Villa d’Este

Gardens Near and Far episode 22 – Villa d’Este: The Villa d’Este near Rome in Italy was a model for all Renaissance gardens that followed.     Created in the 16th century by Cardinal Hippolyte d’Este, who was descended from a wealthy family in Ferrare, the gardens are set on a hill overlooking a villa. Work on creating the gardens started in 1550, and continued for over 20 years. In the 19th century, they underwent long periods of abandon, but paradoxically, the abundant, wild vegetation attracted artists like Fragonard and Liszt, who composed “The Fountains of the Villa d’Este” there. […]