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If you are looking for a quick escape from the city to experience a small, historic town, look no further than Tivoli. This town is a hidden gem and the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Rome. With options for nature, gardens, architecture, and history, it’s not one to miss. Here is everything you need to know to plan the ultimate Rome to Tivoli day trip!
History of Tivoli
Like Rome, the city of Tivoli has a rich history. Settlement in the Tivoli area dates back to 13th century BC when the city went by its previous name, Tibur.
In the Roman age, Tibur allied with the Gauls, a group of Celtic people, but the Romans defeated and absorbed Tibur. In 90 BC, the city acquired Roman citizenship. It became embellished with Roman Villas belonging to emperors, poets, and other notable figures. In that same era, the city also acquired its modern name, Tivoli, and got destroyed as a result of the Gothic War.
In the Middle Ages, Tivoli rivaled Rome for control over central Lazio but fell under papal control. The Renaissance era brought popes and cardinals to the city to erect buildings and further construction of villas. Tivoli acted as a summer retreat for the wealthy and was positioned on a major trading route making it an important settlement throughout history
How to get from Rome to Tivoli
Tivoli is located only 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Rome, making it the perfect day trip.
Unless you have your own vehicle, the best way to get from Rome to Tivoli is either by train or bus. A train departs from Rome’s Tiburtina rail station almost hourly for about an hour-long journey.
You can expect a similar journey length when taking the Blue COTRAL bus. The bus departs from Rome’s Ponte Mammolo stop on Metro line B. You can get tickets for less than €5 with either of these options. My preference is the train for the beautiful scenery, and I find it more comfortable!
What to do in Tivoli
Upon arriving in Tivoli, you have several options of activities to choose from, but I would select a couple if you are only there for a day. I visited Tivoli on two separate occasions and discovered these three attractions as the best options and well-worth the visit:
Villa Gregoriana
If you are looking for nature, check out Villa Gregoriana. Villa Gregoriana is a hidden gem of nature with lush landscapes and waterfalls. Get your walking shoes ready for this unpaved trail that makes your forget you are right outside a huge metropolitan city.
History: Pope Gregory XVI commissioned Villa Gregoriana around 1834.
How to get there from the bus/train station: 5 minute walk
Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday; (March, November and December: 10 am to 4 pm); (April to October: 10 am to 6.30 pm)
Ticket prices: Adults €8.00 Children €3.00
Website: https://www.fondoambiente.it/luoghi/parco-villa-gregoriana
Villa D’Este
If you are looking for beautiful gardens, visit Villa D’Este. This landmark is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list and for good reason! This villa is richly decorated with fresco paintings but is known for the extravagant gardens and ancient fountains.
History: Cardinal Ippolito II D’Este, a former governor of Tivoli, commissioned Villa D’Este. The work started in 1550 but lasted for about 20 years.
How to get there from the bus/train station: 13 minute walk towards the center of the city
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:45 PM; closing time of the gardens varies depending on the month (ranges from 4:45 PM – 7:30 PM)
Ticket prices: standard ticket €12.00
Website: https://www.levillae.com/en/the-locations/villa-deste/
Villa Adriana
If you are looking for historic ruins, visit Villa Adriana (or Hadrian’s Villa). This landmark is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best kept, most visited archaeological sites in Italy.
History: Roman Emperor Hadrian built Villa Adriana at the foot of the Tiburtine Hills between 118 and 138 AD.
How to get there from the bus/train station: From the Tivoli station take the CAT bus n.4 for 11 stops, getting off at the Villa Adriana stop. The bus stop is 300 meters from the villa entrance.
Hours: Monday to Sunday: opening time 8:30 AM; closing time is dependent on the month (ranges from 5:00pm – 7:30pm)
Ticket prices: standard ticket €10.00
Website: https://www.levillae.com/en/the-locations/villa-adriana/
Where to eat in Tivoli
Take a break between any of these activities to grab a bite! For a great atmosphere and delicious food, my recommendation is the popular Ristorante Sibilla. It is the oldest restaurant in Tivoli. Located next to Villa Gregoriana, it’s ideal to grab lunch after visiting the villa or dinner right before catching the bus/train back to Rome.
Other dining options include Restaurant and Pizzeria Il Ciocco, Ristorante “La Quercia”, Taverna Quintilia, Parco dei Laghi Reali, Ristorante Il Borghetto, or Ristorante 5 Statue.
Where to stay in Tivoli
While this is an easy day trip from Rome, there are some accommodations available if you want to experience Tivoli for multiple days. There aren’t many hotels in the center of the city, but B&Bs provide a great alternative!
Tivoli acts as the perfect escape from the city. I was stunned at the beauty of it and the fact that I never heard about it before doing in-depth research. If you have the time, don’t miss this destination!
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