'Angelo - 00019 Tivoli
+39 0774 332650
faigregoriana@fondoambiente.it
Tickets:
Adults - 6
Children - 3
FAI members – free
Families - 15
Opening hours:
March, November and December: Tue-Sun, 10 am to 4 pm
April-October: Tue-Sun, 10 am to 6.30 pm
Highlights on the grounds include the Great Waterfall, the Grotto of Neptune, the Grotto of the Sirens, the river-eroded caves under the area of the Temple of Vesta, and the Gregorian Bridge, which was also commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI and is what now connects the park to the historic centre of Tivoli. It is from the bridge that one is afforded the most wonderful sweeping view over the whole park, Aniene valley, and the ancient acropolis.
So, if you find yourself in this part of the world, and Italy, in particular, be sure to come wander this extraordinary place...
Villa Gregoriana
Largo Sant'Angelo - 00019 Tivoli
+39 0774 332650
faigregoriana@fondoambiente.it
Tickets:
Adults - 6
Children - 3
FAI members – free
Families - 15
Opening hours:
March, November and December: Tue-Sun, 10 am to 4 pm
April-October: Tue-Sun, 10 am to 6.30 pm
Photo credit: Michael aus Halle / CC BY-SA 3.0
