Global Treasures VILLA ADRIANA Hadrian's Villa Rome, Italy

Around thirty kilometres east of Rome on a low plateau beneath the Tiburtine Mountains lie the ruins of Villa Adrianna, once the residence of Roman emperor, Hadrian, who had the stately residence built in the second century A.D. as a fine and luxurious country estate. Indeed, it is believed that the emperor himself participated in the planning of its construction and in each detailed aspect of the Villa's design.

The Canopus is one of the most impressive areas of the Villa. The statue of Tiber is an example of the great skill of the Roman sculptors. The lengthy canal was developed between 125 and 133 A.D. Six Caryatids adorn the western side of the elegant row of columns that surround the Canopus water basin, creating a wonderfully picturesque setting.

The thermal springs were built during the first construction stage of the Villa Adriana and are the oldest within the complex. Public baths were extremely important in the daily life of the Romans thus it is not surprising that the Villa possessed three thermal springs.

In the 16th century archaeologists began to search for the emperor's lost residence but following its discovery many came only to plunder its treasures. In spite of this the unique splendour of the Roman Villa Adriana has thankfully been well preserved right up to the present day.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.