An enchanting city mentioned by Virgil, Goethe and Liszt
The city of Tivoli has roots in an ancient past. According to historians, it was founded before Rome, around 1200 BC It is also mentioned in the Aeneid by Virgil with the title of Tibur Superbum.
It is located about 30 km from the capital, on the slopes of the Tiburtini Mountains, near the waterfall of the Aniene River. It also offers a splendid view of the Roman countryside. The same one that enchanted characters such as the writer Goethe and the composer Listz.
In the seventeenth century the city of Tivoli was included among the destinations of the Grand Tour. An itinerary to discover the Old Continent in vogue among artists and writers of the time.
Relax at the thermal baths of Acque Albule
The main stops in the historic center of Tivoli are the medieval Gothic House, the Rocca Pia, built by Pope Pius II Piccolomini in 1461, with the four towers overlooking the Roman amphitheater and the Gregorian Bridge that leads to the villa of the same name. Commissioned by Gregory XVI in 1834, the latter includes a dense sequence of woods, paths and waterfalls, which branch off from the remains of the ancient residence of Publio Manlio Vopisco.
In addition there are two other famous Tiburtine villas declared Unesco Heritage: Villa Adriana, built in the XNUMXnd century AD, it is the residence that the emperor Hadrian ordered to erect at the gates of Rome. Villa d'Este instead, a perfect example of Renaissance architecture commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, it is a riot of gardens, water features and fountains, some of which also reproduce musical harmonies.
Another wealth of Tivoli are the thermal springs. Appreciated since the time of Emperor Augustus, the Baths of Acque Abule they are a renowned wellness center.
To regenerate in the spirit
It takes about an hour from Tivoli to reach Subiaco, a municipality in the metropolitan city of Rome. Famous for two wonderful religious areas: the monastery of Santa Scolastica and San Benedetto or of the Sacro Speco, both from medieval times. These complexes will not leave you indifferent. Not only for the historical value, but also for the spiritual atmosphere they emanate, also thanks to the enchanting landscape in which both are immersed.
Pizzutella grapes: a unique taste
One of the excellences of the Tibetan cultivation is the pizzutella grape, a very sweet variety, both white and red, characterized by a curious oval shape.
The gastronomy of Tivoli is rich in traditional peasant recipes. Among the most famous is the scafata, a dish based on vegetables. An obligatory ingredient for this and other courses is Terre Tiburtine extra virgin olive oil. Secular specimens of olive trees can be admired at Villa Adriana.
http://www.villadestetivoli.info/
