We departed Rome early in an attempt to beat rush hour traffic, which was largely successful. Our route to the Gargano Peninsula took us to the hill town of Tivoli and a stop to visit Villa Adriana, also known as Hadrian's Villa. Hadrian was a Roman emperor who needed a vacation spot so he had the Villa built in the early second century A.D.
While walking the grounds one can imagine the opulence of the time. The peaceful surroundings would have been ideal for a busy executive such as Hadrian. He would have been surrounded by numerous water features, fountains, pools, baths and, of course, many servants. What a life.
Hadrian ruled from 117-138 A.D. and visited all parts of the Roman Empire, even building "Hadrian's Wall" in Britain. He lived to the ripe old age of sixty-two, so hopefully he had time to enjoy Villa Adriana.
Hadrian ruled from 117-138 A.D. and visited all parts of the Roman Empire, even building "Hadrian's Wall" in Britain. He lived to the ripe old age of sixty-two, so hopefully he had time to enjoy Villa Adriana.
Hadrian's Villa is a very worthwhile stop and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the hustle and bustle of our tour it was a very relaxing interlude, on our long drive from Rome to the beautiful town of Vieste on the Gargano Peninsula, our next destination.