Villa Gregoriana Park (Parco Villa Gregoriana)
The basics
Parco Villa Gregoriana, commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the early 19th century, is known for its wild and dramatic landscape. Set at the edge of a wooded gorge on a bend in the Aniene River, the park's rugged terrain makes for excellent hikes through the woods that run from one side of the ravine to the other. The ancient Roman necropolis at Tivoli sits right behind the park, while a Roman villa and the Temple of Vesta sit within. Pope Gregory XVI commissioned the park to rebuild the bed of the Aniene, resulting in the creation of the park's second waterfall, which can be seen from the trails, along with fascinating cliffs and river caves.
Experience nature in the Roman countryside without straying far from the city by visiting Parco Villa Gregoriana on a day trip from Rome. Purchase your ticket in advance to skip the lines at the entrance, or join a Tivoli tour that includes a visit to the Villa Gregoriana Park, Villa d’Este, and Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) nearby. You can also pair your walk through the park with a market tour and cooking class in Tivoli to combine culture and cuisine in one day.
Things to know before you go
- The Villa Gregoriana Park is a haven for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- The park offers an attractive day trip for families with kids who need an outdoor break from the museums and churches in Rome.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather if planning on setting off to explore the park’s trails.
- The trails in Villa Gregoriana Park are not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to get there
The Villa Gregoriana Park is located in Tivoli, less than an hour from Rome. Take highway A24 (Roma – L’Aquila) and exit at Tivoli, or take a train or bus from central Rome. Otherwise, join a tour from Rome that includes round-trip transportation.
When to get there
The park is best explored on clear days with mild temperatures, though the shaded woods stay relatively cool even during the dog days of summer. Arrive early in the day if you want to spend a few hours hiking the trails. The park is closed from mid-December to March.
Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana)
Tivoli is primarily known as home to two spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Renaissance palace of Villa d'Este, with its extravagant gardens and fountains; and the ruins of Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana), Emperor Hadrian’s grand retreat dating from the second century.
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