- Hadrian's Villa
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Hadrian's country residence, built (с AD 125–34) at Tivoli near Rome.A sumptuous imperial complex with parks and gardens on a grand scale, it included baths, libraries, sculpture gardens, theaters, alfresco dining areas, pavilions, and private suites. The buildings, which covered about 7 sq mi (18 sq km), were reproductions of celebrated structures the emperor had seen in his travels. The uneven terrain made necessary large flights of steps and terraces. Significant portions have survived to modern times.
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Italian Villa Adrianacountry residence built (c. AD 125–134) at Tivoli near Rome by the emperor Hadrian. This villa is considered the epitome in architecture of the opulence and elegance of the Roman world. Covering approximately 7 square miles (18 square km), the complex was more an imperial garden city than a traditional villa. Its buildings were designed to follow the natural lay of the land and included baths and bath buildings, libraries, sculpture gardens, theatres, alfresco dining halls, pavilions, and private suites. Significant portions of the complex have survived to modern times. Hadrian's Villa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. It was proclaimed “a masterpiece that uniquely brings together the highest expressions of the material cultures of the Mediterranean world.”* * *
Universalium. 2010.