Italy: Villa Adriana aka Hadrian’s Villa

Villa Adriana is a sprawling archaeological complex in Tivoli, built in the 117-138 AD as a retreat for emperor Hadrian who ruled from 117 to 138 AD. It’s spread over 120 hectares and blends elements of Greek, Egyptian, and Roman styles, with structures like the Maritime Theatre, Canopus, and extensive gardens, baths, and libraries. It is the largest Roman villa known and has over 30 building in various state of preservation. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After Hadrian’s death, the villa was used by later emperors but gradually fell into disrepair. By the Middle Ages, it was looted for materials, and its marble and statues were repurposed. Only in the 20th centuries did the excavations begin and revealed the villa’s scale.