Hadrian’s Villa at Bagni di Tivoli, 2ndC BC, is a collection of replicas of the wonders which the imperial master-builder had admired on his Mediterranean travels. Scaled-down temples, forts, libraries, pavilions, the Athens Academy and Egypt’s Canopus Canal are set along avenues peopled with marble heroes and haunted by lizards and butterflies. On a quiet day it is a magical spot. You can stay the night – the Adriano restaurant at the main entrance normally has a few rooms to rent.