Italy’s Tivoli gardens on a Monday
Never visit Italy’s Tivoli gardens on a Monday, unless you see an attraction in lots of parking spaces and the absence of other tourists.
I should have known it from the start. Monday is not a good day for visiting public sights in Italy, but I honestly did not think they would close down the Tivoli gardens in Lazio outside Rome in the shoulder season. My suspicions were not even aroused, when we could drive right into the centre of town and find an empty parking lot. Or when we looked down towards the Villa d’Este and saw only the solitary war memorial with no life around it.
Rocca Pia and pictures from the town of Tivoli
The Roman Emperor’s Summer Residence
Tivoli has two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and I was so convinced that for once we would have plenty of time to see both the beautiful garden fountains of the Villa d’Este and the spectacular ruins of Villa Adriana, where Roman emperors used to take their summer break.
The illusion did not shatter until we were standing outside the locked entrance to Villa d’Este. At that point it started to drizzle, but there were no signs announcing opening hours, so perhaps they had just closed for lunch?
Other sights
We strolled through the deserted pedestrian streets, and ended up outside the Rocca Pia castle, which could also only be glimpsed through iron fencing. At that point it was raining hard and we ran into a café for lunch and shelter. They served a nice slice of pizza, while the lightly amused man behind the bar informed us there was nothing to do in Tivoli on a Monday. ‘Everything is closed. The villas, the ruins, the gardens. Tutto.’
When the sights are open and it’s not raining Tivoli is bound to be a beautiful place to visit.
By the end of the meal rain pelted down, the sky was a uniform dark grey and visibility was so limited we couldn’t even enjoy the fabulous views of Rome normally offered by this hilltop town.
So instead of finding a hotel and make a fresh start Tuesday, we decided to move on and come back to Italy’s Tivoli gardens some other time. But never on a Monday.
I love the 3/4 bust. What an amazing sculpture – Tivoli is definitely a not-to-be-missed place with the art, architecture and food. Wow!
Beautiful…
Thanks
Similar to many museums being closed in Mondays, is it… At least you saw it from the outside :)
Oh yes – Always look on the bright side …
Tivoli was one of my favorite places in all of Europe. Such a nice relaxed pace compared to Rome. And I loved that Hadrian’s Villa had no guards or ropes, you simply enjoyed it!
That’s quite a recommendation. Thanks for sharing:)
Sorry you got there when everything was closed. Well, at least you got to go back the following day. So. I hope to see those posts soon. I have always wanted to visit Tivoli but never got around to it when we were in Rome.
Sorry to say, I didn’t go back the following day;)
Gorgeous images! I am sorry that your timing was off but thrilled to know that you are adept at adjusting your plans and remaining optimistic! Enjoy the return trip and future explorations of Tivoli!
Will do, though right now I’m planning a detour through Liguria and Tuscany.
Italy is romantic and perfect.
As always! Love it.
Thank you for this post =)
Yes. Even on Mondays.
I thought everyone nowadays checked opening days/hours on
internet before setting out…or , old style, buy a guide book?
I can’t believe people just ‘go’ with no planning.
Obviously, you haven’t met us:) A lot of the time we travel on a whim, and more often than not this leads to unusual and memorable adventures – like finding out what else to do in Tivoli.