Tour the villa deste on a day trip from rome villa deste was commissioned by the cardinal ippolitto ii deste and constructed by the neapolitan architect pirro ligorio in 1550 the height of the italian renaissance it is renowned for its artistic wonders but in particular villa deste is famed for its 255 waterfalls 100 pools and 50 fountains among the other fantastic and original renaissance designs that transform the gardens into an enchanting oasis