Villa Lante in Bagnaia is considered one of the most perfect examples of Italian Mannerist garden design. Created in the 16th century, this masterpiece of landscape architecture is renowned for its harmonious blend of architecture, sculpture, and nature, all unified by the theme of water.

The garden was commissioned by Cardinal Gianfrancesco Gambara, who began construction around 1566 on designs attributed to the great architect Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola. Later, Cardinal Alessandro Peretti di Montalto completed the project. Unlike most Italian Renaissance villas, Villa Lante emphasizes the garden over the buildings, which consist of two small, nearly identical casini (pavilions) rather than a grand palace.

The garden is laid out on a central axis that descends a hillside through a series of terraces. Water is the unifying element, flowing from the upper fountain of the Deluge through a chain of basins, fountains, and water features, including the famous Fountain of the Moors and the impressive Water Chain (Catena d'acqua), a water staircase flanked by stone balustrades.

Each terrace represents a different stage in the relationship between nature and civilization, from the wild upper areas to the geometrically perfect parterres at the lowest level. The garden is adorned with numerous sculptures, grottos, and architectural elements that create surprising visual effects and symbolic meanings.

Villa Lante exemplifies the Renaissance ideal of harmony between man and nature, showcasing the period's fascination with classical mythology, geometry, and hydraulic engineering. Today, it stands as one of Italy's most important historical gardens and a testament to the artistic achievements of the late Renaissance.