Villa Adriana

The ruins of Hadrian's vast country villa, 5km outside of Tivoli proper, are quite magnificent, and easily on a par with anything you'll see in Rome. Built between AD 118 and 138, the villa was one of the largest in the ancient world, encompassing more than 120 hectares – of which about 40 are now open to the public. You'll need up to three hours to explore it fully. Must-sees include the canopo, a landscaped canal overlooked by a nymphaeum shrine to the water nymph, and the Teatro Marittimo, Hadrian's personal refuge. To the east, Piazza d'Oro makes for a memorable picture, particularly in spring, when its grassy centre is cloaked in wild yellow flowers. There are also several bath complexes, temples and barracks.