Pirro Ligorio—architect, painter, landscaper, and antiquarian—completes nineteen years of work for his patron, Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, on the Villa d'Este at Tivol.

Still standing in its original state of completion in 1562, the villa has a planted landscape and a vast terraced garden with spectacular fountains leading up to the huge house.

The complex comprises an elliptical cortile, two free standing portals, and the loggia with its fountain.

Rich sculptural stuccos, once supplemented by some fifty ancient Roman sculptures, enliven the exterior.

A team of at least six major painters, including Federico Barocci, Federico Zuccari, and Santi di Tito and their assistants, have frescoed the interiors.

Ligorio decorates his works with profuse stucco ornament; a good example of his decoration is his Casino of Pope Pius IV (Casina di Pio IV) in the Vatican Gardens, constructed between 1558 and 1562. He also designed the Rotunda with Baldassare Peruzzi (1481–1536).

His map of ancient Rome (Antiquae Urbis Imago) from 1561 is one of most famous published works as an antiquarian.

Fired in 1568 by Paul V for having criticized Michelangelo's work in St. Peter's Basilica, Ligorio has moved to Ferrara, where he is the guest of Duke Alfonso II d'Este.