Villa d'Este Gardens at Tivoli

The large set of formal gardens that Renaissance Cardinal Ippolito d'Este designed to surround his home represents the pinnacle of Italian garden architecture and serves as the inspiration for formal gardens around the world. They resemble authentic embodiments of the Italian Renaissance.

The layout, which was revolutionary for its day, created a series of "rooms" to highlight fountains, each appearing to be a distinct garden against the backdrop of the neighboring Campagna hills. These were set up in an alleyway that went through the center, with allées and pathways that crossed going to the major fountains. The numerous pools, fountains, cascades, and entertaining water features, as well as the pavilions, statues, grottos, and views from all the terraces, can be seen and enjoyed over the course of several hours. Above all, make sure to take in the view from the elaborate Fontana dell'Organo, the Fontana dell'Ovato, a water theater built for shows, and the opportunity to stroll behind the waterfall there.