Hadrian's Villa, Roman villa in Tivoli, Italy
Description
Hadrian's Villa is a sprawling archaeological site at the foot of the Tiburtine Mountains near Tivoli, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) east of Rome. The complex spreads across gently sloping terrain and includes ruins of palaces, temples, gardens, pools, and baths connected by pathways and terraces.
History
Emperor Hadrian commissioned the residence between 118 and 138 AD to create a seat of government outside Rome that reflected elements from his travels across the empire. After his death, later emperors continued to use the compound, but it fell into neglect during the Middle Ages and served as a quarry for building materials.
Culture
T h e name " C anopus " refers to an Egyptian town Ha dr i an admired d ur ing his travels, and the pool ther e is lined with statue s br ought from across the Mediterranean. Visitors walk through columned portic oes where replicas of female figures stand today, giving a sense of how decoration framed water and sky.
Practical
The park is large and requires several hours on foot, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are advisable. The museum near the entrance displays finds from excavations and provides an overview of the site before exploring the outdoor areas.
Did you know?
The Maritime Theatre consists of a small circular island surrounded by a water-filled moat and accessible only by movable wooden bridges. This secluded space likely served Hadrian as a private retreat where he could work or reflect undisturbed.
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