If you happen to make a trip to Italy , visit Rome with its sights, do not apply to look into Tivoli - a small town that is only 24 km away from the capital. Very friendly people live here, and the city itself in the province of Lazio surprises with a harmonious combination of modern buildings and medieval examples of architecture. If you add to this scenic landscapes of nature, the availability of healing springs, a huge number of family restaurants with delicious Italian cuisine, then bypassing the city of Tivoli, being in Italy, it's a crime!
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Tivoli, which was originally called Tibur, was founded in the 13th century. It was this city that was the territory where in the past all paths leading from Rome to the East crossed. In their history, Tibur was ruled by sycles, Pelasgians, Etruscans, and Latins. Over time, wealthy Romans settled here, and the name of the city, which turned into a resort, was transformed from Tibur to Tivoli. But this change of power over the city did not end there. Tivoli was led by Goths, Byzantines, Pope, Austrians, and in the 17th century he finally became the property of Italy. The change of rulers, cultures and eras could not but affect the appearance of the city. And it is this variety of architectural forms that attracts tourists today in Tivoli.
Castle architecture
The famous Roman castles in Tivoli are the main attractions that are the visiting card of the city. Palace buildings here are called villas. One of them - Villa D'Este, built in the XVI century by the decree of Cardinal Hippolytus D'Este. If you have ever admired Petrodvorets and the Palace of Versailles, then do not be surprised at the flashback memories. The fact is that Villa d'Este became their prototype. In the distant past, in this castle of Tivoli, as well as in many other castles in Italy, the wealth of their owners was kept, but today their track was cold. However, nobody forbids to admire figuratively circumcised bushes, wonderful fountains, skilful sculptures and unusual architecture of the villa.
Not all buildings managed to pass the test of time. So, from Villa Adrian, built in 118-134 years, today there are only pitiful ruins. But tourists do not stop. Excursions are spent all the year round under the guidance of the English-speaking guide who for only 4 euros will tell about the famous Discoball, the death of Antinous, the lover of Hadrian, the untold riches of the antique era that were stored in the villa.
You can admire the most beautiful waterfall in Tivoli during an excursion to Villa Gregorian. In addition to this amazing spectacle, tourists are waiting for huge gloomy grottoes, mysterious caves, narrow paths in the mountains and the ruins of ancient temples. By the way, the temple of Vesta (Tiburtino sibyl) in Tivoli, closed in the IV century by the order of Emperor Theodosius, still pleases the eye with its massive white walls.
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It is worth to visit the fortress of Rocca Pia (1461), the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (XII century), adjacent to the villa of D'Este, the church of St. Sylvester (12th century, Romanesque style), the cathedral of St. Lorenzo (5th century, baroque). It is strongly recommended to dine at the "Sibyl" restaurant, whose history is estimated for four hundred years. In the past, this institution was visited by the Romanovs, Goethe, Kings of Prussia, Gogol, Bryullov and many other important historical figures. The interior here corresponds to the style of the XVIII century, and incredibly delicious dishes will amaze you.
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And finally how to get to Tivoli. If you stayed in Rome, take a bus or train ticket and in half an hour you will arrive in Tivoli. Take into account, the trains leave from the stations of the Old Tiburtina and Termini, and the bus - only from the Tiburtina station. Arriving in the city, after seven to ten minutes of walking, you will find yourself in its center.