a day in tivoli

In this article, discover the fun and adventure of a day in tivoli italy. this article outlines the places you can walk & see in the historical centre!

1. Villa d'Este

P.za Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM

Villa d'Este is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site located in Tivoli, Italy. This historic villa is celebrated for its magnificent Renaissance architecture, stunning gardens, and elaborate fountains. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este in the 16th century, the villa stands as a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the Italian Renaissance.

The villa's interior is adorned with frescoes, intricate decorations, and opulent rooms that showcase the wealth and cultural sophistication of its time. However, it is the exterior that truly captivates visitors. The extensive gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring terraces, fountains, and waterfalls that create a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.

2. Parish of Santa Croce in Santa Maria Maggiore

P.za Trento, 3, 00019 Tivoli RM

Directly nect to Villa D’este, youll find the green door of Parish of Santa Croce in Santa Maria Maggiore. The church, with three naves, has side chapels only on the left; in the opinion of many, chapels also opened in the right nave, which would have been destroyed during the Renaissance transformations, when the area for the entrance to the Estense palace was enlarged. In reality these chapels never existed, as demonstrated by the presence of the medieval masonry on the external wall of the right nave, visible from the courtyard of the Palazzo d'Este until the last restorations. In the narthex you can admire the Gothic marble portal and the Renaissance tabernacle, which contains a 13th century fresco of the Madonna and Child. The bell tower, begun in 1590 and completed in 1602, was restored between the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. It perhaps takes up the design of the Ferrarese architect Giovanni Alberto Galvani (died in Tivoli in 1586), who had also worked at Villa d'Este.

Next, walk from Villa D’este/Parish of Santa Croce in Santa Maria Maggiore to: San Pietro alla Carità.
(5 mins walking)

3. San Gregorio da Sassola Pietro alla Carità

Via Campitelli, 00019 Tivoli RM

This church boasts a brick façade featuring three doors that lead to the central part of the building. At the top, two side windows with a central circle under the eaves enhance the exterior. The bell tower is adorned with cornices and arched windows. Moving to the interior, a cosmatesque floor graces the nave, while the apse of the main altar showcases notable artworks: "Christ crucified between the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist" from the fourteenth century and the "Madonna Enthroned with Saints Peter and Paul" from the thirteenth century.

Popular Culture
The church of San Pietro alla Carità in Tivoli serves as a backdrop for scenes featuring Girolamo Savonarola at the convent of San Marco in the third season of the TV series Medici. The façade and bell tower are prominently featured as Savonarola addresses the crowd of Florentines, with glimpses of the interior captured in various scenes.

Next, walk from San Pietro alla Carità to Villa Gregoriana. (10 mins walking)

4. villa gregoriana

Largo Sant'Angelo, 1, 00019 Tivoli RM

Park Times: Open Everyday from 9AM to 3PM

Villa Gregoriana is a stunning park located in Tivoli, Italy, known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and captivating landscapes. This picturesque site is characterized by lush greenery, rocky cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. Wandering through well-maintained walking paths and trails, visitors are treated to a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary. The Ponte Gregoriano, a picturesque bridge spanning the Aniene River, serves as both a structural marvel and a vantage point for absorbing the scenic grandeur that unfolds at every turn. Villa Gregoriana is not merely a park; it is a tapestry of natural and historical wonders meticulously woven together to create an immersive and rejuvenating experience for those who seek solace in the embrace of nature's finest offerings.

5. explore the local eateries

tap below to read our tivoli bar & restaurant guide

Next, take a stoll and Explore the town center, visit some local shops, and perhaps enjoy a gelato or espresso in one of the charming cafes.

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