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The Villa d'Este in Tivoli, with its palace and garden, is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture at its most refined. Its innovative design along with the architectural components in the garden (fountains, ornamental basins, etc.) make this a unique example of a 16th Century Italian garden. The Villa d'Este, one of the first giardini delle meraviglie, was an early model for the development of European gardens. The last Grand Duke of Modena, Francesco V, died on 20th November, 1875. His daughter, Anna Beatrix, was the only survivor of the ducal line. Franz's will bequeathed his title and predicate – d'Este – to Franz Ferdinand of Habsburg-Lothringen. After Franz Ferdinand's death, Anna Beatrix became guardian of the ducal title. Finally, on 16th April, 1917, she imparted the title to the Duchy of Modena and the surname d'Este on Robert, the second son of Emperor Karl. |
