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Villa d'Este

Villa d'Este

Villa d'Este
4.5
8:45 AM - 7:45 PM
Monday
2:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Tuesday
8:45 AM - 7:45 PM
Wednesday
8:45 AM - 7:45 PM
Thursday
8:45 AM - 7:45 PM
Friday
8:45 AM - 7:45 PM
Saturday
8:45 AM - 7:45 PM
Sunday
8:45 AM - 7:45 PM
About
Started by architect and historian, Pirro Liggori in 1549, for Cardinal Ippolito dEste, this famous villa estate is one of the finest examples of Renaissance residence and garden architecture and design.
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  • texas_traveler750
    Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas176 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Gardens are spectacular
    This villa is well preserved, but its the grounds that are the star. The gardens themselves will take approx 45 min to explore, as there are moments of awe around every turn. Its pretty impressive the fountains were all created without pumps. Tivoli is a bit off the beaten path, but if you find yourself hitting this town, this the #1 attraction.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 October 2023
  • Sconne21
    Newbury, United Kingdom51 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    This is a really lovely place. There are quite a few paintings in the house and most are remarkable. There is also some modern 'art' but luckily that was minimal. The gardens are beautiful and tiered, with a number of fountains on every level. You can drink from some of the fountains. It is worthwhile booking tickets in advance because then you skip the queue to get in (I went October 2023, arriving at around 11am). I got the combination ticket online but wish I had only bought the single ticket for there (the Hercule Victore place is quite far and not really worth the walk from d'Este, and Hadrian's Villa was very far away and difficult to get back from, despite my extensive research beforehand and the options I had in place). You can easily spend 3 hours here. It is clear with a few places to sit for a rest or picnic. Eating facilties are limited so I recommend taking your own food. There are toilets but not really enough of them.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 16 October 2023
  • Laura K
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Flashy
    This mostly Renaissance-era garden is pretty flashy, but the most spectacular of its fountains was actually built in the 1920s. It was disappointing that the old one had not been retained and simply repaired after the war. The villa itself had an excellent art exhibit, comparing ancient and contemporary art. Tivoli itself is a great town and has lots of eateries and B&Bs. I recommend seeing Villa Adriana first, spend the night, then Villa D'Este in the morning.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 October 2023
  • Katie W
    Derby, United Kingdom219 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely gardens
    Visited here from our campsite in-between Rome/Ostia and took just over an hour. The town is very busy so can be tricky to find parking but we eventually found a space at the top of the hill. Villa Deste is mot very well signposted and has a very unassuming entrance. We arrived early so no queues and very easy to walk around an enjoy. Some of the fountains were spectacular and even my 13 year old didn't moan walking around. There are no food and drink available so make sure you grab drinks and snacks before you head in!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 October 2023
  • SilverStarfish
    Punta Gorda, Florida2,224 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A MUST SEE if you love gardens!
    This garden is so amazing! I have never seen anything like it and I’m so glad I took my friend’s recommendation to visit. I spent three hours there and could have stayed longer. I took a lot of photos and wished I had taken a guided tour for all the history. I loved the views from all levels, everywhere you looked it was just spectacular. My favorites were the 1,000 fountains with the animal masks & Pegasus. The garden is very large so were comfortable shoes and take a water bottle. I couldn’t believe all the levels of the garden and the statues and architecture were amazing. A true MUST SEE!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 November 2023
  • molly75
    1,414 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect break away from Rome
    I visited this place on a Monday when it is only open 2-5pm. But it was a perfect time to visit because there was hardly anyone there. Unfortunately the water fountains were not working when we visited, due to maintenance. But we were given a discount on our ticket price and we still enjoyed our visit. The house is very old and has lovely views across the countryside. The garden is so romantic, peaceful and serene. We travelled there by train from Rome, which cost around 5 euro return. There aren’t that many direct trains though, so you need to time it right. Tivoli itself, is a quaint little place with shops and a few restaurants. It’s definitely worth a visit.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 10 November 2023
  • SuzanneLG
    Gresham, Oregon882 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breath Taking!
    Our second time here, and would travel half way around the world to see it again and stay n Tivoli! This 16 century villa has the most amazing murals and they are Almost In every room and celling . Then as you walk our of the Villa, you will be astonished at the large grounds that are right n front of you. A view of the countryside and the amazing fountains and pools before your eyes. Tivoli is just 45 minutes by train from Rome and WAY less crowded! So if you plan on going to Rome, take a day trip or spend a night or two n Tivoli and see Villa d’ Este !!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 November 2023
  • Gratefultravels5
    Australia264 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful, you will enjoy
    Amazing to see- beautiful villa, terraces, views, sculptures, fountains, and gardens. The fountains were amazing to see, many are not working but you can imagine they would have been magnificent. If they could be restored it would be incredible. Allow 2-3 hours. We bought the tickets on site and just walked in. Lots of stony paths so wear grippy shoes, especially if wet. We stayed 2 nights in Tivoli and walked everywhere. If you like art and gardens I’d highly recommend it!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 December 2023
  • angeleyes27
    Brigantine, New Jersey5,338 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful gardens. Not easy on your own though.
    We did this on our own without a tour. Not that easy. We took the metro from Rome to Tirburtina station and then a bus for about an hour each way. It drops you off at the bus station and then you have to walk about 3/4 mile to the Villa through a maze of streets which takes about 20 minutes or so. There are a couple signs but not enough to say it is easy. We had to use map quest to find it. The villa itself has beautiful gardens with fountains. The chapel has very nice paintings. I am glad we went and thought it was very worthwhile. We missed a lot of it though as we didn't realize that there was an upstairs. It took us so long to get here by bus that we had to rush through the villa. The gardens and villa are beautiful.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 December 2023
  • Go Coastal
    Stamford, Connecticut16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A delightful blend of Renaissance architecture, natural beauty, and landscape design
    In the center of historic Tivoli, the enchanting Villa d'Este is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and landscaping. This UNESCO-listed site boasts stunning terraced gardens adorned with fountains, waterfalls, and ornate pools. The Villa's famed Water Organ, powered by the force of falling water, adds a musical element to the serene surroundings. Tivoli Gardens, established in the 16th century, is a delightful blend of natural beauty and landscape design. Fountains, ponds, and water features are strategically placed throughout the park, providing a refreshing atmosphere for visitors. Immerse yourself in the harmony of nature and art as you stroll through the lush gardens, guided by the soothing sounds of flowing water.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 December 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles6,830 reviews
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Roddek
Melbourne, Australia608 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2019
It was a 30-minute ride from the centre of Rome, but once we arrived at the gates, I knew this place was special. Patricia, our guide had visited this place on many occasions, and she was well prepared as we commenced this arduous walk. We entered through a secluded courtyard to the palace proper. It is set on two levels and passing grand room after another spectacular room I was astonished by the vivid frescos. I felt that I was roaming through a world-famous art gallery than a functional palace. One had to form an impression of the place in its prime, or how it would have appeared when the Cardinal D'este held court here, or those involved, the family, guests, staff, and workers.
The villa is imposing but once you step outside be prepared to be amazed by the splendour of the gardens, the abundance of magnificent fountains, water features and waterfalls, along with statues and sculptures. There are numerous walks to meander through, but the most impressive being a hundred fountains walk. It is a world heritage site and was initially commissioned by Cardinal D'este to impress his visitors. He accomplished this by building it in the hilltop centre of the town of Tivoli. With the gardens tiered down the slope facing west towards Rome, the idea being that visitors from the capital would sight its dominating view as they approached, and then having to climb the triumphal terraces on arrival, become overawed in the process.
I have never been so immersed in a single attraction, apart from the ancient sites in Rome. The well-manicured gardens, the many fountains, geysers, and grottos were something out of this world. The great ambience of this place with all its surrounding is magical to the eye. NB: This was a part of an itinerary that I handed to my clients who frequented my travel agency in the 1980s.
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Loredana
Naples, Italy613 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
Villa D'Este is the most famous of the villas in Tivoli, certainly very beautiful but for me it is not the most beautiful among those in the area! It is one of the symbols of the Italian Renaissance and is a UNESCO heritage site. In addition to the presidential palace, Villa D'Este is famous for its fountains, true works of art, characterized by particular water features and scattered throughout the large Italian garden adorned with tree-lined avenues and hedges. Even today the water that gushes from the numerous fountains is taken directly from the Aniene river through a 600 meter long underground canal. One of a kind is the Organ Fountain equipped with devices powered by water that reproduce musical harmonies (at set times). I recommend purchasing the combined ticket online which also includes Villa Gregoriana and the temple of Hercules Victor. To visit the palace and admire the fountains it takes hours (we spent over 4 hours there and didn't see everything) and I recommend going in the spring. A few steps from the Villa there is a large paid car park (not very expensive) and in the area there are several places to stop for lunch.
Google
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

teemutmantsinen
90 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2019 • Friends
A prime example of old priviledge. The villa itself interesting but there are many similar in Italy. The garden is vast and nice. There is scheduled 'musical show' or whatever they called it, with the water flow and air pressure or something - a bit dissappointing and primitive but we saw it.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tessa Theo
Sydney, Australia63 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We rang in the morning to check the fountains would be operational as we had read other reviews saying they are sometimes out of order.
The lady on the telephone said that all but one fountain was working so we decided to travel from Rome to visit for the day. Upon arriving we were told that none of the fountains were working due to a fault. The price to enter was a still ten euros each, and no discount was offered. What an utter disappointment and a complete waste of time.

Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Natalia2812
Moscow, Russia14 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Solo
Recently I have booked a room at Villa d'este for my valued clients. It wasn't their first time at the hotel , they really liked the service, restaurants, beautiful park and so on and were always happy to spend there а few days. The safety of the guests and guest's items was the hotel's priority. But last time very unpleasant situation has happened. Two branded exclusive shirts were forgotten in a walk-in closet after check out. Next day we called the hotel to ask if they can deliver it to Milano but the hotel replied that they didn't find them in their room. Even after 2 weeks of investigation , checking all the rooms and videos from cameras and speaking with the housekeeping the shirts were not found. My clients were very upset and quite dissapointed and now they do not know if they want to come back in future to the hotel that once was their favourite accommodation in Como. After all most probably no!
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

worldTravellerAR
Bella Vista, AR64 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • Couples
First, I would recommend going with a private guide or small tour group for a few reasons. #1. The Villa D'Este is beautiful and the rooms are impressive and a guide will give you detailed insights to the wonders of each space. #2. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous and there is much art & meaning behind each fountain. #3. If you go with a guide/group, you can also see Hadrian's Villa and you will absolutely want a guide as it is huge and a guide can give all the facts and details about all the sights you'll see...it would have been a "nice" experience otherwise. We had a private guide and her knowledge made both visits truly in-depth and outstanding. There are several good eateries by the Villa D'Este entrance. Also, take water and a sunbrella to Hadrian's Villa as it is very sprawled and not many shady spots. Wear good walking shoes for this visit! Both Villas are spectacular in their own way. Do not miss an opportunity to see them!
Written 22 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sconne21
Newbury, UK51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
This is a really lovely place. There are quite a few paintings in the house and most are remarkable. There is also some modern 'art' but luckily that was minimal. The gardens are beautiful and tiered, with a number of fountains on every level. You can drink from some of the fountains.
It is worthwhile booking tickets in advance because then you skip the queue to get in (I went October 2023, arriving at around 11am). I got the combination ticket online but wish I had only bought the single ticket for there (the Hercule Victore place is quite far and not really worth the walk from d'Este, and Hadrian's Villa was very far away and difficult to get back from, despite my extensive research beforehand and the options I had in place). You can easily spend 3 hours here. It is clear with a few places to sit for a rest or picnic. Eating facilties are limited so I recommend taking your own food. There are toilets but not really enough of them.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John M
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates84 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
A must visit for everyone in the area. Great interiors, amazing garden, water running all around and a commanding view of the surroundings. Especially on a sunny day, Villa d'Este will bewilder you with its art ad architecture.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BrianFi
Palm Desert, CA9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2023 • Family
We had a great time visiting here today. It was an easy train ride from Rome and a short walk from the station. There was a very short line to buy tickets at 4:45pm on a Friday. We had plenty of time to tour the villa and the gardens before they closed at 7:30. The kids really enjoyed the beautiful gardens and fountains, and the amazing views.
Written 16 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

leegee86
Edinburgh, UK490 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Couples
What an amazing experience for the price we got (27€ online booking) for 2 adults.
We were going to book whole package of coach trip and lunch from Rome but so glad we didn't. Train return from roma termini to tivoli was €10 for 2 adults - coach entry and lunch was going to be €127 😱 quite the saving!
This place is spectacular, photos don't do it justice you need to be here to experience the views and sounds! My husband is quite into gardens i causing fountains, ponds and waterfalls and got many ideas for our own back garden :)
Tivoli is such a beautiful town as well if your looking for the proper italian feel and food! Well worth a visit if you visiting Rome as only an hour train ride away! Plenty other places to visit in Tivoli also including Villa Gregoriana!!!
Written 20 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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