Hadrian's Villa

The Villa of the Emperor Hadrian at Tivoli even in ruined condition is one of the most spectacular Roman gardens of which it is possible still to get a sense by visiting the site. "Walking around it today, it is still possible to experience something of the variety of architectural forms and settings, and the skillful way in which Hadrian and his architect have contrived the meetings of the axes, the surprises that await the turning of a corner, and the vistas that open to view." Sir Banister Fletcher wrote in his History of Architecture.

Related Topics:
Tivoli - Banister Fletcher

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The villa created at Tibur as a retreat from Rome for Hadrian early in the 2nd century was a complex of over 30 buildings, covering an area of at least 1 square kilometre (c. 250 acres) of which much is still unexcavated. Hadrian's Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Related Topics:
Tibur - Hadrian - UNESCO - World Heritage Site

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Hadrian's Villa was the greatest Roman example of an Alexandrian garden, recreating a sacred landscape, still traceable in spite of the despoliation of the ruins by the Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, who had much of the marble removed to build his gardens at the Villa d'Este nearby.

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