Villa Gregoriana is a famous natural area located in Tivoli, Italy. This breathtaking park is known for its stunning landscapes, a meandering river, and dramatic waterfalls. It's a place of both natural beauty and historical significance, offering visitors a unique blend of nature and culture. Natural Beauty: Villa Gregoriana is set in a deep gorge formed by the Aniene River, with lush vegetation covering its steep cliffs and rock formations. The park's beauty is characterized by its rich, diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of plant species, including mosses, ferns, and various types of trees, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. Dramatic Waterfalls: One of the most renowned features of Villa Gregoriana is its waterfalls. These cascades are not just a sight to behold; they also play a significant role in the park's history. The most famous of these waterfalls is the "Cascata Grande" or the "Great Waterfall." This majestic waterfall plunges dramatically into a deep pool, creating a stunning and dramatic natural spectacle. Historical Significance: Villa Gregoriana has historical significance as well. It was originally established in the 19th century as a result of efforts to mitigate the flooding of the Aniene River in Tivoli, which had been a recurring problem for centuries. The French architect Charles Percier was instrumental in designing the park's structures. The park was named after Pope Gregory XVI, who initiated the project. Visitors can explore various paths, bridges, and tunnels that were built as part of this flood-control endeavor. Famous Visitors: Over the years, Villa Gregoriana has attracted notable visitors, including the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the English Romantic poet Lord Byron. Goethe, in particular, was deeply inspired by the park's natural beauty and featured it in his Italian Journey, where he documented his travels in Italy. The park's dramatic landscape, particularly the Great Waterfall, is believed to have served as an inspiration for Dante's vivid descriptions of the turbulent and terrifying landscapes of Hell in "Inferno." Visiting Villa Gregoriana: When visiting Villa Gregoriana, it's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the trails. The park offers a variety of scenic viewpoints, paths, and picnic areas where you can relax and take in the views. Given its natural beauty and historical significance, it's an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking for a tranquil escape from the city.

A gorge with waterfalls in Tivoli, in a woodland walk where the paths are steep in places, lots of steps. You can take various paths to explore each area, path signage could be better. There are caves and tunnels (kids would love it) but it's not for those who struggle with inclines or steps. We took about 2 hours to walk it, stopping to enjoy the views. (Nearby is Villa D'Este, the Italian gardens, we didn't go there, but that's very popular too) Bonus at Villa Gregoriana - National Trust members enter for free!

Villa Gregoriana is an immense park in Tivoli, near Rome, whose management was granted to the FAI (Italian Enviroment Fund) by the Italian State and is the result of an important hydraulic engineering work whose objective was to contain the flooding of the Aniene river, a tributary river of the Tiber. Promoted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, from which it takes its name, once the water tunnels had been made and a waterfall had been created, the Pope decided to build a park around it, thus creating a new place where one could experience the relationship with nature and and beauty, that is to say "the nineteenth-century Romanticism". Its fame consecrated this place as a destination for nineteenth-century European travelers of the famed "Grand Tour" and a favorite subject of painting of the time. The place where the Temple of Vesta stands is called the Acropolis of Tivoli and is located at the end of the nature trail of Villa Gregoriana. In the same place, there is also another Temple, rectangular in shape, known as the Temple of the Sibyl or of Tiburnus, mythical founder of Tivoli. Actually according to current knowledge, it is controversial to which gods these temples were dedicated. They are comparatively well preserved and are easily accessible. At the same time, they are picturesquely placed in the landscape so that you can enjoy the wonderful views of them A dream and a must for the educated traveler! To access the Villa Gregoriana it is necessary to buy a ticket which can be purchased either at the entrance ticket office or online. The visit is very pleasant and also a little tiring due to the tortuous paths both downhill and uphill. The roar of the waterfalls of the river and the green and rocky spaces, the lake corners create visions and emotions that cannot be forgotten. It is advisable to wear very comfortable shoes with non-slip rubber soles. Highly recommended.