The steeply terraced grounds of this Renaissance villa In the hilltop town of Tivoli are adorned with monumental fountains, tree-lined avenues including the 130m-long Avenue of the Hundred Fountains, and landscaped grottoes. The villa, originally a Benedictine convent, was converted into a luxury retreat by Lucrezia Borgia's son, Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, in the late 16th century and later provided inspiration for composer Franz Liszt, who wrote The Fountains of the Villa d'Este after spending time here between 1865 and 1886.
Before heading out to the gardens, take time to admire the villa's rich mannerist frescoes. Outside, the manicured park features water-spouting gargoyles and shady lanes flanked by lofty cypress trees. The garden's most unusual feature is the Bernini-designed Fountain of the Organ, which uses water pressure to play music through a concealed instrument. Hear it play every day at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
Last admissions are 1hr before closing.
