When you’re in Italy, it’s important to take the time to explore the country’s famous cities and monuments. However, it’s also worthwhile to find opportunities to discover some of Italy’s smaller beautiful towns. Tivoli, a town in Lazio, is situated approximately 20 miles outside of Rome upon a hill. From a distance, the town offers breathtaking panoramic views of Italy’s capital city with a combination of the lush Tivoli gardens along with several well-preserved archaeological sites that will make you fall in love instantly with this lesser-known part of the country.

Guide to Tivoli | What to see in Tivoli

Once you’re in Tivoli, there are many sites that you need to see! The first stop that you need to make is to Villa Gregoriana. This is located right at the foot of the town’s ancient acropolis, and it is protected by the Italian Environmental Fund. This destination is especially beautiful because it is a preserved area that combines natural wonder with the vestiges of human innovation. It is a place where landscape, ancient architecture, and archaeological remains merge for a fascinatingly immersive tourist experience. You will see the River Aniene that weaves through the base of the town. Because of erosion, the river eventually led to the formation of beautiful cascades. The Great Waterfall is a major highlight of the Villa Gregoriana. This waterfall holds the title for being the second longest cascade in all of Italy. Along the river, tourists can explore the eroded caves known as the Grottoes of Neptune or the Grottoes of the Sirens. This area allows visitors to appreciate the area’s natural geological formations and connections to ancient mythology.

Upon returning from Tivoli’s foothills, tourists should make the trek to visit the Temple of Sibilla. These ruins are found at the city’s highest point, offering breathtaking opportunities for photographs and panoramic views of the Italian landscape and Rome from a distance.

Visitors will also fall in love with the rustic architecture of the Villa d’Este. This location is a Renaissance-style country house adorned with beautiful fountains and complemented by the famous hillside Tivoli gardens, which offer spectacular views. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fountains surrounding Villa d’Este display artistic ingenuity for their use of water for ambient effects. For instance, the Fontana del Bicchierone is considered a musical fountain because of the sound produced when water passes through it. These decorative fountains are a main attraction for photographers visiting the Villa d’Este.

Finally, do not end your trip here without having visited Hadrian’s Villa, which was constructed as a home for the Roman Emperor Hadrian during the second century. The site was selected for its accessibility to four different aqueducts that flowed into Rome. This, too, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the area is in ruins, the architectural remains are well-preserved, offering glimpses into Roman imperial life nearly 2000 years ago.

When you travel to Rome, do not miss the exciting opportunity to spend a full day in this small town outside of Italy’s capital. You will undoubtedly be mesmerized upon touring this immersive sight that fuses natural beauty with human ingenuity.