Villa Adriana - Hadrian's Villa
Outside Rome, a bit southwest of the town of Tivoli, the monumental Roman ruins of Villa Adriana stand as a testament to the ambitions and fancies of Emperor Hadrian.
Based upon Hadrian's design and built in the 2nd century A.D., the villa site presents a remarkable fusion of ostentatious architecture - a vast complex of buildings and thermal baths - cradled within hundreds of acres of green terrain.
Used as the Emperor's retreat, the once impeccable garden settings demonstrate the influences of Greek and Egyptian art, especially the preserved area of the Canopus; its name taken from an Egyptian city. Set off by magnificent statuary and fountains, the central feature - a long reflecting pool, is watched over by caryatids - figures copied from the Athenian temple of Erechteion, and linked to the god Sarapis.
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Thanks for that. Hadrian was a fascinating figure and good to see his ideas on gardening.
ReplyDeleteWow! That was impressive inspite of the obvious ruin. That reflecting pool looks so tranquil.
ReplyDeleteBTW, how do you get your photos to appear side-by-side? I had no idea you could do that with Blogger!
Alice, it always amazes me that so much of the roman buildings are left, they have been up such a long time. I know a lot of people have robbed the stone over the year but I am surprised more hasn't been taken. I felt the same when I visited Hadrian's Wall in the North of England. They have seen so much history.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Sylvia (England)
Another place I would love to visit! I saw this on TV some time ago, (it may have been Monty Don's Round the World in 80 Gardens), and thought how beautiful it was.
ReplyDeleteCrikey, this Hadrian gets an Italian villa *and* a wall in great Britain. I ask you! (The croc is great!)
ReplyDeleteAmazing!!! Thanks for sharing. I have always been amazed at the architecture of the Romans. I am amazed by the things they could do at the time without all of the equipment we have now days
ReplyDeleteI love those reflections on water ..... so soothing. You caputured the mood and the stillness well... ~ bangchik
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose these statues are meant to be funny (and none of your other commenters seem to have found them so) but I do. I find them quite bizarre, all matching and in a row like that. Don't they make other people smile?
ReplyDeleteEsther
Esther's Boring Garden Blog
Thanks Alice, we didn't make it here despite having it on our list of places to go. At least I've seen some pictures now!
ReplyDeleteI've actually been here. It was quite a few years ago on my first trip to Italy. Gorgeous place.
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