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Villa d'Este | Visitor information at a glance
- What are Villa d'Este's opening hours?
Villa d'Este opens at 8:30 AM from Tuesday- Sunday. The closing hours vary seasonally. - Where is Villa d'Este located?
Villa d'Este is located at P.za Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM, Italy - How many entrances does Villa d'Este have?
Villa d'ESte has one main entrance located on Piazza Trento. - How many visitors does Villa d'Este get per year?
Villa d'Este gets around 5-6 million visitors per year.
What are Villa d'Este opening hours?
From March 31 to September 15, 2024
Tuesday - Sunday: 8:45am - 7:45pm
Monday: 2pm - 7:45pm
Last admission: 6:45pm
Garden closes: 7:30pm
Closed on: Monday morning, January 1 (New Year's Day), December 25 (Christmas Day)
Complete Villa d'Este scheduleWhere is Villa d'Este located?
Address: P.za Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM, Italy
Villa d'Este is located in Tivoli, a city in Italy , which is situated around 37 km east of Rome in the Lazio region.
Closest landmark: Church of Santa-Maria Maggiore, 1-min walk
Best ways to reach Villa d'EsteGetting to Villa d'Este in Tivoli
By public transportation
By car
- By train: You can take any of the lines FL2, R, RV from Stazione Termini or Stazione Tiburtina. The FR2 Regional Rail-line from Roma Tiburtina is a popular direct line to Tivoli.
Closest station: Tivoli Train Station, 1.1 km - By bus: You can take the bus lines COTRAL, VILLAE, 2, 3, 4C, 4D. Take Metro B to Ponte Mammolo station, then the Co.Tra.L. bus via Prenestina, Tiburtina, or the motorway to Tivoli. Get off at Largo delle Nazioni Unite (near Piazza Garibaldi) and walk a short distance.
Closest stop: Tivoli Bus Terminal or Piazza Garibaldi, 210 m away
If you're traveling from Rome take the A24 motorway, exit at the Tivoli toll booth, and proceed along the Maremmana Inferiore road to Via Tiburtina. Head towards the center of Tivoli. Alternatively, take Via Tiburtina directly. From L'Aquila take the A24 motorway, exit at the Castel Madama toll booth, proceed along Via Empolitana, then Via Acquaregna, and follow signs to the town center. Here are some parking facilities:
- Piazzale Matteotti: This parking area at Piazzale Matteotti, which is 6-min walk from Villa d'Este.
- Parcheggio Della Panoramica: It is located west of Piazza Garibaldi, on the left as you enter Tivoli on the road from Rome. It is a short 3-min walk.
Pro tip: Parking's tricky around here! Skip the hassle and take a taxi, bus, or a guided tour with transfers for a smooth & stress-free visit.
Know before you go to Villa d'Este
Skip-the-line
Entrances
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Tips
Dine
Stay
While Villa d'Este is a popular tourist location, you can save time by skipping long lines if you follow any of these simple hacks:
- Online booking: One of the most easy and direct way to ensure priority access is by booking your skip-the-line Villa d'Ese tickets online. You can select your preferred date and time.
- Combo tickets: Consider buying a combined ticket that includes entry to multiple attractions in Tivoli like the nearby Villa Adriana. This way you enjoy priority access, saving you both time and money.
- Guided tour with priority access: Opt for guided tours that include skip-the-line privileges. You'll gain valuable insights from an expert guide while avoiding long waits.
- Early bird wins: Plan your visit during non-peak hours, typically early mornings or late afternoons, when crowds are thinner, making it easier to access the villa swiftly.
Main entrance: The primary entrance to Villa d'Este is located on Piazza Trento, right next to the Church of Santa-Maria Maggiore. It features a modern design that contrasts with the villa's lavish and artistic interiors.
Fun fact: Historically, visitors would enter at the bottom of the gardens and ascend step by step to the villa, admiring the fountains and statues along the way. The current entrance door on Piazza Trento dates back to 1521, predating Ippolito d'Este, the villa's commissioner.
- Restrooms conveniently located throughout the grounds.
- 2 bookshops offer Villa d'Este literature and souvenirs.
- Cafe provides refreshments to fuel your exploration.
- Nearby parking available for €5 per day.
- Ground-level lift for accessibility.
- Seating areas scattered throughout the gardens for relaxation.
- Multimedia room with an introductory video in multiple languages.
- Elevators from the street level to upper levels of the garden. Pathways and ramps are available to facilitate movement around the villa and gardens.
- Easy-to-read guide developed in collaboration with ANFASS Nazionale, providing accessible information for visitors with intellectual disabilities.
- A free-of-cost electric car with a driver is available upon reservation.
- Service animals are welcome to assist visitors throughout the villa and gardens. Small/medium dogs on a leash with a muzzle or in a carrier are permitted with a manure collection kit.
- Restrooms equipped for people with disabilities are located throughout the site.
- Designated parking spaces close to the villa entrance for visitors with disabilities.
- Information panels and tactile models for visually impaired visitors.
- Visitors must conduct themselves respectfully at all times.
- Be prepared for security checks at the entrance, including bags and clothing.
- Follow the designated paths and report any disruptive behavior or issues to staff.
- Throwing objects into fountains or pools, playing loud music, touching frescoes, furniture, or defacing property are prohibited.
- Eating outside designated areas (picnics not allowed).
- Professional photography/videography without permission isn't allowed.
- Avoid wearing scanty clothing, bare chests, or bare feet.
- Don't carry bulky objects (except strollers for children/disabled).
- Damaging property or violating regulations or refusing to identify oneself or show a ticket fall under criminal offense.
- Don't miss the spectacular hydraulic organ at the Fountain of the Organ. It's an engineering marvel from the 16th century, and its musical performance starts every 2 hours from 10:30am. Plan your visit around these times for a unique experience.
- For an enchanting experience, visit during a full moon night when the musical fountains are illuminated and active. The ambiance is magical and dreamlike.
- Allocate at least 3-3.5 hours to fully appreciate Villa d'Este. This includes time to explore the interiors, historic rooms, underground areas, and the expansive gardens with their 500 stunning fountains.
- If you're interested in visiting both Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, take advantage of the local shuttle service connecting the two sites.
- Be aware that during periods of heavy rainfall, the river Aniene can swell, causing the villa's water supply to the fountains to be temporarily turned off. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
- Da Andrea a Villa D'Este: This cute diner is just a minute walk from the Villa. You can enjoy Italian, Mediterranean, Romana, Lazio, Central-Italian cuisine.
- Trattoria da Gabriella: A charming spot for authentic Italian cuisine offering great service and decent portions at a reasonable price of €10–20. 5-min walk from the Villa d’Este.
- Taverna Quintilia: Carmine's charming seafood restaurant, 3-min walk, offers Mediterranean specialties and local meat dishes like fried seaweed, marinated salmon, anchovies, fish aqua pazza and good wine in an artistic ambiance with ancient Roman paintings.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Villa d'Este
Is Villa d'Este worth visiting?
Absolutely, Villa d'Este is worth visiting. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its magnificent Renaissance gardens and impressive fountains, including the famous hydraulic organ. The villa itself is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture, featuring beautifully frescoed rooms and an intriguing history. The combination of stunning natural beauty and historical significance makes it a must-see destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, and garden design.
What are the best times of the day to visit to avoid the largest crowds?
To avoid the largest crowds at Villa d'Este, it's best to visit early in the morning when it opens or later in the afternoon, closer to closing time. Weekdays, especially outside of peak tourist seasons (spring and summer), are generally less crowded than weekends. Arriving early or staying late also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the gardens and fountains in a more peaceful setting.
Is the Villa accessible for visitors with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs?
Villa d'Este in Tivoli provides a lift and electric vehicles to assist visitors with limited mobility, though the historic site's steps, steep paths, and uneven terrain limit full accessibility.
Is there a dress code for visiting the villa?
There is no strict dress code for visiting Villa d'Este. However, it is recommended to dress comfortably and appropriately for walking and exploring both the villa and its extensive gardens. If you plan to enter any of the historic rooms, it's respectful to avoid very casual attire such as beachwear. Additionally, wearing comfortable sneakers is advisable due to the amount of walking and climbing involved.
What is the best way to get from Villa d'Este to Hadrian's Villa?
The best way to get from Villa d'Este to Hadrian's Villa is by using the local shuttle service that connects the two sites. The shuttle is convenient and specifically caters to tourists wishing to visit both attractions. Alternatively, you can take a short taxi ride between the two locations, as they are only a few kilometers apart.
Is it possible to visit both Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa in the same day?
Yes, it is possible to visit both Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa in the same day. To maximize your time, start your day early. Allocate around 3-3.5 hours to explore Villa d'Este, including its interiors and gardens. Afterward, take the local shuttle or a taxi to Hadrian's Villa. Plan for another 3 hours at Hadrian's Villa to fully appreciate its vast archaeological complex. This way, you can enjoy both sites without feeling rushed.
Can I bring my own food and have a picnic in the gardens?
No, bringing your own food and having a picnic in the gardens of Villa d'Este is not permitted. There are designated areas where food and drink are allowed, but picnicking within the historic gardens is generally restricted to preserve their condition and maintain cleanliness. It is recommended to enjoy meals at nearby cafes or restaurants before or after your visit.
Are pets allowed in the villa and gardens?
You can bring your dogs to Villa d'Este in Tivoli, as long as the dogs are kept on a leash. There does not appear to be any restriction on the size of the dogs, though larger dogs may need to wear a muzzle. Also, it's a mandate to carry a manure collection kit.
Is there a cloakroom or storage facility for luggage and larger bags?
No, Villa d’Este itself does not have a cloakroom or storage facility for luggage and larger bags. Unfortunately, many historical sites and museums don’t have left luggage facilities due to space limitations or security concerns.
Can I book tickets in advance, and is there a benefit to doing so?
Yes, you can book tickets to Villa d'Este in advance. Booking in advance offers several benefits:
- Guaranteed entry: During peak tourist seasons or special events, Villa d'Este can get very busy. Booking in advance ensures you have a reserved spot and won’t be turned away due to capacity limits.
- Skip the line: With advance tickets, you can often skip the long lines at the ticket office, allowing you to start your visit sooner and make the most of your time at the villa.
- Planning convenience: Knowing that you have your tickets secured can help you plan your day more effectively, including coordinating visits to other nearby attractions like Hadrian's Villa.
