Last updated on June 2nd, 2023
In ancient Rome, it was expected that an emperor would get weary of life in the capital city, and it was customary to build another sprawling estate (or a few estates) in places outside the city. Emperor Hadrian did just this between 121 and 137 AD, near a hillside town about 18 miles east of Rome.
Today, you can visit the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, and it makes for an easy and fascinating day trip from Rome.
Let’s explore how to make a great day trip out of a visit to Hadrian’s Villa — and of course, with a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you choose exactly how you want to see it!
I’ll share how to get there and my recommendations for what to see when you’re there. With a good guide, the ruins really come to life, and you can get an incredible look into the luxe life of a typical Roman emperor.
Disclosure: There are a couple tour affiliate links below and I may receive compensation if you book through them (at no additional cost to you). This did not influence inclusion – these are tours and tour operators that I’ve vetted and truly recommend.
The Purpose of Hadrian’s Villa
Emperor Hadrian was Spanish-born, an architect, a lover of all things Greek, and very well-traveled. He wanted a getaway from the political hubbub that could bring to mind his many interests and accomplishments.
The term villa refers to a large and luxurious country estate, but the villa of Hadrian actually takes it up a notch.
Built on more than 300 acres (bigger than the entire city of Pompeii), the estate is a complex of more than 30 buildings, some of which are still being excavated. These exotic structures were meant to remind the emperor, and any visitors, of the many lands he had visited and ruled. The entire estate was designed to be a microcosm of his empire, with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architectural influences throughout.
How to Get to Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli from Rome
Even though Tivoli is close to Rome, there isn’t really a straight-shot public transport option, so if you want to do public transportation, getting to Hadrian’s Villa (also known as Villa Adriana) requires a do-able combination of Metro and bus. The estate itself is about 2.5 miles just outside of Tivoli.
Alternatively, you can drive there yourself, or go with a tour. I highly recommend a tour, for a few reasons:
- You get picked up and dropped off at or near your hotel — no hassles
- You get a tour of the excavated complex with a very experienced guide who knows the historical and cultural context and can make the visit so interesting!
- All ticketing and reservations are taken care of
My two favorite tours are this group tour (which includes a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Renaissance-era Villa d’Este in Tivoli — also amazing) and this private tour (which includes both sites, plus lunch).
I’ve found a good tour always elevates a travel experience!
Cassie’s Tip: If you decide to visit Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli independently, be sure to look at the bus routes, as some stops will require a longer walk to the site. I definitely recommend that you rent the audio guide and buy a map at the ticket counter, as it’s easy to wander and not know exactly what you’re looking at.
Once you arrive at the villa of Hadrian, here’s what you don’t want to miss…
The Pecile
At the entrance to Hadrian’s Villa, you’ll find the Athenian-style Greek Pecile. This is a long courtyard, once enclosed, with a peaceful fish pond. Most villas deliberately created connections between the built and the natural world, and Hadrian’s Villa does this beautifully.
Cento Camerelle
Meaning hundred tiny rooms, this is a four-story structure along the west side of the Pecile, with small rooms that were probably used for storing supplies and housing slaves.
The Great and Small Thermae
The ancient Romans loved their baths, and these are impressive. Located in the central part of the Villa, the Small Baths were thought to be reserved for high-ranking visitors and court members (with more luxurious stone work and design), and the Large Baths were for the service staff.
Antinoeion
Hadrian was married to Sabina, the great-niece of the former emperor Trajan — but it was a political union, not one of love.
And while it was not unusual in ancient Rome for powerful men to have sexual relationships with other (less powerful) boys and men, it was rare for a man to openly profess attachment to or care for another man. When Hadrian’s lover Antonius drowned under mysterious circumstances in the Nile, Hadrian built this opulent tomb at his Villa that elevated Antonius to the status of a god and demonstrated his deep bereavement. It was also a place of worship for the emperor and his entourage, who could come here to pay their respects to Antinous and seek his protection.
The Canopus
This is the highlight — the most famous and most photographed part of the entire estate. At almost 400 feet long and 60 feet wide, this massive pool was meant to represent a branch of the Nile River.
Adorned with stone arches and gorgeous Roman copies of Greek sculptures, it’s not hard to imagine the lavish summer banquets and parties the emperor was known to host here. Don’t miss the fine mosaics and the shell-shaped grotto dedicated to the Underworld god Serapis.
Fun fact: while most Imperial villas were built on high hills, the villa of Hadrian was built in a lower area so that he could make use of the ingenious aqueducts that served Rome — allowing residents there to enjoy the experience of fresh, running water in its many fountains, pools, and gardens. Hydro engineering for the win!
The Maritime Theatre
The 2nd most famous and photographed area, the Maritime Theatre (Teatro Marittimo), is a circular palace built on a small artificial island. Yes, you know you’re dealing with an emperor’s estate when you have palaces within palaces!
This is apparently where Hadrian went when he wanted to be alone and do his best thinking. It is believed that there were two wooden bridges which allowed access to the palace, but that could be withdrawn when he wanted total privacy. It had everything he could need: bedrooms, a dining room, cold and warm baths, a study, a garden atrium, and even a latrine.
Plan your day trip to Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli
If you’ve ever wondered how an emperor lived in his day-to-day life, Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli gives an amazing glimpse into ancient Rome’s art, architecture, and innovative engineering. Though it doesn’t always make the must-see lists, this archeological wonder is a hidden gem that makes a perfect day trip from Rome.
If you’re planning a trip but would rather not deal with all the logistics, ask me about designing a custom itinerary. I’ll arrange everything — from transportation to tickets to lunch reservations in town — so that your day can be filled with the magic of this beautiful place.
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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