Ten minutes drive away there is one of ancient Rome 's most famous villas: Villa Adriana. Constructed between 118 and 138 AD in an area within a perimeter of 3 km, this splendid villa is the biggest residence ever built for a Roman emperor - Hadrian, a ruler who hated crowds, promiscuity and the intrigues and chaos of Rome .
The construction started the year following his rise to power and continued for the entire span of his life. A lover of art, Hadrian had a passion for architecture, and thus intervened directly in designing the palace and the buildings.
Since 1999, Villa Adriana has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
(www.villa-adriana.net)
