After Tivoli celebrated its Sagra delli ghiozzi, it was time to take a closer look at the area and what it offers for a weekend tour from Rome. The town itself features a 15th century fort called the Rocca Pia and the town centre is a lovely spot to wander about in. Moving further afield, you will find the Villa Adriana or Hadrian’s Villa, and Villa d’Este, important examples of Italian architecture from the area.

The Villa Adriana was built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 138 AD and is a mix of monumental buildings, gardens, thermal springs, libraries, theatres and temples. The area measures about 300 hectares and Hadrian borrowed ideas for the construction of the buildings and grounds from his various travels around the empire’s provinces.

The Villa d’Este is famous for being a masterpiece of Italian gardens and water features. It has one of Europe’s most impressive baroque gardens with terraces fashioned in something that reflects what the Babylon gardens might have been. It also includes examples of famous Roman engineering with its acqueduct and underground tunnels. You can get to Tivoli via bus routes from Rome which take up to an hour.

Tivoli

Photo | Flickr

Continue reading: Day trips from Rome: Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este

It’s nearly Carnevale in Italy where carnival time marks the start of the period of Lent, 40 days before Easter. Obviously the Venice Carnevale is the most famous, although for Italians, the Carnevale of Viareggio is also an important celebration. If you’re in central Italy, the most significant carnival event is in Lazio, at the Carnevale of Tivoli.

The ancient town of Tivoli will host events with jugglers, hot air balloons, and the classic parade of floats with more than 600 featured. It’s a colourful time to enjoy the town and some of its traditions, including a taste of the “Castagnola” vanilla dessert (much like a fried sweet dumpling).

You could use the festival as a chance to see the famous Hadrian’s Villa or Villa d’Este as well (not the one on Lake Como, just to avoid confusion). The Carnevale di Tivoli is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until February17th.

Continue reading: Carnival in Italy: the festival of Carnevale di Tivoli

I’m pretty sure that many of you have heard of the famous Villa d’Este, near Rome. An architectural masterpiece commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, after being appointed governor of Tivoli by the Pope.

This magnificent villa renowned for its spectacular fountains and lovely gardens is now hosting a new art exhibition dedicated to the Baroque Period; 37 portraits of cardinals, dukes and noblewomen such as Maria Farnese, wife of Prince Francesco I d’Este; paintings that will give you a deeper insight in the art and lives of that particular period in History even though you must bear in mind that 17th century painters were not really interested in the psychology of their subjects and usually preferred to underpin their political power and social prestige. The exhibition featuring such big names as Van Dyck, Guercino and Nicolas Regner will close on 3rd November.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday; 8:30 - 18:30; closed on Mondays. For further information please click here

Continue reading: Ritratto Barocco or Baroque Portrait on display at the villa d'Este, Rome