Italian cities are filled with surprises. One such small place is Tivoli, which has a population of just over 60,000. However, this small town in Italy has its own unique features and attractions.
Tivoli: location and features
It is very difficult to get to Tivoli by accident: there are no large airports or train stations, popular shopping malls and entertainment places. However, this Italian town is notable for its coziness, friendly people, numerous shops, family restaurants and unusual natural attractions.
Tivoli is located on the outskirts of Rome: the road from the capital of Italy to the ancient town is about 25 km. You can get to the place by train or bus. It makes little sense to go to Tivoli by car: you will have to leave the transport on the outskirts, and go to the city center on foot. However, if you plan to explore the famous villas located around, your own car will save you from waiting for buses, because these attractions are mainly located at some distance from the town.
Those who decide to spend the night here will fully experience the main feature of the city. The fact is that the water from the taps does not flow ordinary, but carbonated. The temperature of the liquid practically all year round is kept at around 23 ° C. Tivoli mineral waters are excellent for the treatment and prevention of many ailments. For example, they do an excellent job with skin, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases. Mineral water baths also relieve rheumatism and arthritis. You can experience the full power of thermal springs in the recently renovated SPA complexes at many hotels.
What to see in Tivoli
You can safely go to Tivoli for one day: this time is enough to quickly get acquainted with the main attractions of the town. Start your acquaintance with the beauty from the center: here is the beautiful and majestic Rocca Pia fortress, erected in the middle of the 15th century. Over the years, the monolithic medieval building served as either a prison or a museum.
The ancient Cathedral of St. Lorenz deserves special attention. This building is considered one of the oldest in Tivoli: the original building was erected in the 5th century. More "young" are the Church of St. Sylvester and the Church of St. Mary Maggiore: they were built in the 12th century. In the first one you can see the beautifully preserved frescoes. In the temple of Maria Maggiore, the main attraction is the altar created by the master Galvani. In addition to it, the massive Gothic doors (the creation of Angelo Da Tivoli) and the cozy temple chapel are of interest.
Villas Tivoli - the main attractions of the city
However, the main attractions of the Italian town are the villas. The most famous - d'Este - once served as the prototype of the Palace of Versailles in France (Versailles) and Peterhof in Russia (Peterhof). The main beauties of the villa, built in the 16th century, are located outside. This is her architecture, figured garden, numerous exquisite fountains and statues.
The villa of the Roman Emperor Hadrian is located at a distance of 6 km from the city. Today, only ruins remain from the ancient majestic building, erected at the beginning of our era (in the period 118-134). To imagine the scale and splendor of Hadrian's villa, it is better to explore it with an audio guide or after studying the history of the place and the people who lived here.
The Gregorian Villa has the most luxurious territory. There are many amazingly beautiful grottoes, high waterfalls, mountain trails and dark caves. Also at the Villa Gregoriana you can visit several ancient temples, the main of which is the Temple of Vesta.
