Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Archaeological site · Roma, Lazio
Villa Adriana
The vast country residence of Emperor Adriano from the 2nd century, near Tivoli: ruins of palaces, baths and reflecting pools such as the Canopo. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Villa Adriana
Villa Adriana was the country residence of Emperor Adriano, who ruled Rome from 117 to 138 AD. It lies on the plain below Tivoli, about 30 km from Rome, and covered an estimated area of 120 hectares, with palaces, baths, libraries, theatres, gardens and lodgings. Since 1999 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Adriano was a well-traveled emperor with a passion for Greek and Egyptian culture, and the villa reflects this: several spaces recall places he knew. The best known is the Canopo, a long reflecting pool surrounded by columns and copies of Greek statues, including caryatids, ending in a large semicircular grotto.
Another highlight is the Teatro Marittimo, a small circular island surrounded by a canal and columns, where the emperor secluded himself. Along the way appear the Pecile, a large courtyard with a pool, the Great and Small Baths with vaults still standing, and the antiquarium with sculptures found during the excavations.
The area is very large and planted with olive trees and cypresses. A model near the entrance helps understand the layout of the villa before starting the walk.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2.5 to 3 hours.
Best time
In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In summer (June to August) arrive at opening time: distances are long and there are exposed sections. Check opening hours before you go.
How to get there
Cotral bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station (line B), with a stop near the entrance, or train to Tivoli and then local bus or taxi (about 5 km). By car, there is parking next to the entrance.
Tip
Pick up the map and start with the model. Bring water, a hat and sneakers: it's several kilometers of walking. Combine it with Villa d'Este on the same day, leaving Villa Adriana for the morning when it's cooler.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Villa Adriana
How to get to Villa Adriana from Rome?
By Cotral bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station (line B), or by train to Tivoli and then local bus or taxi. The trip takes about 1 hour.
How long does a visit to Villa Adriana take?
Between 2½ and 3 hours to see the Canopo, the Teatro Marittimo, the baths and the Pecile.
What is the Canopo?
A long reflecting pool surrounded by columns and statues, ending in a semicircular grotto. It is the villa's best-known image.
Is it worth visiting Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este on the same day?
Yes, it's the most common itinerary in Tivoli. Allow a full day and check whether there is a combined ticket for both.