Reintroducing Tivoli: A Fresh Look at Italy’s Underrated Treasure

Tivoli, a small town outside of Rome, is filled with historical and cultural significance from their olive oil garden to their old remains. I know a lot of people reading this are unsure and unfamiliar with this town, just as I once was. I’ll share more info and give you a glimpse of what’s worth seeing just an hour outside of Rome. The town might look small at first, but its charming streets, beautiful gardens, and ancient city ruins make it an unforgettable spot to explore https://www.terrediotium.com/ . In this article I will weigh in on why Tivoli should be a bigger tourist destination. By learning about its history and thinking of new ways to promote it, we can come up with ideas to bring in more visitors and support the local community. This ties in with what I’m studying while abroad and finding ways to protect important cultural places while also making them fun and interesting for today’s travelers, whether they’re from somewhere else in Europe or internationally.

Tivoli, previously known as Tibur, was discovered by Tiburtus and attracted a lot of ancient colonists to the town. Over the years, the city evolved and the Romans were constantly evolving the name, and finally decided on Tivoli several centuries later. Tivoli offers a unique glimpse into Italy’s rich past, beginning from the 13th century BC. Within the town, it is known for two of its most celebrated sites, Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites that attract many history enthusiasts and tourists. Villa d'Este is famous for its gorgeous gardens and delightful fountains. I had the chance to visit with my classmates and we all fell in love with everything from the nature to the architecture. The second site, Hadrian's Villa, was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Hadrian’s Villa also served as a retreat from Rome. When walking around Hadrian’s Villa, there was so much detail from the layout to the gardens. Both Villa’s express the ancient stories waiting to be rediscovered and highlights the beauty of what it once was. 

As previously stated, finding new ways to promote tourism for Tivoli will dramatically affect their economy. With more visitors, there would be demand for new infrastructure such as hotels, golf courses, public pools, etc. For example, when I was walking around with my classmates I noticed that many of the shops were not as busy due to a low number of tourisits. This new infrastructure would not only benefit the new wave of tourists, it would also enhance the residents. There is also a need for new accommodations, dining, tours, local crafts, which can help create jobs and support small businesses. 

To bring Tivoli into the light, a strong digital marketing approach is key. As I began looking into Tivoli I noticed they had a small internet presence, with the majority of its coverage focused on more popular areas of Rome. Utilizing platforms such as Instagram and Youtube to capture the true beauty of their extensive UNESCO site is critical to spreading the world about this hidden gem. Furthermore, collaborating with influencers focused on travel and luxury could generate authentic user-generated content. At the same time, it’s vital to adopt sustainable tourism practices that protect the sites and preserve the town’s unique character. Unchecked tourism can damage natural sites, strain local resources, and erode the town’s cultural identity. Sustainable tourism helps protect these assets, ensuring the town’s unique character endures for future generations.

Tivoli is a place that is waiting to be seen. The first time I walked out of the bus and stepped foot in Tivoli, I fell in love with the beauty of the city and the warmth of the people. As you walk down the streets you are greeted constantly with “Ciao”, “Buongiorno”, etc. Every encounter I've had with Tivoli has furthered my understanding of Roman history. Tivoli might be a small town but once was something big and powerful, and it is waiting to begin its journey.