Villa Gregoriana

Roman Site in Tivoli

To the east of Piazza Rivarola, the picturesque Ponte Gregoriana gracefully spans the rugged gorge of the Aniene River, leading to the grand entrance of the Villa Gregoriana park. This remarkable estate was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in 1835, serving as a testament to both his vision and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The Aniene River, once a source of devastating floods, is ingeniously tamed by the Traforo Gregoriano, a remarkable feat of engineering completed between 1826 and 1835. This long double tunnel, carved through the western flank of Monte Catillo, redirects the river’s flow, preventing destructive inundations and harnessing its power to create breathtaking waterfalls. As the diverted waters emerge from the tunnel, they cascade down in a series of magnificent falls, boasting a total drop of 160 meters.

At the culmination of this majestic display lies the awe-inspiring Grande Cascata, a towering waterfall measuring 108 meters in height. From vantage points atop the upper and middle terraces, visitors can marvel at the sheer spectacle of nature’s force as it plunges into the gorge below. Within the verdant expanse of the park, other enchanting features await exploration, including the ethereal Sirens’ Grotto and the atmospheric Grotto of Neptune, where the ancient course of the Aniene once flowed.

For those seeking adventure, a winding path ascends from the entrance of the gallery, zigzagging its way up to the exit near the park’s two temples. With each step, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, offering glimpses of the timeless beauty and tranquility that define the Villa Gregoriana park.

The Villa Gregoriana appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tivoli!

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Visiting Villa Gregoriana

Hours:

29 April to 30 June: 10 AM to 06:30 PM

1 July to 5 September: 9 AM to 8 PM

6 September to 10 October: 10 AM to 06:30 PM

11 October to 30 October: 10 AM to 6 PM

31 October to 19 December: 10 AM to 06:30 PM

Price:

€10

Address: Villa Gregoriana, Largo Sant'Angelo, Tivoli, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Duration: 20 minutes

Official Website