Things to Do in Tivoli

Ruins of the ancient Roman acropolis on a hilltop now partly covered by later buildings. You can see remnants of the original polygonal walls and a small forum.

🕐 Accessible any time – the area is open and not gated

💡 It's mostly a series of walls and a few columns – best for history buffs. Combine it with a walk down to the river from Piazza Rivarola for the most complete view.

A 16th-century villa with spectacular terraced gardens featuring hundreds of fountains, including the famous Organ Fountain. The house is decorated with Renaissance frescoes.

🕐 08:30–19:45 (last entry at 18:45), closed Mondays, January 1, and December 25

💡 Entry costs €15, but it's worth it. Go early in the morning on a weekday to avoid crowds and see the fountains with the sun behind them. The lower garden paths are less busy.

Two ancient Roman temples perched on a cliff with a view over the Aniene waterfall. Compact but atmospheric, they date from around 100 BC.

🕐 Always visible from the bridge; park open 10:00–19:00 (hours vary by season)

💡 Best photo spot is from the bridge just below – you'll get the temples and the cascade in one frame. No ticket needed to view from here; the adjacent park costs €5 to enter properly.

A Republican-era temple complex, originally dedicated to Hercules. The ruins include a large terrace and a surviving section of curved wall with arches.

🕐 Always open – it's an archaeological area with no gate or guard

💡 It's free and often empty. Sit on the grass terrace for a picnic with a view of the valley. Bring binoculars – you'll spot the ancient aqueduct across the gorge.

Lush parkland carved by the Aniene river, with waterfalls, caves, and paths through thick vegetation. Gregorovius called it 'a poem in stone'.

🕐 10:00–19:00 (winter until 16:00), closed Tuesdays, December 25, and January 1

💡 Entry is €12, but the afternoon light makes the main waterfall glow. Bring sturdy shoes and a bottle of water – it's steep and there are stairs. Skip the shuttle and walk down.