Tivoli - Villa of Hadrian

(Local Name: Villa Adriana) Southwest of Tivoli, to the right of the Via Tiburtina, is the Villa of Hadrian (Villa Adriana), a magnificent complex of buildings and gardens covering an area of 0.75 sq.km/.33 sq.mi. It dates from the later years of the widely traveled emperor (d. A.D. 138), who sought to reproduce here some of the great buildings of Greece and Egypt. Near the houses temples, a library and a museum were erected. Many of the works of art to be seen in the museums of Rome came from here. The chief charm of the villa lies in its scenic beauty. There is a model of the whole complex in a building at the car park. Since 1870 the area has been progressively excavated. Many of the art treasures discovered are on display in museums in Rome. The Imperial Palace lies in the north of the park, adjoining a library courtyard with some interesting mosaics. Also to be seen are a pillared courtyard, baths, a nymphaeum and a museum.