Villa d'Este in Tivoli: gardens, fountains, tickets and getting there from Rome

Updated on October 1, 2026

Villa d'Este, in Tivoli, combines a 16th-century palace built for Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este with a terraced garden punctuated by dozens of fountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. It opens every day at 8:30am, except on Mondays, when it only opens at 2pm. In October 2026, last entry is at 5:30pm and closing at 6:30pm until 24 October, then 4:30pm and 5:30pm once the clocks go back. A full-price ticket costs €15. The Villae Pass, at €30, gives access within 72 hours to Villa d'Este, [Villa Adriana](/fr/attractions/villa-adriana-tivoli) and the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor. Entry is free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

Highlights

The Organ Fountain

Its monumental facade towers over the large pools at the bottom of the garden. The water organ plays every day from 10:30am, then every two hours: plan your visit around these times.

The Avenue of the Hundred Fountains

A long walkway lined with three stacked, moss-covered channels from which jets of water spring. The eagles and fleurs-de-lis recall the coat of arms of the Este family.

The Oval Fountain

A semicircular cascade set against an artificial grotto, at the end of the Avenue of the Hundred Fountains. It is one of the most photographed corners of the garden.

The Rometta

At the other end of the Avenue of the Hundred Fountains, this fountain depicts ancient Rome in miniature, with the Tiber and Tiber Island.

The palace

The visit begins in the palace apartments, whose rooms are decorated with 16th-century frescoes, before heading down to the garden.

The terraces and viewpoints

The garden is built on a steep slope: each level opens a different view over the fountains and, in the distance, over the Roman countryside.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Prices checked in October 2026: €15 per ticket, €30 for the Villae Pass valid for 72 hours (Villa d'Este, Villa Adriana and the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor). The pass costs the same as two tickets and adds the sanctuary: it is worth it if you combine both villas. Buy tickets on the official ticketing site of the Villae institute, or at the ticket office. Reductions and free admission are available with proof of eligibility. Wear good shoes: the garden is explored via stairs and ramps. After heavy rain and flooding of the Aniene, the water supply to the fountains may be suspended. The exit is through the Piazza Campitelli gate.

How to get there

Piazza Trento 5, 00019 Tivoli (RM). By bus: metro line B to Ponte Mammolo, then a Cotral bus to Tivoli, getting off at Tivoli Piazza Garibaldi (Villa d'Este), 30 to 65 minutes depending on the service; ticket €2.20, or €7 if bought on board (cash, exact change). By train: Trenitalia regional train from Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli, 50 minutes to 1h10, ticket €3, then walk up to the centre following the signs. More details in our guide to [getting around Rome](/fr/articles/transports-rome).