Villa Gregoriana Park

Villa Gregoriana is a landscaped park and archaeological park in Tivoli centred on a steep river gorge and a series of waterfalls. The site combines engineered landscape works with ruins and natural features.

Paths, stairways and tunnels descend the gorge and give close access to cascades formed by the Aniene River and to viewpoints over the valley. Walks through the park pass ruins, planted areas and constructed viewpoints that were developed in the 19th century.

The site was developed in the 19th century under the patronage of Pope Gregory to manage flooding and to create a public park incorporating the gorge. Since then it has been managed as a public garden and heritage site, with conservation of both natural and archaeological elements.

It lies in the town of Tivoli east of Rome, set along the Aniene valley and commonly visited from Rome as part of day trips to Tivoli’s gardens and ruins.

• Gorge, waterfalls and paths: Contains a landscaped park carved around a deep river gorge with paths and stairways that lead to waterfalls and viewpoints.
• Near other Tivoli sites: Located in Tivoli, it is commonly visited alongside nearby ancient sites such as Hadrian’s Villa and the town’s historic centre.

Villa Gregoriana is in Tivoli (east of Rome) next to the Aniene gorge and Villa d’Este. From Rome take the regional train from Roma Tiburtina or Roma Termini to Tivoli (about 30-40 minutes depending on service); from Tivoli town centre it’s a 10-20 minute walk down to Villa Gregoriana. By car it’s about 25-35 km east of central Rome via the A24/SS5 depending on route.

• Visit early in the day to enjoy the gorge and waterfall with far fewer people than the nearby Villa d'Este; the light in the morning also photographs the cascades and cave openings best.
• Follow the marked paths down into the park rather than skimming the rim-many visitors miss the lower viewpoints, grottoes and engineered walkways that bring you close to the waterfall and the river gorge.