If you're planning to visit this natural monument, prepare yourselves for ubiquitous bubbling, dripping and splashing of water, but also intoxicating smell of citrus trees and climbing roses. Tall cypress trees, oaks or sycamores will humble you with their grandeur. The magnificent garden, which was built between 1549 and 1569, with only several parts having been preserved from its original state, is an ideal place for lovers. You'll feel a breath of romance here every step you take!
The dominant feature of the garden is the water element, present in the form of countless rivers, streams and waterfalls. It is gravity-irrigated by the river Anione, led through a 600-meter underground tunnel. Taking a walk through numerous staircases and terraces, which are really plentiful here, is a luxurious experience. If you have time, you can try to count them - 250 waterworks, 255 cascades, 50 fountains, 20 terraces... The most eye-catching is the Fontana dei Draghi or Ovato. It will take you at least 2.5 hours to see all the splendor. And if you'd also like to smell the three thousand plants, visit the interior of the Renaissance villa and enjoy the rich artistic decoration, you're bound to stay even longer. Soaking up this magnificent nature with all your senses, all the harmony, peace and relaxation will make for a very special, unforgettable experience.
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The fountain OvatoSource: en.wikipedia.org
Heritage of the d'Este family
The garden was created by the architects Alberto Galvani and Pirro Ligorio, who, by the way, designed not only the garden itself, but also the famous villa. Villa d´Este had been owned by the d´Este family and was later transferred to the ownership of the Habsburgs. In 2002, it was added on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which only underlines its magnificence. In 2007 it was awarded the title of the most beautiful garden in Europe. This luxury spectacle is certain to provide an experience to remember for the rest of your life.
Valuable travel advice
There's always a price for beauty. In this particular case, it makes EUR 10 per ticket off season and EUR 13 in the main season. You don't have to worry about getting there. The villa, the surrounding gardens as well as the luxurious hydraulic organs can be reached by car, bus or train.
