A journey through the history of Tivoli among towers, walls, and Renaissance memories
Rocca Pia
Rocca Pia is one of Tivoli’s most iconic monuments. It rises majestically at the entrance to the city, just a few steps from Piazza Garibaldi, welcoming visitors with its imposing presence. It was built in 1461 by order of Pope Pius II Piccolomini, from whom it takes its name. The Pope’s intention was twofold: on the one hand, to strengthen Tivoli’s defenses after the uprisings of the 15th century, and on the other, to leave a tangible mark of papal authority. The structure is a typical example of Renaissance military architecture: a square plan with four cylindrical towers at the corners, connected by massive tufa and travertine walls. At its center lies a large courtyard, once animated by the life of the garrison. However, the fortress was never the stage of great battles: its mere presence, austere and impenetrable, was enough to deter enemies. In the following centuries, it was used as a prison, a function it maintained until the 19th century. Today Rocca Pia is a place of memory and culture. From its towers, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the city of Tivoli and the Roman countryside – a vantage point that combines history with natural beauty. The visit to Rocca Pia is enriched by an itinerary through the historic center of Tivoli, with its medieval alleys, squares, and churches filled with art, leading up to the discovery of the Library’s cryptoporticus. This underground passage, only recently unearthed and opened to the public for the very first time, is a place of extraordinary fascination and an exclusive opportunity to experience Tivoli from a new and rare perspective. Visiting Rocca Pia means traveling back in time while discovering the many souls of Tivoli: military, medieval, Renaissance, imperial, and natural.
