The Maritime Theatre in Hadrian's Villa, 2003

One of the most impressive [structures in Hadrian's Villa] is the so-called Maritime Theater. This is a round pool with an island in the middle, surrounded by columns. The island, reached by means of a swing bridge, was probably Hadrian's private studio, where he withdrew from the cares of the Empire to indulge in his two favourite pastimes, painting and architecture.

text from: www.italyguides.it/us/roma/hadrian_s_villa/hadrian_s_vill...