Restaurant Sibilla Tivoli Italy

Restaurant Sibilla in Tivoli on the banks of the Tiber river, approximately 30km from Central Rome is a spectacular place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner. Operating as a restaurant continuously since 1720, this place is a tourist attraction itself, independent of the 2 fabulously interesting attractions, Hadrian's Villa and the beautiful Villa d"Este that exist nearby. It is quite amazing to consider that this restaurant has been in operation for over half a century longer than European settlement in Australia. On the day we visited, the sun was shining and we sat under the very impressive Wisteria vine that has existed for centuries. However in the winter months the fireplace and beautiful indoor furniture would also ensure dining indoors was equally comfortable.

We chose one of the fixed price menus which gave us large portions of incredibly tasty food. The service and attention to detail from all staff was excellent and it is easy to understand how this restaurant has been so successful, entertaining royalty and dignitaries for centuries. We were sharing the outdoor space with an Italian wedding which was wonderful entertainment and made us feel as if we were invited guests. The vistas are spectacular with a gorgeous garden area and Roman ruins right in the grounds where the tables are situated. All our guests thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant and we will definitely return on our next visit to Tivoli, in fact I would love to return when the wisteria vine is in flower as with its vast size the canopy of purple flowers would definitely be worth seeing.

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Hadrian's villa, Tivoli. (Villa Adriano)

On a recent conference in Italy we visited Hadrian's villa at Tivoli, 29km outside central Rome. It was my first visit to this palace, built by Roman Emperor Hadrian during the second & third decades of the 2nd century AD. The palace is a incredible site of great archeological significance and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated in the hills above Rome as a summer retreat to avoid the heat, Hadrian actually ended up governing the empire from the villa in the later part of his life. 

Set on over 250acres, the complex comprises over 30 buildings including palaces, temples, libraries, bath houses, and slave quarters. The buildings largely reflect the Greek, Roman & Egyptian architectural orders, borrowed from what Hadrian saw in his extensive travels and conquests. One of the most impressive areas is the pool and artificial grotto where large banquettes were held. The statues that surrounded the pool have been recreated from the ruins found in the grounds. 

After Hadrian's rule, the villa was used by a number of his successors, but during the decline of the Roman Empire it fell into disuse and ruins. Once you see the size of the complex it is quite incredible to believe that this site sat as ruins for so long, especially when you consider how sophisticated the buildings and architecture were for their era. In 16th Century Cardinal Ippolito Il d'Este saw the potential of what the site held and removed most of the marble that decorated the facades of the buildings, plus the statues that surrounded the pool, to decorate his own villa nearby. 

Be sure to visit the site model that gives you an appreciation of the extent of the complex for it is vast and impressive. Overall this place is hauntingly beautiful, very picturesque and with a guided tour allows you to wander around the archaeological remains and imagine the the life of this powerful dynasty almost 2000years ago.  

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