Step outside of Rome and back in time with a visit to the beautiful ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s lavish retreat. Pools, steam baths, fountains and gardens (and more).

As far as Roman Emperors go, Hadrian was one of the best. A humanist, a lover of Greek culture, and he has an impressive CV. He’s actually one of the Five Good Emperors (yes, there were only five). Also among his accomplishments is the rebuilding of the Pantheon, and the design of this beautiful villa just outside Rome.

The Villa Adriana at Tivoli combines elements of the architectural heritage of Egypt, Greece and Rome into the form of an 'ideal city'. Originally intended as a retreat, Hadrian made it his official residence around 128 AD, where he lived with his court, governing Rome from just outside the city.

Surrounded by an immense park, this complex of classical buildings is over 80 hectares and has, in addition to its ancient Roman ruins, spas and houses from the 1700s. Highlights include the Teatro Marittimo, an artificial island which was a private residence of the emperor, the Canopo, a huge rectangular pool encircled by sculptures, and the tomb - or perhaps temple - believed to have been built by Hadrian for his lover Antinous, after he drowned in Egypt.

With arcades, gardens, pools and all manner of architectural marvels, Villa Adriana is a fascinating window into the life at court of a Roman emperor, or even simply the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome, in an environment charged with ancient fascination.