Villa d'Este Founain Detail Photo © Alice Joyce
Commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, Villa d’Este is generally proclaimed to be the ultimate Renaissance garden. Sited near Hadrian’s Villa, with a design by Pirro Ligorio, the vast gardens spread across a steep landscape, taking in an enchanting vista of the town of Tivoli.
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- Villa d’Este Fountain Detail – Photo Copyright Alice Joyce
Ligorio employed terraces to work with the difficult yet dramatic terrain, creating a complex symmetry to delineate, and to draw one into the layout of the garden scheme. Although many original sculptures no longer exist to enliven the setting, the flamboyant water elements, for which the garden is known, still effectively startle and delight.
- Villa d’Este Fountain Cascade Photo © Alice Joyce
To walk the Villa’s pathways is to be immersed in the art and history of gardening, aware that this exalted achievement demonstrates the Cardinal’s unqualified egocentric vision. It’s believed to have taken a half-century to complete these gardens. By blocking out the sounds of other visitors, you’ll imagine the experience of these magnificent surroundings in the late-16th century.
Prey yourself away from the Villa’s overlook, gazing upon the glistening organ fountain – the Fountain of Nature, and you’ll lose touch with modern-day Italy.
Villa d'Este Oval Fountain Detail Photo © Alice Joyce
Villa d'Este Grotto Photo © Alice Joyce
Villa d'Este The One Hundred Fountains Photo © Alice Joyce
Avenue of the One Hundred Fountains – In moving through the garden’s compelling structure, you’ll revel in the exuberant display of the Hundred Fountains, with its echoing play of water…
…and stand mesmerized before the nymphaeum, and fabled cascades of the Oval Fountain.
Dear Alice, Surely this must count as one of the world’s greatest gardens ever. But then, where gardens are concerned, I believe that the Italians are without equal. Enjoy your weekend.
Dear Edith,
Dare I say, being of Italian heritage, the gardens of Italy to leave me breathless!
extrodinary gardens, quite stunning…
Exquisite gardens, now i realized i miss a great part of Rome when i went there but not able to see this one. I only had 3 days and because in a hurry, i missed several wonderful places to visit. But i saw lots of fountains too, just not gardens! thanks for letting me realize what i missed
now THAT is what i call a water feature … (Thanks for asking – New Zealand earthquake did not affect me.)
Dear Alice, I have just read through earlier entries. I haven’t visited your blog for ages, and am so pleased to be back. It’s such a pleasure to vicariously visit superbly fascinating varied gardens. cheers, CM