Villa Lante
Villa Lante
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
1,841 reviews
Excellent
905
Very good
636
Average
195
Poor
62
Terrible
43
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK9,453 contributions
Feb 2022
After coffees we walked the short distance to Villa Lante and paid the standard €5 cash to get in. This was also built by a cardinal so that was obviously a wise career choice for the Italian nobility. We couldn't go into the villa itself but there were two summer pavilions, each decorated in a similar style to the Palazzo Farnese. The main attraction though was the gardens, specifically the water features and fountains. These were cleverly designed to link each of the three terraces together and were absolutely beautiful, both visually and aurally.
We spent almost two hours in the gardens and it was lovely just taking in the new view as we climbed each terrace. Each layer and fountain of the garden had an excellent information board so there was no shortage of stuff to read too! We walked back to the car park via a passageway with a mural detailing the procession of the Sacred Fire of St Anthony of Bagnaia, a local festival.
We spent almost two hours in the gardens and it was lovely just taking in the new view as we climbed each terrace. Each layer and fountain of the garden had an excellent information board so there was no shortage of stuff to read too! We walked back to the car park via a passageway with a mural detailing the procession of the Sacred Fire of St Anthony of Bagnaia, a local festival.
Written February 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane D
Germantown, TN1 contribution
Jun 2022
Villa Lante is a beautiful location just a 10 minute tram ride from Viterbo. It is two euros for European citizens and five for non-Europeans. The gardens are well worth the half-day trip. And while you are in Bagnaia, stop to get a suppli from the shop in the piazza or grab a cafe or gelato from the cafe in the piazza. Wonderful little half-day trip and so affordable!
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdl334
montgomery, alabama18 contributions
I lived with an Italian family in Viterbo, Italy for the month of August, 2005. One afternoon we piled into the car and drove the short distance to Bagnaia (pronounced "ban-Ei-ya). It is a little town that was saved from attack in the 14-15th century by a 14yo girl who, from the top of the city's tower, dropped a rock on the head of the invading army's leader thus killing him and saving the town. .. or so the legend goes. There is a plaque on the tower in the main piazza where this evident took place. A short distance from the city's main piazza, Villa Lante is located up a narrow cobblestone street at the top of the hill overlooking Bagnaia. The garden has many water features and was built by Cardinal Bambara in 1578 (the original pavilion) and a second pavilion was added in 1612, by a second Cardinal. There is not a "villa" here but rather the two pavilions (small houses). The water features are as impressive, and as extensive, as those at Villa d'Este in Tivoli, but on a smaller scale. From the main entrance into Villa Lante, the gardens and water features climb up the hillside to another set of rustic open air pavilions. These pavilions would be an amazing place to have an outside dinner party. I am sure the Cardinal(s) did! Villa Lante is a wonderful place to spend several hours walking around in. The ground floors of the main pavilions (houses) are open for viewing and have beautiful frescos (the fresco of one ceiling is done as an aviary) . Villa Lante is a hidden gem in this nothern section of Lazio. And, after visiting the villa you can walk/drive back down into the piazza and have some wonderful gelato... and fantasize about who you might drop a rock on!
Written May 22, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosemary W
Windhoek, Namibia124 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
We drove from a village near to Todi specifically to see the gardens at Villa Lanta and felt the drive was well worth it.
New to the formal landscaping of Italian Renaissance gardens this was a wonderful introduction. The terraced water gardens complete with statues, fountains and ingenious water features was fascinating and beautiful. We were transported to another age and heady lifestyle and can only begin to imagine how the gardens must have impressed and entertained guests.
The gardens are defined by a combination of breathtaking architecture and pleasant open spaces. But the massive stone dining table was a very impressive and attractive part of the garden.
A trough of water runs through the center of the table, meant to chill wine for Cardinal Alessandro Montaltol (who completed the gardens in 1587) and his guests, and it's a feature that seems inspiring and novel even to this day. Century after century, events were set against these lavish gardens and dinner parties enjoyed conversation surrounded by torchlight and water, right there at the stone table.
In addition to the formal gardens there is much to admire at Villa Lanta. When we visited it was quiet and we could enjoy the garden and parkland at our leisure.
New to the formal landscaping of Italian Renaissance gardens this was a wonderful introduction. The terraced water gardens complete with statues, fountains and ingenious water features was fascinating and beautiful. We were transported to another age and heady lifestyle and can only begin to imagine how the gardens must have impressed and entertained guests.
The gardens are defined by a combination of breathtaking architecture and pleasant open spaces. But the massive stone dining table was a very impressive and attractive part of the garden.
A trough of water runs through the center of the table, meant to chill wine for Cardinal Alessandro Montaltol (who completed the gardens in 1587) and his guests, and it's a feature that seems inspiring and novel even to this day. Century after century, events were set against these lavish gardens and dinner parties enjoyed conversation surrounded by torchlight and water, right there at the stone table.
In addition to the formal gardens there is much to admire at Villa Lanta. When we visited it was quiet and we could enjoy the garden and parkland at our leisure.
Written June 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joen.dk
Copenhagen, Denmark12,787 contributions
Having visited these famous gardens today - a rather cold and windy afternoon - I found the place delightful & even more interesting than expected. Among the features are, of course, fountains, terraces, topiary, pavillons, sculptures, the view ...
but there are also good frescoes in some of the buildings, and a
truly nice cafe/ restaurant in the park outside the central garden area - it must be wonderful to sit there when the weather makes it possible.
A few other practical matters: the entrance fee was only 2 Euros, an exceptional bargain ... They don´t sell any guide books in the ticket office, you have to buy them in advance or at the souvenir shop on the street just before the entrance; the price for
a reasonable and well-illustrated one was 7 Euros.
As regards getting there by public transport, there are buses from Viterbo, on low-key Sundays about one every 1 1/2 hour. They leave near the train station, and quite exceptionally, there are even time-tables at the bus-stop. From the station there is also a very slow and not very frequent train to Rome, passing Bagnaia and thus Villa Lante after only 8 minutes. When you have reached Bagnaia by train or bus, it´s only 3 mins from the central Piazza to Villa Lante.
Considering its manifold attractiveness, I would certainly prefer Villa Lante if I had to choose between it and the Bomarzo Gardens. Unfortunately they stick to the rather arrogant Italian rule of "photos not permitted" in most of the garden (like they are doing in Bomarzo as well).
but there are also good frescoes in some of the buildings, and a
truly nice cafe/ restaurant in the park outside the central garden area - it must be wonderful to sit there when the weather makes it possible.
A few other practical matters: the entrance fee was only 2 Euros, an exceptional bargain ... They don´t sell any guide books in the ticket office, you have to buy them in advance or at the souvenir shop on the street just before the entrance; the price for
a reasonable and well-illustrated one was 7 Euros.
As regards getting there by public transport, there are buses from Viterbo, on low-key Sundays about one every 1 1/2 hour. They leave near the train station, and quite exceptionally, there are even time-tables at the bus-stop. From the station there is also a very slow and not very frequent train to Rome, passing Bagnaia and thus Villa Lante after only 8 minutes. When you have reached Bagnaia by train or bus, it´s only 3 mins from the central Piazza to Villa Lante.
Considering its manifold attractiveness, I would certainly prefer Villa Lante if I had to choose between it and the Bomarzo Gardens. Unfortunately they stick to the rather arrogant Italian rule of "photos not permitted" in most of the garden (like they are doing in Bomarzo as well).
Written October 21, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrGrace365
Samford, Australia40 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
Driving south towards Rome to stay for a couple of days, we decided to stop at Villa Lante on the way. My GPS sent me on a very circuitous route but we eventually arrived to encounter the sort of parking problems that seem to be associated with many attractions in small towns in Italy. I shouldn't complain because after driving around we got lucky and ended up with a park almost at the front gate. Once in the garden, it becomes clear that all of the effort is worthwhile. It's not as spectacular as the garden at Villa D'Este but I enjoyed it as much. It doesn't seem to attract many visitors. We were there on a Saturday morning and as far as I could tell there was only one other group in the garden - it makes it easy to get good photos without worrying about someone spoiling your shot but I did wonder why there were so many cars at the entrance. If you have any interest in Italian gardens, it is well worth visiting.
Written October 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nan Q
Jaffrey, NH193 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
The Gardens of Villa Lante were created in 1566 by architect Jacopo da Vignola. Unlike many of Italy's grandest gardens, these never surrounded a home. The only buildings on the property are pavilions (called casinos) , which were built to accommodate Cardinal Garbara's taste for extravagant al fresco entertaining. The current management of Villa Lante is somewhat haphazard, and NO visitor's brochures in English are available. But these gardens are nevertheless essential sights for anyone who is interested in the curious styles of the Mannerist period of the Italian Renaissance. After you've visited the gardens, stop at the nearby bookshop, Il Pegaso. They carry guidebooks in many languages...all except English. But the photos in those books are worn having.
Written March 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
123song
Porano, Italy16 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
The fountains are the only attractions,besides the Italian garden.
The villa itself is only open on Saturdays! Consequently,we did not visit it .
The website is outdated in that : a)Entry to the gardens is now charged at a fee of euro5 ,not free ! b)There is also no longer free entry for those over 65 years old.
In summary,it was quite disappointing as the fountains were not well maintained ,with a lot of them not functioning at all.
The villa itself is only open on Saturdays! Consequently,we did not visit it .
The website is outdated in that : a)Entry to the gardens is now charged at a fee of euro5 ,not free ! b)There is also no longer free entry for those over 65 years old.
In summary,it was quite disappointing as the fountains were not well maintained ,with a lot of them not functioning at all.
Written December 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ESP2006
West Midlands410 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Visiting this attraction not far out of Viterbo on a late May Sunday afternoon, we found it much quieter than we expected. We navigated into Bagnaia centre and up the Via Jacopo Barozzi to park roadside within a few metres of the main gate. It cost €5 each (cash only) for entry, although it looks as though the general grounds are free to enter and you only pay to get into the formal gardens. I might be wrong on this point.
Just within the gates are sales kiosk, shop/snack outlet and toilets. Beyond are an attractive fountain with pool and the parkland in which various locals were to be seen strolling, playing with the kids or relaxing in small groups under the trees. Through a gate to the left your entry ticket is checked and you find yourself in the charming formal gardens. I noted the sign which forbade various things including photography but discovered that the only place we were not allowed to use a camera was the first interior.
So what do you get for your money? Attractive gardens with a variety of fountains, pools and cascades. Some of it is under the leafy shade of tall trees, other parts are under the open skies, with nice views over the town skyline. We didn't take an extended wander through the wooded parkland where there are a few other fountains and other features to see if you take the time.
What you don't really get is a villa. Being too mean to purchase a guide book, too lazy to go online to fully read up, and lacking a guide, I gather that the Villa Lante was little more than a weekend retreat and place to entertain. Therefore, we got access to only two ground-level arcade interiors: one in each building. Admittedly they have fine artwork on walls and ceiling, but that's your lot. I don't know why you cannot take photographs in the one nearest the entrance, but there was nothing and no-one to prevent photography in the one further away.
For only €5 there is little you can complain about really - the 16thC architecture, gardens, water features and grottoes are very pleasant and interesting (not to mention photogenic) if you are a fan of such things. We enjoyed our visit, taking perhaps an hour to wander around at a leisurely pace. Watch out for lizards basking on the stonework of the fountains and swallows skimming the waters for a drink. There are plaques around the grounds providing information to visitors. Be aware also that there a good few steps and stairs to negotiate.
I hope they get enough visitors through the doors to continue upkeep of this charming place. It is closed on Mondays and open from 8.30am - 7.30pm during the rest of the week (during summer).
The small town of Bagnaia itself is well worth a stroll through while you are there - it's attractive and relatively quiet.
Just within the gates are sales kiosk, shop/snack outlet and toilets. Beyond are an attractive fountain with pool and the parkland in which various locals were to be seen strolling, playing with the kids or relaxing in small groups under the trees. Through a gate to the left your entry ticket is checked and you find yourself in the charming formal gardens. I noted the sign which forbade various things including photography but discovered that the only place we were not allowed to use a camera was the first interior.
So what do you get for your money? Attractive gardens with a variety of fountains, pools and cascades. Some of it is under the leafy shade of tall trees, other parts are under the open skies, with nice views over the town skyline. We didn't take an extended wander through the wooded parkland where there are a few other fountains and other features to see if you take the time.
What you don't really get is a villa. Being too mean to purchase a guide book, too lazy to go online to fully read up, and lacking a guide, I gather that the Villa Lante was little more than a weekend retreat and place to entertain. Therefore, we got access to only two ground-level arcade interiors: one in each building. Admittedly they have fine artwork on walls and ceiling, but that's your lot. I don't know why you cannot take photographs in the one nearest the entrance, but there was nothing and no-one to prevent photography in the one further away.
For only €5 there is little you can complain about really - the 16thC architecture, gardens, water features and grottoes are very pleasant and interesting (not to mention photogenic) if you are a fan of such things. We enjoyed our visit, taking perhaps an hour to wander around at a leisurely pace. Watch out for lizards basking on the stonework of the fountains and swallows skimming the waters for a drink. There are plaques around the grounds providing information to visitors. Be aware also that there a good few steps and stairs to negotiate.
I hope they get enough visitors through the doors to continue upkeep of this charming place. It is closed on Mondays and open from 8.30am - 7.30pm during the rest of the week (during summer).
The small town of Bagnaia itself is well worth a stroll through while you are there - it's attractive and relatively quiet.
Written June 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giorgio G
Washington DC, DC1,378 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
To put things in perspective, I was able to do Bomarzo, its Gardens, Villa Lante and Villa Farnese on the same day and I did not run, for they are all a few miles off each other. Obviously, I had a car.
Villa Lante is mostly a green Manieristic garden with wonderful hydraulic features that slope up between two villas or "casini" on three ascending terraces. Part of the garden is flat and features a large central basin surrounded by a formal Renaissance garden. The rest slopes up on a hill between the two buildings. On the first terrace the "Fontana dei Lumini" launches small jets of water that should look like trembling flames. Above, a long stone table with a hollow center leads to another fountain on the terrace above and above that, sloping up to the last terrace, the "catena d'acqua". Above that on the last terrace, two smaller "casini".
The larger "casini" at the bottom of the garden were both open on "Museum Day" and I was lucky enough to see them both. They feature frescoes done at different times and showing different styles, that follow the different times they were built at.
The bottom line: this is one of the most beautifully preserved Italian gardens and a must-see. Also, try to visit during the week, as it it much less crowded.
Villa Lante is mostly a green Manieristic garden with wonderful hydraulic features that slope up between two villas or "casini" on three ascending terraces. Part of the garden is flat and features a large central basin surrounded by a formal Renaissance garden. The rest slopes up on a hill between the two buildings. On the first terrace the "Fontana dei Lumini" launches small jets of water that should look like trembling flames. Above, a long stone table with a hollow center leads to another fountain on the terrace above and above that, sloping up to the last terrace, the "catena d'acqua". Above that on the last terrace, two smaller "casini".
The larger "casini" at the bottom of the garden were both open on "Museum Day" and I was lucky enough to see them both. They feature frescoes done at different times and showing different styles, that follow the different times they were built at.
The bottom line: this is one of the most beautifully preserved Italian gardens and a must-see. Also, try to visit during the week, as it it much less crowded.
Written July 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emanuele B
Cornuda, Italy3 contributions
Bisogna prenotare la visita?
Roby e Lucy da Sant'Anastasia (Na)
Sant'Anastasia, Italy5,563 contributions
Ho prenotato per sicurezza ma non c'è bisogno. La visita è ridotta solo ai giardini e le fontane della Villa. Il bosco e l'altra metà dell'itinerario è chiuso causa Covid.
Vale la pena andarci. Ciao
danirenzo
novi ligure210 contributions
Leggo che causa Covid la villa è chiusa ma si può visitare solo il giardino. A riguardo trovo però informazioni discordanti. Trovo scritto che è aperto 7 gg su 7, da altre parti solo sabato e domenoca. Qualcuno può chiatirmi le idee grazie
Guinness83
113 contributions
Sí paga per visitarla? Se si, quanto?
MarC
Rome, Italy112 contributions
Si, se non erro ho pagato 5 euro. Prezzo più che discreto per come abbiamo trovato la villa: ben sistemata e pulita.
lou25
Edinburgh, UK51 contributions
Hello I want to visit Villa Lante, Bagnaia near Viterbo. I found information online regarding an older train service that runs between Rome Flaminio station and to Bagnaia on the FC3 but it appears to run 5 times but only on Sundays. Is this correct? It is said to take longer than the trains but the scenery is to be enjoyed on the way. Has anyone travelled to Villa Lante using this service?
Anthony C
Soriano nel Cimino, Italy334 contributions
On second thought,
Download the app, Rome2Rio. Enter your start point and your destination. It will give you complete information on all options to get to Vertibo.
Dario C
Province of Benevento, Italy4 contributions
Quanto tempo occorre per visitarla
Monica R
Acquasparta, Italy193 contributions
In un'ora visiti tutto il palazzo ha solo due stanze visitabili il giardino è bello ma si visita in mezz'ora, poi c'è il parco adiacente che è grandissimo se trovi una bella giornata e ti piace la natura puoi fare una bella passeggiata.
Vallentinap85
27 contributions
Domani 25 aprile è aperto e fino a che ore?
Sandro_16
Rome, Italy485 contributions
sul sito internet dice questo:
La Villa è aperta dal martedi alla domenica con esclusione:
del 1 maggio, 25 dicembre e 1 gennaio.
Tutti i lunedi la Villa è chiusa.
dunque, dovrebbe essere aperta.
Beltrandi B
Solarolo, Italy16 contributions
Buongiorno
potrei sapere se l'accesso è consentito ai cani?
marlon004
Rome, Italy512 contributions
Al grande parco pubblico adiacente sì, al guinzaglio e muniti di paletta e sacchetti, naturalmente. Al giardino storico non saprei, chidere alla cassa: tel. 0761 288008
8287lilly60
Aprilia, Italy25 contributions
Le persone con tesserino d'invalidità pagano l'ingresso ?
Daniele Bonifazi
Rome, Italy232 contributions
Purtroppo non lo so.
Abigail S
Great Missenden, null, United Kingdom171 contributions
Is the garden open all year round and is so times ? As well as understanding if open on Mondays?
Dtlusty
Carson260 contributions
Closed Mondays: Here is their posted schedule: Open 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. beginning April 1. Admission is $5.00
Website is grandigiardini at it
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Claim your listingVilla Lante - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Lante
- Villa Lante is open:
- Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Villa Lante tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Villa Lante tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Villa Lante:
- Shore excursion from Civitavecchia Port to Viterbo and its Villas (From $545.72)
- The Renaissance Gardens tour: Palazzo Farnese and more (From $212.83)
- The Renaissance Gardens tour: Palazzo Farnese and more (From $212.83)
- Bagnaia & Caprarola from Civitavecchia (From $305.60)
- Day Trip from Rome to Viterbo, Bagnaia, Thermal Baths & Lake Vico w hotel pickup (From $920.09)
- Hotels near Villa Lante:
- (0.06 mi) Il Palazzetto
- (0.08 mi) B&B da Peppe al Borgo
- (0.08 mi) La Locanda dei Lante
- (0.11 mi) Hotel- Restaurant Bagnaia
- (0.15 mi) Residenze Villa Lante - Camino Rinascimentale
- Restaurants near Villa Lante:
- (0.04 mi) Pizzeria La Villa
- (0.10 mi) Ristorante Pizzeria Il Borgo
- (0.10 mi) Bar Osteria Le Meridiane
- (0.11 mi) Ristorante Pizzeria Checcarello
- (0.10 mi) Esse pizza e dolcetti
- Attractions near Villa Lante:
- (0.00 mi) Fontana dei Mori
- (0.00 mi) Fontana del Pegaso
- (0.00 mi) Fontana Dei Fiumi
- (0.09 mi) Piazza XX Settembre
- (0.10 mi) Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
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