A magical and evocative place with the spectacle of the Great Waterfall, the ancient Temples of Vesta and Sibilla, the natural caves and the remains of the ancient Acropolis
Woods, paths, ancient vestiges, natural caves, the Aniene engulfed in the rock and a spectacular waterfall in a park commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the first half of the nineteenth century.
Villa Gregoriana after its restoration, renamed Villa Gregoriana Park by the FAI, is a natural area of great historical and landscape value. A unique scenario between the Roman temples and the roar of the Tivoli waterfalls
The walk inside the park has the Gregorian Bridge as its starting point, you descend along the valley and arrive at the terrace next to the Great Waterfall.
Continuing along the path you can admire, among the dense vegetation, the Neptune’s cave and the Sirens’ cave. Once you reach the bottom, you walk along the ancient river bed on the opposite side and reach the Acropolis where the Temple of the Sibyl and that of Vesta are located , both dating back to around the 1st century BC.
Among the most iconic and famous attractions with an impressive jet of water more than 100 meters high, set among the rocks of the valley. A system of Caves and underground tunnels, an integral part of Valadier’s project, leads visitors behind the waterfall, offering a truly unique view accompanied by rainbows.
In the Valley of Hell
From the Gregoriano bridge, which connects the historic center of Tivoli to the park, you descend into the so-called Valley of Hell: proceeding along the path you can see the caves of Neptune and that of the Sirens, while the vegetation becomes increasingly dense. Once you reach the bottom, you go up the ancient river bed to the Tiburtina Acropolis, located on a rocky spur on which two temples stand, one with a rectangular plan, called the Sibilla, the other with a round plan, called the Vesta .
Neptune’s Cave
The Neptune Cave is one of the two cave systems located near Villa Gregoriana, of great tourist interest due to its historical importance. The Aniene River flowed through Neptune’s Cave before being diverted and taking on its current appearance.
Grotto of the Sirens
The Mermaids’ Cave is the second cave system of the Villa Gregoriana complex. The narrow path and small courtyard leading to the caves are truly a place to photograph.
Temple of Vesta
An ancient Roman temple dominates the top of the hill and offers a spectacular view of the valley below. The “Gregorian Bridge”, an elegant stone arch that crosses the Aniene, connects the two banks of the river, creating an evocative passage for visitors.
Roman villa of Manlio Vopisco
The remains of a Roman villa, cited by the Latin poet Horace, and built in what was the Sacred Woods of Tiburno.
The property was crossed by some canalizations that brought water directly to the house.
Of the villa, 13 rooms remain visible which look like caves, as their architect had conceived them, well integrated into the natural environment.
The Belvedere Nymphaeum
An artificial Roman cave built on a cliff where there was probably another waterfall. The Aniene river was channeled already in Roman times to avoid flooding and to power a network of mills whose remains have been discovered.
Moillis route
Walk through the eerie Moillis Path which was carved into the mountain in 1809 to make it easier for painters and other visitors to reach the caves.
Along the way, you can admire small bridges, fountains and niches, which help provide a unique visual and historical experience. Benches to rest or eat and drink what you brought from home and board games.
During your visit, you may encounter numerous species of birds, butterflies and other wildlife that inhabit the area
The entrance to the Villa Gregoriana Park is located in Largo Sant’Angelo.
Villa Gregoriana
Largo Sant’Angelo 1
Tivoli (Rome)
Lazio – Italy
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