One of Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa d'Este is a must-visit. A palatial summer residence, the 16th-century property is famed for its terraced hillside Italian Renaissance garden.
A 10-hectare park with statues, cypress trees and terracotta pots extends onto Lake Como and offers a romantic setting to stroll, amble and sip coffee or cocktails.
1. The Cardinal’s Apartments
One of the most impressive and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa d'Este is set on one of Italy's most picturesque lakes. It was commissioned by the ambitious Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, who had a fast-tracked ecclesiastic career that ended with his failure to become pope in 1550.
The villa is built in a row of rooms, each decorated with a different theme. They are all connected to nature, mythology and water.
2. The Queen’s Pavilion
One of the most iconic hotels in the world, Villa d’Este sits on Lake Como, with 25 acres of beautiful gardens. Originally the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, it was converted into a luxury hotel in 1873.
The interior is a fusion of Neo-Classical, Chinese and Gothic design. There are rooms adorned with frescoes and pebble mosaics as well as a Fontana del Bicchiere, a fountain that issues water from a rock to a scrolling shell-like cup.
3. The Nymphaeum
The Nymphaeum, a graceful Renaissance building with twin pavilions decorated with mosaics, is an integral part of the Villa d'Este. Built in 1568 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and transformed into a hotel in 1873, this stunning property overlooks Lake Como, one of the most romantic lakes in the world.
From the water, a visitor walks down a rusticated arcade to the concave nymphaeum. Marble nymphs, designed by Giambattista della Porta, embellish the ceiling.
4. The Fountain of Ovato
Built by Cardinal Ippolito d’Este in the 16th century, Villa d’Este is an extraordinary Renaissance garden that features many lavish fountains and water displays, all powered entirely by gravity. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to visit in Italy.
The Fountain of Ovato, also known as Fontana del Bicchierone or the Great Cup, is a masterpiece in the gardens of Villa d’Este in Tivoli. It features a central shell-like fountain that pours water into a ring of basins and cascades.
5. The Fountain of Neptune
One of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks in the Villa d'Este garden is the Fountain of Neptune. A work of art by Catalan sculptor Adria Ferran, the statue of the bearded sea god gazes across Placa de la Merce.
The fountain base features a range of symbols that relate to Neptune and the sea. Besides the four classical sphinxes that support the base, the base also contains a compass and square.
Neptune is a very popular figure in sea-going traditions and his statue often appears at line-crossing ceremonies when boats are launched.
6. The Hall of the Fountain
The Hall of the Fountain is one of the most beautiful in Villa d'Este. It is a large stone masterpiece featuring the statue of Neptune holding a dolphin.
In this area you will find several fountains with different designs and features. The fountain of Neptune has a three-tiered structure and a cascade of water in the center.
In addition, it features an impressive display of statues, including mermaids and cupids playing with dolphins. It was designed by Gregorio Zappala in the 19th century.
7. The Fountain of the Hydraulic Organ
The Fountain of the Hydraulic Organ is a musical fountain located in the gardens of Villa d'Este. It is considered one of the most spectacular fountains in Tivoli.
The fountain is composed of a series of levels that cascade water through its centre. This fountain was commissioned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and restored in the 20th century.
It is also known as the Fontana dell'Organo (Fountain of the Organ). Its music still produces sounds from an organ that can be heard by visitors.
