Photo Of The Week by Larry Hurley Terrace of 100 Fountains

When In Rome…sometimes you just need to get out of town for a day.

We did that during a hot summer trip in July of 2005. Our goal was to see the water gardens of Villa d’Este, in the town of Tivoli, east of Rome. At the time there were afternoon bus tours from Rome available, but we wanted to go in the morning so we opted for the train, which took about 45 minutes. The Villa was about another 45-minute walk from the station. The Villa and its water gardens were built in the 1500’s, and being more aquatic than architectural in spirit, we spent our time outside. Some of the many fountains were being restored, or at least cleaned, which is probably continual. But, it was a cool, pleasant area to walk around, and the high point for us was the Terrace of 100 Fountains, which is in the photo. The green stuff is Maidenhair Fern, which thrives in the constant water spray.

Rome is my favorite European city, but sometimes you need a break from the ruins and the churches, so I recommend this side trip.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea (or water). From my notes at the time: European-travel writer Rick Steves says “Older people seem to enjoy it.”  Ouch.

So, if you’re old at heart, in Rome, and have some time for something completely different, check out Villa d’ Este.