The plans for the villa and its gardens were made on request of Cardinal Ipolite d'Este (1509–1572), by a prominent classical scholar, Pirro Ligrono. 

For the villa these plans were executed by the court architect of the Este, Alberto Galvani.

The garden was constructed with arcades, grottos, niches, nymphaeums, whereas the nearby River Aniene was used to furnish water for the pools, water jets, water games, channels, fountains and cascades.

After 1695 the site fell slowly into decay, but was restored between 1850 and 1896 by its then owner, Cardinal Gustav von Hohenlohe. It was during that period that Franz Liszt visited Villa d'Este various times and wrote his famous pieces for piano, "Aux cyprès de la Villa d’Este" and "Les jeux d'eau à la Villa d'Este".

After WW I, the Villa was acquired by the state and restored it as we can admire it today.

For more detailed information, see website