From really old to old in one day

After our time at Hadrian's Villa, it was time for lunch before we headed to our second destination. The heavens opened as we were trying to decide where to eat, meaning we decided pretty quickly. Italian rain is very wet and heavy. 

Thankfully the rain cleared up for the very long 2-minute walk to Villa D'este. We waited for the group to gather and then our tour guide explained to us about the villa.

Villa D'este was originally a convent but an emperor decided to give it to a family as a 'gift'. It was a bit of a lame gift but he decided to turn it into something wonderful with gardens. It was built in the 16th century and developed well into the 18th century. It is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like Hadrian's Villa. 

Our tour guide instructed us to think about this as a 20-year-old version of the 80-year-old Hadrian's Villa. Meaning that this could have been what Hadrian's Villa was like when it was at it's prime.

We were looking forward to seeing a garden. It was nice to be outside in the fresh air. 

We started in the house and saw some friezes and spaces that have been restored. It was very lovely but once outside the building faded into the background.




The place is filled with water fountains, many that have been restored. It uses water from the river and it pushes through the property that slopes down the hill. Some areas haven't been restored because things like roots have destroyed them. They may still fix them though. 
















It had an organ water fountain that plays once or twice a day when the water builds up. Dan and Hannah love organs so they were super excited to see it. They filmed it, so you'll have to ask them to show you the delightful music and water.










It was amazing and we loved it. The water was incredible and to think it was simply the power of water being pushed through all these well-designed fountains to bring some beauty to the world. Amazing.

Comments

  1. Allan RobertsonSeptember 6, 2018 at 3:18 PM

    Isn't it great how magical water is? These are great photos. I will need put both destinations on my wish list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs SpraggSeptember 10, 2018 at 2:05 AM

      So magical. You must go and see them both. They are beautiful and full of history.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2018 at 4:49 PM

    Hi Mrs Spragg,. I still really miss you. Hope you are having a great time. Do you miss the class? Are you having a great time , because it looks like you are , Kind regards, Gracie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs SpraggSeptember 10, 2018 at 2:07 AM

      Hi Gracie,

      I miss you guys too. We are having a great time. I am trying to keep up with what is happening through blogs and the newsletter. Mrs Taylor is good at emailing me too. Not long till holidays though, are you excited about that?

      :) Mrs Spragg

      Delete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2018 at 5:15 PM

    Hi Mrs Spragg you must be having a really great time.
    I love those photos they were really good.
    Rimu is missing you.
    Keep up the Great blog posts.
    Yours sincerely
    Kade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs SpraggSeptember 10, 2018 at 2:07 AM

      Hi Kade,

      Thanks for commenting. I am so glad you are enjoying them. I am missing you guys too but I am having a great time.

      :) Mrs Spragg

      Delete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2018 at 5:16 PM

    Hi Mrs Spragg!

    It looks like you're having a wonderful time travelling around the world. When you said "It was very lovely but once outside the building faded into the background" it made me think of the perspective art that we did, probably something that I will keep in mind for when we might do art again.

    The pictures are beautiful! and I hope that most of the time it is good weather to go walking outside. Where are you heading to next?

    Mia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs SpraggSeptember 10, 2018 at 2:12 AM

      Hi Mia,

      I'm so glad that my sentence made you think of some learning. I've seen a lot of perspective in many paintings. Did you know the Renaissance actually created the idea of perspective? Before that everything was very flat. I've seen many examples of how it changed.

      We are now in Wales and the weather isn't as warm. We've had rain and grey days but also sunshine. It isn't as cold as Christchurch though. We are trying to make the most of the sun. This weekend we are going to a place called Snowdonia. You might have to Google that.

      Thanks for commenting Mia, your comments are quality.
      :) Mrs S

      Delete
  5. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2018 at 12:11 PM

    Hi Mrs Spragg sounds awesome hope you are having a great time It looks like you are pretty happy, I miss you the class misses you so does Mrs Taylor and all the staff actually.
    Kind regards
    Rhys

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs SpraggSeptember 10, 2018 at 2:14 AM

      Hi Rhys,

      It has been very awesome. The world is so big and old. I think we don't realise how big and old living in New Zealand.

      I miss you guys too and Mrs Taylor. I love getting all the comments from everyone. It is nice to hear from you all.

      :) Mrs Spragg

      Delete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2018 at 12:31 PM

    Morena team Spragg x what an incredible place guys x would love to visit here - loving that you are opening our eyes to new (old) and exciting sites! The photos are eye candy for us and memories for you, thank you :) Enjoy and travel safe :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs SpraggSeptember 10, 2018 at 2:15 AM

      Morena H!

      It really was incredible. You should go sometime. I think you would love the garden, especially in spring or early summer. Put it on your dream list.

      xo

      Delete

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