funfair it contains so many treasures, that it is definitely a destination to keep an eye on for a vacation. Let's think for example of waters sulphurous with therapeutic properties, known since the days of Imperial Rome. The wounded Roman soldiers went to be treated at the springs for treatment.
Also the Emperor Augustus benefited from it, and commissioned the Imperial Baths. From ancient Rome to the Renaissance, the properties of the sulphurous waters of Tivoli survived; and with the arrival a Tivoli of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, the Bagni Vecchi were built inside the majestic Villa d'Este.
Tivoli, from the Roman baths to Villa D'Este
Diseases of the skin, urinary tract and respiratory tract were treated there. In modern times the i Baths of Tivoli which still today are a reference for spa lovers from all over Europe. Enchanting and unique then "Villa D'Este", commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito himself; built on a site of a Roman villa. Cardinal D'Este, a lover of Roman antiquities, interested in the finds that abounded in the area, entrusted the work to the architect Pirro Ligorio.
Numerous artists and craftsmen worked there. The waters of the Aniene were channeled with waters that came from the falls, to build the monumental fountains, sets of films and shows. Travertine from the tomb of Cecilia Metella was also used, but years later, the villa and its facilities, passed to the Habsburgs, perished, and the antiquarian collections were dispersed. In the mid-nineteenth century, the villa lived a new season, frequented by artists such as Franz Liszt who was inspired by the villa for some pieces.
Gregorian Villa
The villa passed to the Italian State which started important restoration works, restoring it completely and opening it to the public. Another series of post-World War II restorations to repair the damage caused by some fallen bombs was successful. Also worth visiting in Tivoli is Villa Gregoriana, renamed by the FAI after the restoration, a natural area of great historical and landscape value. Towering in the steep valley between the right bank of the Aniene and the ancient one Roman acropolis.
The site is known for the large waterfall; a very particular example of a romantic garden. Since the Archaic age the area was important for the shepherds of the Aniene Valley and the plain of the Tiber for transhumance, which came down from Abruzzo along the tratturi. It was here that, upstream of the great waterfall ancient Tibur was born. This position was important, although geologically and hydrologically very difficult; the territory shows signs of anthropization at least from the XNUMXnd century BC:
Villa Adriana
Gregorian Villa it took its name from the pope who had wanted it. The very particular environment of the Villa was born from the need to defend the city of Tivoli from the ruinous floods of the Aniene. The construction of the Gregorian Bridge. Villa Gregoriana is therefore located in a very steep valley, known in ancient times "Hell Valley". The visit itinerary first runs through the Valle dell'Inferno, the cave of Neptune, the Sirens, various examples of karst landscape, and two Roman temples.
The landscape recurs in iconography classic of Tivoli since the eighteenth century, and it was one of the goals of the Grand Tour. The only one in the world is “Villa Adriana”, an imperial residence from the second century on, commissioned by the emperor Hadrian. Built near ancient Tibur, the structure is an extensive complex on an area of approximately 120 hectares; In 1999 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The emperor wanted to reproduce the places and monuments that had struck him most while traveling in the provinces of the empire.
From the Emperor to archaeological heritage
This imposing construction remains a notable historical heritage; a real city, divided into four nuclei. After Hadrian's death the villa continued to be used, but then abandoned, and during the Middle Ages it was reduced to agricultural land and quarry. Later the interest of humanists, popes, and nobles in the villa grew.
Excavations multiplied from the 300th to the 1870th century, revealing about XNUMX works. In XNUMX the state bought the complex from the Braschi family, which was the largest owner of the land. Excavations were undertaken which unearthed the stunning architecture. Villa Adriana was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999.
