Just for the fun of it, I went to Tivoli recently.
Tivoli is a charming town about 30 km from Rome. Cart couldn’t accompany me so I had to go by myself. At first, I was freaking out as I don’t think I’ve ever been out of Rome without him.
But all my fears was for naught as it was actually ridiculously easy to reach there by public transportation. All you had to do was to take the metro B all the way to Ponte Mammolo. From there, look for the counter that sells COTRAL tickets and get 2 – one to go, and the other to go back. And then head to the bus station, look for the number 2 berth and then sit and enjoy the scenery.
For an even more detailed article on going there, read this link written by Ron in Rome.
I think it’s much more relaxing going by public transportation rather than going by car (or even Sam the scooter!) You don’t have to wait long for a bus and the travel time is less than an hour. You also don’t have to deal with the toll and the traffic, plus you get to enjoy this view :
For 2.20 euro, it’s so worth it. I can’t believe that I didn’t do this sooner!
One of the beauties of Tivoli would have to be Villa D’este.
Like Villa Adriana, the gorgeous Villa D’este is listed as a UNESCO heritage site and the villa is full of majestic renaissance architecture.
When you enter the villa, you will pass through many rooms with gorgeous frescoes. The frescoes were interesting to me as the colours were vivid, as if I was looking through a HD TV.
But when you go down the spiral staircase, is when you find yourself transported in another world.
I gasped when I stepped out, seeing the beautiful garden. It was as if I was transported in a fairyland.
In the autumn, the garden looked quite magical with the rich colour of the trees, accented with the deep moss. But I think that it would be better to visit here during Spring or Summer with the fountains spouting. During colder periods, the fountains are dried out.
Nevertheless, it was breathtaking being here – I channelled my inner Lara Croft, as if I was in a scene from Tomb Raider, the game. The only thing I felt was missing was the running sound effects 😀
From the top where you start, you’ll see the intricate builds of of the period architecture, with the town of Tivoli in the background.
And as you walk down, you’ll be immersed in the tranquillity of the garden. Apart from Tomb Raider, there is something about the place which reminded me of Secondlife as I explored inside.
One of the memorable display for me was a wall full of smaller fountains which when you looked closer has different figures each – aptly, it’s called the “Cento Fontane” or 100 fountains :
Apart from the fountains, there were interesting statues and builds to be discovered at each nook and cranny. All the pictures are taken with my Nexus 5 by the way, I find myself using my PNS lesser and lesser nowadays.
There was even a friendly little kitten that came up to me, and got so comfortable that it took a snooze. So adorable! All in all, I had a relaxing morning in Villa D’este. I don’t mind going back here again!
At this point of writing, Villa D’este is open at 8.30 am every day except Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Tickets cost 8 euro but entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.