the villa d'este is probably the most famous renaissance residence in italy, and that's because of the gardens which contain a just magnificent set of fountains, ponds, water falls, gargoyles and so on. it was built for cardinal ippolito d'este between 1550 and 1570. (btw, he was the son of lucrezia borgia and the grandson of pope alexander 6th ...) the few pics here might give you an idea of the splendour and beauty of this unique place ...