Before starting the work to create the fabulous fountains of the “Villa d’Este”, it was necessary to convert into a great palace what had been, the monastery and cloister where Benedictines and Franciscans lived. The official residence of the governor of Tivoli needed to be a dignified palace, not only to accommodate renowned families such as the D’Estes and Borgias, but also worthy of a Cardinal who aspired to be Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Continue reading “La Villa d’Este, much more than fountains”
The “Fontana di Diana di Efeso”, also known as the Fountain of Mother Nature, is located nowadays at the opposite end of the “Palazzo d’Este” and in the line of sight of the Fountain of the Dragons. It was originally next to the “Fontana dell’Organo”. 
The “Fontana della Civetta” or Fountain of the Owl is the work of Giovanni de Duca and is from the mid-16th century. Unlike other fountains in the Villa d’Este, the “Fontana della Civetta” seems to be more formal as it is on a separate terrace bordered by walls with niches. 
On the terrace above the gardens of the “Villa d’Este” in Tivoli we find the Tripod Fountain. This fountain is a replica of an ancient Roman fountain found today in Paris, France, specifically in the Louvre Museum. 
In the Villa d’Este, the path that leads and connects the Oval and Rometta fountains is known as the “Paseo” or the “Avenida de las Cien Fuentes”. There are one hundred fountains that flank the path between both fountains. 
Upon entering Villa d’Este, one is lead to an inner courtyard that borders “Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore”. In this courtyard is the first of many beautiful fountains that one will find in the “Villa d’Este”.