Best things to do in Province of Rome

More than just a single ruined villa, heritage-listed Villa Adriana is a vast complex of classical buildings constructed by Emperor Hadrian. Erected in the second century CE, these buildings once combined the finest elements of the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Though the ruins are rapidly deteriorating due to their great age and the unforgiving weather, the site continues to provide visitors with a rare chance to glimpse the opulence once enjoyed by the rulers of ancient Rome. Hadrian was said to dislike his official palace in the city of Rome, and allegedly spent the last years of his reign governing from here, his favorite estate. Tickets can be purchased and audio guides rented at the entrance into the site. 

Discover one of Italy's finest examples of Renaissance architecture at Villa d'Este. In historic Tivoli, the residence offers a glimpse of the art and culture of 16th-century Italy with a grand palace and 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of gardens. Tour the palace apartments to admire the vaulted ceilings and frescoes. Stroll through the Italian Renaissance gardens with its many fountains and historic monuments.

Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica, a large archaeological site, was once a harbor city of ancient Rome. Walk through the well-preserved ruins with millennia-old buildings, frescoes, and mosaics. You can buy a guidebook at the onsite shop. If you'd prefer a guided tour, arrange one with a tour company before your visit.

Meet an animatronic T. rex up close at Zoomarine. At this amusement park and zoo, whiz down waterslides, splash in pools, and ride the rollercoaster. Shows feature animals such as seals, parrots, and dolphins. On a more serious note, you can see in 4-D the world of a turtle struggling to survive in the polluted ocean. You can buy any forgotten swimming supplies on site. You may not bring in food and drinks, but there are restaurants and food kiosks.

The avenues and abundant gardens of Parco Villa Gregoriana seem to grow wild around the villa. However, the area wasn't nature's idea. It was commissioned as a park in 1826 by Pope Gregory XVI. It fell into ruin in the late 20th century, but reopened to much fanfare in 2005. The river forms two waterfalls that flow through the thick greenery. Walk through the woodlands of the villa and follow the paths through the caves of Neptune and the Sirens. These open up into gorges with cascades on your way to the park's highlight: the Great Waterfall.

See the ancient Etruscan burial sites at Necropoli della Banditaccia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a look inside nine unearthed burial mounds from the 6th century BCE, carved by hand out of volcanic tufa stone. Descend the narrow stone step passageways to step inside the mounds, which are built as replicas of the Etruscans’ own houses. Watch a film about Etruscan history projected on the inside of three tombs, which explains the construction and rituals of the tombs built for different sizes and classes of families.

Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II American military war grave cemetery, located in Nettuno, near Anzio, Italy. The cemetery, containing 7,858 American war dead, covers 77 acres (31 ha) and was dedicated in 1956. It is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission.