Parco Villa Gregoriana, commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the early 19th century, is known for its wild and dramatic landscape. Set at the edge of a wooded gorge on a bend in the Aniene River, the park's rugged terrain makes for excellent hikes through the woods that run from one side of the ravine to the other. The ancient Roman necropolis at Tivoli sits right behind the park, while a Roman villa and the Temple of Vesta sit within.
The park is easily visited on a day trip from Rome. You can purchase your ticket in advance to skip the lines at the entrance, or join a Tivoli tour that includes a visit to the Villa Gregoriana Park, Villa d’Este, and Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) nearby.
The Villa Gregoriana Park is in Tivoli, less than 1 hour from Rome. Take highway A24 (Roma – L’Aquila) and exit at Tivoli, or take a train or bus from central Rome. Otherwise, join a tour from Rome that includes round-trip transportation.
The park is best explored on clear days with mild temperatures, though the shaded woods stay relatively cool even in the summertime. Arrive early in the day if you want to spend a few hours hiking the trails. The park is closed from mid-December to March.
Tivoli is primarily known as home to two spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Renaissance palace of Villa d'Este, with its extravagant gardens and fountains; and the ruins of Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana), Emperor Hadrian’s grand retreat dating from the 2nd century. Many tours combine visits to the park with both villas.