Visit Hadrian’s villa near Rome
A few kilometres from Rome, in the town of Tivoli, stands one of the most spectacular testimonies to the grandeur of the Roman Empire: Hadrian’s Villa. Spread over more than 120 hectares, this imperial residence built in the 2nd century is fascinating for its innovative architecture and remarkable state of preservation. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, it offers a unique insight into the refinement of ancient Rome and provides a better understanding of the personality of one of the most cultured emperors in Roman history. Follow this comprehensive guide to prepare for your visit to this exceptional archaeological site.
What is Hadrian’s Villa?
Hadrian’s Villa, or Villa Adriana in Italian, is a vast imperial residence built in the 2nd century AD by the emperor Hadrian (117-138). Located in Tivoli, around 30 kilometres east of Rome, it covers an area of over 120 hectares, making it one of the largest villas of Roman antiquity. Much more than a simple residence, it was a veritable small city, complete with palaces, thermal baths, libraries, theatres, temples and sumptuous gardens.
Hadrian, the erudite emperor and great traveller, designed this villa as a place of retreat and reflection. With his passion for architecture and foreign cultures, he reproduced the monuments and landscapes that had impressed him on his travels throughout the Empire, from Greece to Egypt. The result is a unique architectural ensemble that harmoniously blends Roman, Greek and Egyptian influences, testifying to the open-mindedness of this cultured emperor.
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How do I get to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome?
Located in Tivoli, Hadrian’s Villa is easily accessible from Rome by various means of transport. Here are the main options for getting to this exceptional site.
By bus from Rome
The cheapest option is the Cotral bus. Get off at the Ponte Mammolo metro station (line B) in Rome, then take a Cotral bus in the direction of Tivoli. Get off at the “Bivio Villa Adriana” stop, which is about 300 metres from the entrance to the site. The journey takes around 50 minutes and costs around €2.60. Buses run regularly throughout the day.
By train from Rome
From Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina station, take a regional train to Tivoli. Once you arrive at Tivoli station, take a number 4 CAT local bus, which will drop you off near Hadrian’s Villa. The train journey takes around 30 minutes, but the whole journey with the local bus can take between 1 and 1 hour 15 minutes.
By car
If you have a car, take the A24 motorway towards L’Aquila and exit at “Tivoli”. Then follow the signs for “Villa Adriana”. Free parking is available near the entrance to the site. The journey from the centre of Rome takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
By taxi or VTC
For greater convenience, you can book a taxi or VTC from Rome. Expect to pay between €50 and €70 for a one-way trip. This is a particularly good option if you are travelling in a group.
With an organised guided tour
Many agencies offer day trips from Rome that include transport, entrance fees and an English-speaking guide. This is a practical solution that often allows you to combine a visit to Hadrian’s Villa with one to Villa d’Este, another of Tivoli’s jewels.
Opening times and prices for Villa d’Hadrien
1. Opening hours
The Villa d’Hadrien is open every day of the year, except 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Opening times vary according to the season:
- From 26 October to 30 November: 9am – 5.15pm (last entry at 4.15pm)
- From 2 January to 25 March: 9am – 5pm (last admission at 4pm)
- 26 March to 30 June: 9am – 7pm (last entry at 6pm)
- 1 July to 31 August: 9am – 7pm (last entry at 6pm)
- From 1 September to the last Sunday in October: 9am – 7pm (last entry at 6pm)
To make the most of your visit, we recommend arriving at least two hours before closing time.
2. Admission prices
Prices for visiting Hadrian’s Villa are as follows:
- Standard adult ticket: €10
- Youth ticket (13-17 years): €8
- Children’s ticket (6-12 years): €5
- Free for children under 6
- Admission ticket: €15
Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month and on certain Italian national holidays (25 April, 2 June and 4 November). Combined tickets with Villa d’Este are also available at a reduced rate.
3. Online booking
We strongly advise you to book your tickets online via the CoopCulture website or other specialist platforms. Booking allows you to avoid queues, which are particularly long in high season, and guarantees you access to the site at peak times. A €2 booking fee generally applies.
Download the audio tour to discover Rome on foot and on your own
To make the most of your stay in the Rome region, don’t hesitate to download our audio tour of Rome. Our tour takes you through the Eternal City’s iconic monuments, from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum and Trastevere. With 24 entertaining audio guides and interactive navigation, explore Rome like never before. The tour also includes recommendations for organising an excursion to Tivoli and discovering Hadrian’s Villa in the best possible conditions.
What can you see at Hadrian’s Villa?
The archaeological site of Hadrian’s Villa is packed with exceptional monuments. Here are the must-see sights not to be missed during your visit.
1. Le Pecile
The Pecile is a huge rectangular portico inspired by the Painted Portico of Athens, which the Emperor Hadrian admired on his travels. Measuring 232 metres long and 97 metres wide, this space was lined with columns and surrounded by a vast central pool. It was a place for philosophical walks, where the emperor liked to meditate. The monumental dimensions of the Pecile bear witness to Hadrian’s desire to recreate the atmosphere of the great Greek public spaces within his private residence.
2. Maritime Theatre
The Maritime Theatre, also known as the “Enchanted Island”, is one of the villa’s most original monuments. It is a small circular residence built on an artificial island, surrounded by a canal and a columned portico. Accessible via a movable bridge, this pavilion housed a library, rest rooms and a miniature garden. It was Hadrian’s most intimate refuge, where the emperor retreated to read, meditate and isolate himself from his court. The circular architecture and ingenious layout of the rooms reveal Hadrian’s taste for architectural innovation and his need for solitude.
3. The Canopus and the Serapium
The Canopus is undoubtedly the most spectacular feature of Hadrian’s Villa. It is a 119-metre long basin lined with columns, statues and sculptures, reproducing the canal that linked Alexandria to the city of Canopus in Egypt. At the far end of the basin is the Serapium, a monumental nymphaeum where Hadrian held summer banquets sheltered from the heat. The half-dome vault and sophisticated water features created a refreshing and majestic atmosphere. This complex bears witness to Hadrian’s fascination with Egyptian culture and the ingenuity of Roman hydraulic engineers.
4. Thermal baths (large and small)
The villa comprised two spa complexes: the Grand Thermes and the Petits Thermes. These facilities reflect the importance of bathing in Roman society. The Great Baths, intended for the court and guests, included a frigidarium (cold bath), a tepidarium (warm bath) and a caldarium (hot bath), as well as gymnasiums and massage rooms. The more intimate Petits Thermes were probably reserved for the emperor and his immediate family. You can still admire the remains of the underfloor heating systems (hypocausts) and the magnificent mosaics that adorned these relaxation areas.
5. Piazza d’Oro
The “Golden Square” owes its name to the richness of its ornamentation. This vast reception area comprised a peristyle surrounding a courtyard adorned with pools and fountains. The walls were covered in precious marble, the columns were made of Carrara marble, and the floors were adorned with refined mosaics. The remains of gilded stucco that still remain bear witness to the extraordinary luxury of this space. The Piazza d’Oro was probably used for official receptions and imperial ceremonies, where Hadrian received dignitaries and ambassadors from all over the Empire.
6. The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace was the residential heart of the villa. It housed Hadrian’s private flats, reception rooms and the famous Triclinium, a huge banqueting hall where the emperor held his feasts. The palace also contained a double library, divided into Greek and Latin sections, testifying to Hadrian’s encyclopaedic culture. The frescoes and marble that decorated these areas have unfortunately disappeared, but the sheer size of the ruins still allows us to imagine the splendour of these premises. It was here that the daily life of the emperor and his court took place.
7. Gardens and esplanades
Beyond the buildings, Hadrian’s Villa had vast landscaped gardens with groves of olive trees, cypresses and umbrella pines. The gardens were adorned with fountains, statues and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These green spaces were not just decorative: they were also used for the villa’s agricultural production. Fruit, vegetables and herbs were grown here. The tree-lined paths and shaded areas were an invitation to stroll and contemplate, in the spirit of Greek philosophical gardens.
8. The Didactic Museum
Before starting your visit to the archaeological site, don’t miss the Didactic Museum located at the entrance. It features a scale model of the villa in its original state, which will help you visualise the architectural complex. You’ll also find copies of statues discovered during the excavations, as well as explanations of the history of the site and Roman construction techniques. This introduction is invaluable in helping you to better understand what you’re about to discover as you explore the ruins.
Practical tips for visiting Hadrian’s Villa
1. How much time should I allow for the visit?
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to visit Hadrian’s Villa. The site is vast and requires a lot of walking. History and archaeology buffs can easily devote half a day to it. If you also want to visit Rome in the same day, plan a full day with an early start.
2. When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal times to visit Hadrian’s Villa. The temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer visitors than in summer. If possible, avoid July and August, when the heat can be overwhelming and the site is very busy. To enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, opt for opening times (9am) or late afternoons.
3. What to wear
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site is extensive and includes dirt and gravel paths. In summer, bring a hat, sun cream and plenty of water, as much of the route is not shaded. In winter, bring a jacket as temperatures can be chilly. Casual clothing is perfectly appropriate for the visit.
4. Is there an audio guide?
Audio guides in several languages, including French, are available for hire at the entrance for around €5. They provide detailed explanations of the history of the site and its main monuments. You can also download free mobile applications before your visit. If you prefer, group tours with a French-speaking guide are offered by various agencies.
5. Can we bring food?
It is permitted to bring water and small snacks. However, picnics are not permitted inside the archaeological site. There is a bar-cafeteria at the entrance where you can buy drinks and snacks. If you want to have lunch, it’s best to plan to do so before or after your visit, in one of Tivoli’s restaurants.
6. Is the site accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Part of the site is wheelchair accessible, including the most iconic areas such as the Canopus and the Pecile. However, some sections have stairs and dirt paths that may be difficult to access. It is advisable to contact the site in advance to obtain precise information on accessibility and, if necessary, to be accompanied.
7. Can it be combined with a visit to Villa d’Este?
You bet! Villa d’Este, famous for its Italian-style gardens and spectacular fountains, is also in Tivoli. If you have a full day, you can visit both sites. Reduced-price combined tickets are available. Allow around 1? to 2 hours for the Villa d’Este. A local bus links the two sites in just a few minutes.
To organise your stay in Rome and discover all the treasures of the Italian capital, don’t forget to download our audio tour of Rome. Our itinerary guides you through the must-see sites of the Eternal City and gives you all the keys you need to make your trip a success.
History of Hadrian’s Villa
1. Construction under Emperor Hadrian
Construction of Hadrian’s Villa began around 118 AD, shortly after Emperor Hadrian’s accession to the throne. Unlike most Roman emperors, who preferred to reside in the heart of Rome, Hadrian chose to move away from the capital and build himself a residence in Tivoli, in a green, hilly region. The project took almost twenty years to complete and involved hundreds of architects, engineers and workers.
Hadrian was an atypical emperor: cultured, an art lover, passionate about architecture and a great traveller. He spent much of his reign travelling through the provinces of the Roman Empire, from Brittany to Egypt. During his travels, he was struck by the monuments and landscapes he discovered. Hadrian’s Villa became the place where he could recreate these wonders: the Canopus evokes Egypt, the Pecile recalls Athens, and the Maritime Theatre is inspired by Greek architecture. More than just a residence, it was an architectural manifesto reflecting the emperor’s cosmopolitan vision.
2. Abandonment and pillage after Hadrian’s death
After Hadrian’s death in 138 AD, the villa was used by his immediate successors, but gradually fell into disuse. Later emperors preferred other residences, and the villa lost its importance. Over the centuries, it suffered the ravages of time, earthquakes and, above all, looting. From the Renaissance onwards, nobles and popes had statues, columns and marble taken down to decorate their own palaces. Many of the works of art discovered in the villa can now be found in museums around the world, including the Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums.
3. Rediscovery and archaeological digs
It was in the 16th century that Hadrian’s Villa regained interest among Renaissance artists and scholars. The site became a major source of inspiration for architects such as Andrea Palladio, who studied Roman proportions and construction techniques. The first systematic excavations began in the 18th century, notably under the impetus of Cardinal Giuseppe Alessandro Furietti, who discovered the famous Furietti Centaurs, now on display in the Capitoline Museums.
Excavations continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, gradually revealing the extent and richness of the site. In 1999, UNESCO declared Hadrian’s Villa a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its exceptional historical and architectural importance. Excavations and restoration work continue to this day, providing a better understanding of this monumental complex.
4. Historical anecdotes about Hadrian’s Villa
Hadrian’s Villa has many fascinating stories. It is said that Hadrian spent hours designing certain buildings himself, not hesitating to correct the plans of his architects. His love for his companion Antinous, a young Greek who died tragically in the Nile, permeates the site: numerous statues of him have been found in the villa.
Beneath the villa lies a vast network of underground corridors used by the staff to move around discreetly and transport food and goods without disturbing the emperor. These galleries bear witness to the impressive logistical organisation required to run such a complex.
Finally, it’s funny to note that the villa was so big that Hadrian could spend several days there without taking the same route twice. It was truly a small town in itself, with its residential quarters, leisure areas, administrative zones and gardens.
In conclusion, a visit to Hadrian’s Villa is an unforgettable experience that takes you back 2,000 years to the heart of Imperial Rome. This exceptional site bears witness to Roman architectural genius and the fascinating personality of the Emperor Hadrian. Easily accessible from Rome, this day trip to Tivoli is the perfect way to discover the Eternal City. Don’t forget to download our audioguided itinerary for visiting Rome to make the most of your stay and discover all the secrets of the Italian capital. Whether you’re passionate about history, architecture or simply in search of beauty, Hadrian’s Villa will amaze you with its grandeur and unique atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions about Hadrian’s Villa
Can tickets be purchased on site?
Yes, it is possible to buy tickets directly at the entrance to Hadrian’s Villa. However, in high season, queues can be long. We strongly recommend that you book your tickets online in advance via the CoopCulture website or other specialised platforms to save time and guarantee your access.
Is there a restaurant on site?
There is a bar-cafeteria at the entrance to the site where you can buy cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches. For a real meal, it’s best to head to the centre of Tivoli, just a short bus ride away, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and trattorias serving authentic Italian cuisine.
Can I take photos at Hadrian’s Villa?
Yes, photography is permitted throughout the site for personal use. Visitors may take photos and videos without flash. Prior authorisation may be required for professional photography or the use of tripods. It is forbidden to use drones without special authorisation.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Hadrian’s Villa can be visited by the whole family, but it’s important to bear in mind that the site is vast and requires a lot of walking. Children over the age of 8 will generally enjoy the visit, especially if they are familiar with Roman history. For younger children, plan to take breaks and make the visit fun by telling them stories about the Roman emperors. Admission is free for the under-6s and reduced for the 6-12s.
Can we visit the two Tivoli villas in the same day?
Yes, it is quite possible to visit Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este in the same day. Allow around 2h30-3h for the Villa d’Hadrien in the morning, then 1h30-2h for the Villa d’Este in the afternoon. The two sites are around 3 kilometres apart and linked by a local bus. Reduced-price combined tickets are available. To make the most of this double visit, leave Rome early and plan a full day.
Are there guided tours in French?
Guided tours in French are regularly organised by various specialist agencies. You can book these tours online before you leave. They usually last 2 to 3 hours and often include transport from Rome. A French audio guide is also available for hire on site for those who prefer to visit at their own pace.
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