Day Trip from Rome: Villa d'Este and its Gardens

Villa d'Este was commissioned by the Cardinal Ippolitto II d'Este and constructed by the Napolitan architect, Pirro Ligorio, in 1550, at the height of the Italian renaissance. It is renowned for its artistic wonders, but in particular Villa d'Este is famed for its 255 waterfalls, its 100 pools and 50 fountains among the other fantastic and original renaissance designs that transform the gardens into an enchanting oasis.