Villa d’Este in Tivoli (less than 30 km from Rome) is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, built in the 16th century by Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, son of Lucrezia Borgia.
It is especially famous for its terraced hillside garden enriched by fifty fountains, designed by famous Italian artists such as Pirro Ligorio and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The apartments of Villa d’Este are decorated withamazing frescoes representing ancient myths (such as the labors of Hercules, considered the founder of the Este family), pagan gods, views of Tivoli and hunting scenes.
Moving from the bright colors of the interior to the vivid green of the garden, you will discover the secrets of its splendid white marble statues, fountains, ponds, grottoes, waterfalls and terraces.
You will admire the majestic fountain called “il Bicchierone” (“large cup”), designed by Bernini, the spectacular Hundred Fountains, the impressive fish ponds and the countless statues of dragons, winged horses and Roman gods.
However, the most famous and scenographic are the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Organ, that once delighted the guests of the villa with water games and beautiful music produced by an incredible water organ, which astonished even the Pope!
